Card Access Office
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Where do I get my access card(s)?
A: Students that live in a dormitory with electronic door
access will receive their proximity key card when they check in at the beginning
of the semester. Your University ID card can also be used for electronic
access at various areas on campus. Your BU ID card is issued by the University
Registrars Office.
Q: Does the proximity access card cost me anything?
A: Your proximity keycard is free. If you lose or
damage your key card, the cost is $15 for a replacement.
Q: How do I activate my key card?
A: Your key card should be activated when it’s given
to you. If it isn’t working properly, notify a Residential Life staff
member immediately or go to the University Police after normal business hours.
If you received your card or had your card activated through a department,
report this problem to the Department Access Manager that originally approved
your access.
Q: What is a Department Access Manager?
A: It is every individual department’s responsibility
to designate a “Department Access Manager.” This individual will
be officially authorized by the Dean, Director, or Chair of a department
and given the authority and responsibility to authorize electronic access
credentials and/or access levels for the department.
Q: Can my key card be used by anyone else?
A: Do not let anyone else use your key card but you! As
the temporary owner of the card, you are responsible for its safekeeping
and its authorized use. It must never be loaned, given, or transferred to
any other individual.
Q: What if my card is lost or stolen?
A: Report it immediately! This way, your old card can be
deactivated and you can receive your new replacement card. If you received
your card from Residential Life, then go to your residential area central
office during normal business hours (8:30am-5:00pm, M-F). The University
Police can handle your key card issues after normal business hours. They
are located in the basement of the Couper Administration building. If you
received your access card from a department, you must go there for your new
access card. If you lost or had your ID card stolen, you have to go to the
ID Card Office to receive a new one.
Q: What if my card is damaged or stops working?
A: It is important that you report this as soon as
you can to your Department Access Manager if you received your card
from a department. If you received your card from Residential Life,
then go to your residential area central office during normal business
hours (8:30am-5:00pm M-F). The University Police can handle your key
card issues after normal business hours. They are located in the basement
of the Couper Administration building.
Q: Where do I go to get my key card replaced?
A: During normal business hours (8:30am-5:00pm, M-F) go
to your residential community central office. After normal business hours,
go to the University Police Division, which is located in the basement of
the Couper Administration Building.
Q: Where do I go to get my ID card replaced?
A: Go to the University ID Card Office located in the Student
Wing.
Q: Who is eligible for card access?
A: All students that live in residential dorms with card
access are eligible. For state facility access, each department has a Department
Access Manager that determines who will have electronic access.
Q: I just received my key card or ID card access.
When can I start using it?
A: Electronic access credentials are typically activated
before they are provided to their intended users. The only exception
is when a replacement credential is provided. The turn around time
for this ranges from 5 minutes to 1 hour depending on how busy the
Card Access office is.
Q: My card doesn't seem to be working anymore.
What should I do?
A: Report this to the location you originally received
your access card.
For ID card access, refer to the Department Access Manager that originally
granted you access.
Q: Does my key card expire?
A: Student proximity key cards for dorms expire on May 31
each year. Only under special circumstances is your card expiration date
extended. Consult with your Department Access Manager for more information.
Q: What do I do if I find another key card?
A: Please put it in the mail (intercampus or US mail).
Postage or an envelop is unnecessary if mailing by US mail.
Q: Am I being tracked?
A: All events are logged, but we only regularly track these
events for statistical purposes. The University Police monitors “bad” events
24x7, which include invalid access attempts, door held and forced open and
invalid card types.
Q: What if I have further questions not addressed
here?
A: Please visit the Auxiliary Services Card Access
Office (LSG-665) or call us at 607.777.6673.