Lock Outs

 
 
 

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We currently operate with a loaner key system where students who are
locked out show ID and are issued a loaner key by a desk worker.
However, we have had problems with keys being issued to non residents of
the room and turning up missing.  Please share how you handle lock outs
on your campus.

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While we utilize loaner keys, we only allow them to be checked out through
the professionally staffed office during the day to assure that the proper
tracking paperwork and identification checks are completed.  If the student
needs to be let into their room during hours other than the standard office
hours, they are provided a lock-out through the paraprofessional staff
on-call.  The first one of these lock-outs is free before midnight. After
midnight the lockout cost ten dollars ($10.00) each time.  Additionally,
after the first time, a lockout between 5:00 PM and midnight costs five
dollars ($5.00) each time.

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We use combination locks in our residence halls and keys for our townhouse complex.  We do not loan out any keys if someone is locked out.  If a student is locked out, they need to find a residence life staff member or call Public Safety to be let back into the townhouse unit.  Only the assigned residents of that townhouse unit can ask for a res. life staff member or Public Safety officer to let them in.  We will not unlock the door for people not assigned to the space.  We do not charge for this service.

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We have the same lockout system whereby the desk staff check out a spare
key.  The student must show an ID and sign out the key.  I wouldn't consider
changing our system if the staff members were letting others have the key.
I would take the desk workers(s) to task if they can't do their job better.
There are clear procedures, and if the desk staff can't handle that, then
they should be terminated.  We are providing a valuable service for the
residents.  Our duty staff don't have keys, so this is the only option
available to us.  We do not have the problem with the wrong people checking
out keys.  That may be because they know they will be in serious trouble if
a key gets in the wrong hands.  Just my thoughts on the subject.

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