Section 4

MASTER KEY POLICY FOR RAs/ALAs

Housing and Residence Life is committed to preserving the privacy of the residents of the halls. Staff members should not enter a student’s room without the permission of the occupant, except in emergency situations to protect the health and welfare of the student or to make emergency repairs to prevent damages to the property of the student and University.

GUIDELINES FOR MASTER KEY AND BACK-UP KEYS

Staff members should strictly adhere to the guidelines below. . Staff members have access to a Master Key and back-up keys. They must not be used for the convenience of residents and friends, only for emergency situations. Back-up keys and Master Keys are a serious responsibility.

• If a Master Key is lost or stolen, it should be reported to the Residence Director immediately. A lost Master Key will result in disciplinary action, which could include job termination, as well as all costs related to securing the Cluster with new keys.
• A Master Key must never be carried unless needed for specific or immediate use.
• The Master Key must never be loaned out. A staff member must unlock doors.
• If non-residents ask for rooms to be opened or residents want to get into their neighbor’s room, they must wait until the occupant of that room returns.
• Staff members must not open rooms for individuals unless the individual can verify that s/he is the actual occupant; an ID must be presented.