Card Access System

Every residence hall is equipped with an electronic, computerized card access system that permits access to the hall by residents of the building only.

The system is operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Adjustments to access hours may be made during the fall arrival period and spring semester closing.

Students may enter their buildings by swiping their id+ cards in the card reader, located at the front lobby, and—in some halls—at other doors.

If the id+ card fails to unlock the student’s assigned residence hall, the student may gain entry with the assistance of a roommate, a member of the Residence Hall Security Unit who is acting as the area rover, or by contacting University Police.

If a student has pizza or other food delivered, the student must be in the lobby to meet the vendor at the front door. The delivery person will not be given access to the lobby.

Students who want to visit a resident who lives in another building will need to announce their planned arrival. The resident host must come to the entrance and escort the visiting student to the room, and later out of the residence hall.

If a student or guest leaves the hall through any of the regular building exits, they should be aware that exit doors are not to be held open for prolonged periods of time. An alarm at the door will sound and someone will be dispatched to determine if the door has been blocked open.

Helpful Hints

  1. Students should give their room telephone numbers to any guests or visitors.
  2. id+ cards should be kept in good condition and should never be let out of the owner’s possession.
  3. Students should immediately report any problems they experience.

If a student’s id+ card is lost or stolen, the student should follow the procedures below:

  1. Report the card lost at the id+ Card website. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is the student’s responsibility to deactivate the lost id+ card. The University is not responsible for any loss or expense resulting from the loss, theft, or misuse of the card.
  2. Go to the id+ Office, Port-Sky to obtain a replacement card. The student must present positive proof of identification to have a picture reprocessed. The replacement card will be active immediately for some services, such as meal plans and residence hall access. Other services may take up to 72 hours to reactivate. The student will be charged the current replacement card fee. This fee can be charged to the student’s account or can be paid by cash or check.

Note: Students whose id+ cards are reported lost, misplaced, or stolen will not be allowed access to any dining commons or cash operation using their A La Board meal plan until they have obtained a replacement card. The id+ card has monetary value and should be treated the same as cash. The University will not be responsible for any value loss due to misuse or fraud.

Safety and Security Tips

  1. Students should not allow strangers to enter the residence hall with them.
  2. Students should notify the staff member on duty if someone has insisted upon entering the hall with them. The student should try to get a good description of the offender and observe the direction in which he/she heads.
  3. Students should keep their rooms locked at all times, even when they are sleeping, and especially when they are gone.
  4. A malfunctioning card access reader or door should be reported immediately.
  5. Students should meet any guests/visitors at the lobby door.
  6. Students should not lend their id+ cards or room keys to others.
  7. Lost or stolen id+ cards should be reported immediately.

Report Suspicious Activity Immediately

Suspicious activity includes persons going from room to room trying doorknobs; persons loitering at unusual hours and locations; persons running (especially if something of value is being carried); persons exhibiting unusual mental, emotional, or physical symptoms; persons carrying University property or other items not wrapped; open or broken doors or windows; unusual noises or screams, etc.

Some people fail to report suspicious activity because they are not aware of what seemingly innocent activities might be suspicious. Others may notice activity and may be hesitant to call for fear of seeming over-reactive or embarrassed. Still, others take it for granted that someone else has called. Students should call immediately about any suspicious activity. There is no need to worry about bothering staff on duty because that is why we are here. Students should not be concerned about being embarrassed if their suspicions prove unfounded. They should think instead about what could happen if they do not act.

Students play a critical role in maintaining a safe and secure environment. No matter how many security assistants we employ or how sophisticated a mechanical system we install, the safety and security of the residents can be compromised by careless resident behavior. Students should think about this the next time they are tempted to prop a door open or not lock their room doors.