Documentation for Frequently Asked Questions About Building Access

Frequently Asked Questions about Building Access

Why is the Law School locking its doors?

The Law School is locking its doors to provide a higher degree of safety for those who work and study in the buildings late at night. In recent years, the Law School has experienced thefts, vandalism, and incidents of threatening behavior. By controlling late night entry, we hope to make the premises safer.

When does the locking occur? Are weekends different from weekdays?

Locking occurs automatically every night at 9 p.m.; unlocking occurs automatically every morning at 6 a.m. Weekdays and weekends are the same.

Where are the entrances with card access readers?

There are three entrances with card readers:
* On the East side (closest to The Park playing fields), Brown Hall entrance at Caplin Auditorium
* On the South side (facing Massie Road), Clay Hall entrance closest to Slaughter Hall and the parking lot
* On the West side (closest to Sponsors Hall), Slaughter Hall from the parking lot at the end of Nash Road

How do I leave the building after the doors are locked?

You may exit the Law School through any external door at any time. The doors are alarmed, however, and the alarm will be triggered at an off-site location whenever there is delay in closing a door or there is any impediment to closing and locking.

Does the ability to come in during the night mean that I can use the library after normal closing hours?

No, it does not. General security requires the Law School to continue to lock areas such as some hallways, classrooms, and the library. The library will continue to close at midnight.

Who can get their ID cards approved for access?

Anyone who holds a valid University of Virginia ID card, whether student or employee, is eligible to have access to the Law School at night.

Once I swipe my card through the computer, is it automatically valid at that point?

No. There is a process that requires entering the card ID information into a special database. In general, the card will be validated in approximately one week after being swiped for access privileges.

How long will access be valid?

Access remains valid so long as the University ID system recognizes the cardholder as a valid student or employee.

If I have additional questions, who do I ask?

Please address questions by e-mail to Keycard@law.virginia.edu

What happens if a door is left open?

Any door that is held open or propped open will automatically trigger an off-site alarm system that will notify security of a problem to be investigated immediately. The alarm will not sound in the Law School.

Will the Law School know who enters the building using a card late at night?

Yes. The benefits of the system include the ability to review who may have entered the building during the night. The information is for use by Police or other parties who may require it.

What do I do if someone tries to enter the Law School when I leave after 9 p.m., using my opening the door as the way they gain access?

In general, it is not wise to confront anyone who tries to enter the building without using an ID card late at night. If possible, you might try to notify the night security guard. If you have any reason to be suspicious, you should call 911 or use a blue emergency phone to report your concerns.

What if I only want to go outside for a break after 9 p.m.?

You may exit the building through any external door at any time. Return entry requires that you use one of the card reader entrances and your ID card.

What if I lose my ID card?

The University has full jurisdiction and control over all ID cards. Please see:
www.virginia.edu/idoffice