The efactory is intended to be a productive, inclusive, welcoming, and collaborative environment for everyone. In order to make sure this community can be home to everyone, we’ve put together a few guidelines.
These community expectations outline our standards for everyone who uses the space, whether as a coworking member, private office member, event organizer or attendee of meetups and other events taking place here. These expectations apply not only in our space, but also in our online networks, all related events, and one-on-one communications carried out in the context of community business.
We believe in big ideas, hard work, and determination. Inclusion, diversity, and acceptance is something that we take very seriously. Missouri State University and the efactory do not and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin (including ancestry, or any other subcategory of national origin recognized by applicable law), religion, sex (including marital status, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other subcategory of sex recognized by applicable law), age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law in employment or in any program or activity offered or sponsored by the University.
We expect good stewardship and a commitment to making the efactory a productive, welcoming, collaborative, and enjoyable space for all. This starts by helping keep the space clean and organized. When using the building’s common areas please wash your dishes, throw away your trash, etc.
Be Kind
Be kind to each other and to yourself. Create opportunities to collaborate with one another, and invite others to do so. Leave spaces better than you found them. Encourage others in their endeavors, and respect each other’s privacy. Treat others with the professionalism, warmth, and respect with which you would like to be treated.
Much of the efactory is a shared and open space where noise travels. Please be mindful of your volume. Whether talking, eating, or engaging with your coworkers or guests, please be mindful of the people around you.
Conversation Volume
Loud conversations tend to be distracting to those around you, making it difficult to focus. Be mindful and use your “inside voice” at all times. We’ve got plenty of phone rooms, phone booths, conference spaces and lobby space if you’re looking for a place to make a phone call.
Headphone Rule
If you see someone with headphones on, know that they are “in the zone” and probably don’t want to be disturbed.
Guests
When bringing guests to the efactory, keep in mind that you are fully responsible for your guest’s actions. Guests cannot stay at the building without a member, unless waiting in the business suite during office hours. We expect everyone to behave in a friendly and respectful manner in our space. If your guest is found to be abusive, disrespectful, or disruptive, we will ask you and your guest to leave. Members are encouraged to share these community expectations with their guests.
Sleeping
You don’t have to go home, but you can’t live here. As a 24/7 facility, the efactory is used by members at all times of the day. Sleeping or napping in the building’s common areas is disruptive to those working around you. If you’re feeling tired, please go home.
One of the best things about the efactory is having so many smart, creative people under one roof. There are a lot of really cool people working from the building. So get to know your neighbor! Make an effort to get to know other members and learn what other people are working on. A friendly attitude is much appreciated.
We offer ongoing events and activities to encourage socialization. Come to as many as you can and we promise you’ll have fun and might make a friend or two.
Unacceptable Behavior
Intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory, or demeaning speech or actions by anyone in our space, online networks, and in all related events and communication, will not be tolerated.
Harassment includes, but is not limited to, reasonably offensive verbal comments related to gender, gender identity and expressed sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, race, ethnicity or religion; sexual images in public spaces; deliberate intimidation; stalking; following; harassing photography or recording; sustained disruption of talks or other events; inappropriate physical contact; and unwelcome sexual attention.
Impacts Exceed Intentions
Recognize the effects of your actions are more important than your intent.
See Something, Do Something
Intervene directly (or find someone to help) when witnessing abusive behavior of any degree. Alert our staff if you notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of these community expectations, even if it seems inconsequential.
Members or guests asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. You can also send your report via email to efactory@missouristate.edu.
Working together is an important part of our culture at the efactory. We encourage everyone to have a collaborative attitude and look for opportunities to connect.
No Solicitation
Do not engage in unwanted solicitation.
Sharing Ideas
Sharing ideas is a big part of why we’re here, and we want members and guests to collaborate freely. However, if one member’s idea is disclosed to the public or used by another, trust erodes and people will be less inclined to share ideas in the future. Should a fellow member share an idea with you, please be mindful that the idea may be valuable to them. Do not share the idea with third parties or use the idea as your own.
Always be honest and transparent. As a member of the efactory, you have access to a large network of mentors, entrepreneurs, partners, and fellow members. We expect all information shared about you and your business to be truthful. We will not tolerate the dissemination of misleading information or any actions that take advantage of our community.
Unacceptable Practices
Pyramid schemes are not allowed at the efactory. Any unlawful or illegal practices will not be tolerated in the space.
Consequences of Violations
Unacceptable behavior from any member, including event organizers, staff, and guests, will not be tolerated. Anyone asked to cease a violating behavior is expected to comply immediately and will be asked to leave the premises.
If you feel you have been falsely or unfairly accused of violating these community expectations, you should notify staff or an event organizer with a concise description of your grievance.
Nothing is Too Small or Too Large
Our staff is committed to enforcing these expectations. If something or someone has made you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
