Beginning in Spring 2024, Housing and Residence Life will work to convert the mechanical locks on all Residence Halls doors to electronic locks.
The most important impact residents should be aware of is that you will not be able to use a physical key on locks that have been replaced. Please carry your BuzzCard with you and get a new BuzzCard at the BuzzCard office if yours is defective or does not work on the current electronic locks in the building.
Project timeline:
Contractors will begin replacing locks on exterior doors across campus as well as interior doors at North Ave Apartments in Spring 2024. We expect to complete the conversion of locks in all residence halls by Summer 2025.
As the project progresses, all interior room mechanical locks in buildings, including apartment locks and bedroom locks, will be replaced with electronic locks accessible with a BuzzCard only. Residents will receive detailed information as work begins that impacts traditional rooms, apartments and bedrooms in their buildings.
Lock conversion process:
When the time comes for your conversion, all locks associated with the residential space will be converted in one day (as much as possible) after which you will access all internal and external doors of the building and residential spaces with your BuzzCard. Once your locks have been replaced, you should return your physical key(s) to the Area Office (a deadline will be provided to you with a reminder about the change once the schedule for your building is confirmed).
You may notice contractors in and around residence halls replacing electronic locks. Contractors will be escorted by Housing and Residence Life staff when accessing students’ rooms, but you may see them in and around the buildings working independently replacing exterior locks or interior data closet locks.
Your current electronic access will not be impacted by the replacement locks - but should you lose electronic access to a building or room, please get help at your Area Office or by contacting the RA on Duty.
How the locks work:
How do the electronic access card readers work?
To gain entry through a door, simply position your BuzzCard against the reader. A green flash indicates authorized access, allowing you to open the door, while a red flash signifies a lack of access to the respective room.
Instructions for the first time you use an electronic lock: You may need to force the access update the first time you use a new lock depending on the timing of the installation. If you encounter a new lock that does not appear to recognize your card, tap your BuzzCard once on the lock, wait 30 seconds for your access to load, and tap again to complete the update.
Will I be able to use my key once the locks are converted to BuzzCard readers?
No. You will not be able to use a physical key on any door with a new electronic lock.
Will my apartment or bedroom door alarm if I prop it open?
No. Only exterior and some stairwell doors (anything that is currently alarmed) will sound an alarm if propped open for more than 30 seconds. For safety reasons, we do not recommend propping open the apartment door.
How long is the door unlocked after successfully unlocking it with a BuzzCard?
The door re-locks instantly upon opening the door after unlocking it by tapping a BuzzCard.
If you do not open the door after you have unlocked the door, it will automatically re-lock after 5 seconds.
Troubleshooting:
What do I do if a lock does not work or if I lock my BuzzCard in my room or misplace it?
- Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.: Visit your Area Office to be let into your room.
- After-hours, weekends, and breaks: Call the RA on duty to be let into your room – their number is located on the yellow card on exterior doors of the building.
- If you have misplaced your BuzzCard, you should get a replacement as soon as possible at the BuzzCard Office during their business hours.
What do I do if a lock flashes red that I am supposed to be able to access?
- Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.: Get help at your Area Office.
- After-hours, weekends, and breaks: Call the RA on duty – number is located on the yellow card on exterior doors of the building.