Door Access

The U Card Office does not assign or manage door access. If you need access to a building, you will need to contact your supervisor or department.

If you currently have door access and receive a replacement U Card, your door access will automatically transfer to your new U Card within 4 hours.

If you believe you have been assigned access to a building but cannot get in the building with your U Card, please verify you have access with your supervisor or department. If you receive confirmation and still have issues, use our troubleshooting guides or stop by the U Card Office to have your U Card evaluated. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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I can't access my classroom building

Current students and staff in good standing with the University are automatically granted door access for most buildings on campus. Door access is managed by the Department of Public Safety.

Troubleshooting steps:

  1. Ensure you are attempting to access the building during its public or university hours of operation.
  2. Talk to your professor, supervisor, or building lead to ensure you have access to the building.
  3. If they confirm you do have access, and your U Card is still not scanning in, stop in the U Card Office to have your card tested.

 

I can't access my residence hall/dorm

Housing & Residential Life maintains door access and security protocols for University owned residence halls and apartments.

Troubleshooting steps:

  1. Stop at the front desk of your residence hall/apartment to ensure you have access to the building in their system.
  2. If they confirm you do have access, and your U Card is still not scanning in, stop in the U Card Office to have your card tested.

 

I can't access my work location

Current students and staff in good standing with the University are automatically granted door access for most buildings on campus. Door access is managed by the Department of Public Safety.

Troubleshooting steps:

  1. Ensure you are attempting to access the building during its public or university hours of operation.
  2. Talk to your supervisor, department administrative staff, or building lead to ensure you have access to the building.
  3. If they confirm you do have access, and your U Card is still not scanning in, stop in the U Card Office to have your card tested.

 

I can't access the Law School

Law school building access and printing is on a separate system and must be requested manually. To do so, visit the Law School website.

 

I can't access the University's tunnel system (the Gopher Way)

Current students and staff in good standing with the University are automatically granted door access for tunnels on campus. Door access is managed by the Department of Public Safety.

Troubleshooting steps:

  1. Ensure you are attempting to access the tunnel from a building during its public or university hours of operation.
  2. Talk to your professor, supervisor, or building lead to ensure you have access to the tunnel.
  3. If they confirm you do have access, and your U Card is still not scanning in, stop in the U Card Office to have your card tested.

 

I can't figure out who to contact for building access

Each building may have more than one contact person granting access. It is important to speak with your direct supervisor, professor, or University representative for access.

Facilities Management's Facility Roles Program may also be able to assist.

 

I got a replacement U Card, and cannot access my normal buildings

New U Cards take up to 4 hours from the time of printing to become active across campus.

Parking contracts will take until 7:00 AM the next day to become active. If you need to get in/out of a University parking area and have a contract, push the call button near the entrance/exit - the attendant will confirm your contract and grant access.

Door access not granted through the University's central office may need to be re-granted by that department.

 

Security ID Badge Discontinuation

As of July 1st, 2014 the Security ID Badge (SID Badge) Policy and supporting Badge Management System (BMS) has been discontinued. This change impacts all SID Badge users, all centrally issued departmental guest badges, and centrally issued temporary housing cards.  No new cards should be ordered or replaced via BMS.

Units should switch to displaying the U Card. Expired SID Badges should NO longer be worn. Once an individual switches to wearing their U Card, they should destroy their old SID card.

If for some reason the U Card does not work for your department as an ID Badge, then please review the Departmental ID Badge option.

 

Where can I view a building's open hours?

University buildings generally have University or Public Hours, or a combination of both. 

  • University Hours: Buildings are accessible by anyone with a U Card that has general door access (those with an active appointment at the University, does not include Sponsored Accounts or Temporary Access Cards).
  • Public Hours: Building is unlocked to the public.
  • Special Hours: Those needing building access outside of University or Public hours should contact their department, supervisor, or professor for further instructions. The U Card Office does not manage door access.

View University and Public Hours for all campus buildings