The cards run hot though. Im concerned that Ill break something and have to pay for it so I guess ill give this one a slip. :/
You should be concerned, as that's a very likely scenario. Even if you are experienced with safely configuring GPU mining machines, you don't know how robust the electrical service is for the lab. Don't assume they designed it for handling a several hundred percent increase in average power draw for hours on end.
GPU mining won't even make you that much any more. Even completely disregarding the ethical problems, the risk is too high for the return.