Keys, Lost Keys, and Lockouts

Keys, Lost Keys, and Lockouts

Room Keys

Key access to a resident’s room will be issued to a student upon arrival at the beginning of the occupancy period. Students are advised to keep their doors locked at all times. The college is not responsible for items removed or stolen from student rooms in the event a door was left unlocked.

It is unlawful to duplicate any residential keys. When the student moves out at the end of the occupancy period (including room changes), they must check out at the Residential Operation Center( ROC)  and hand in their room keys. Until a student returns the keys, the move-out is not complete. Failure to return key(s) will result in an automatic lock change with a charge of $100.

Keys Loans

Loan keys are available at the ROC. To obtain a spare key when locked out, the student must have their Vassar ID card or an alternative form of valid identification. If the student does not have a Vassar ID card, a staff member will verify residency via other means. The student may borrow a key for 48 hours at a time and may sign out the loan key as many times as needed at no charge. If for some reason you can not go to the ROC yourself, you may send a designee.

Lock-Outs

If the student is unable to come to the ROC to obtain a loan key, they may call the ROC at x7169 during regular hours (the Campus Response Center at x 5221 after hours) to ask for an attendant or Safety and Security Officer to meet them to unlock their room door. Once the room door has been unlocked, the student must produce their ID if they have not already done so. A student will be charged $10 when ResLife or Safety & Security when performing lock out duties.

The ROC will manage loans keys and lockouts in the residential houses during these hours:

Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 11:00 pm (hours subject to change)

Safety & Seccurity will manage lockouts during these hours:

Monday - Friday, 11:00 pm - 9:00 am, and 24 Hours on  Saturday - Sunday 

Lost Keys

Students must report lost keys immediately to the ROC. The lock core to his/her room will be changed and new keys will be issued. It is the student’s responsibility to inform roommates or housemates that they have lost their key(s) and that the locks will be changed. Residents of all college houses and apartment areas will be billed to cover the labor and material for cutting the key(s) and changing the core.

Mailbox Keys

The ROC is not responsible for mailbox keys. Mailbox keys should be returned to the Post Office if the student is not returning to the college due to transfer or graduation. All inquiries should be addressed to the Vassar Post Office.

Master Key:

 

A master key is designed to open a set of several locks. These locks also have keys which are specific to each one (the

change key) and cannot open any of the others in the set. Locks which have master keys have a second set of the mechanism used

to open them which is identical to all of the others in the set of locks. For example, master keyed pin tumbler locks will have two shear

points at each pin position, one for the change key and one for the master key.

 

Grand Master:

 

Key operates all locks in the Hotel. Including laundry and linen rooms.

 

Emergency Key:

 

The emergency key opens all guestroom doors, even when they are double locked. It can be used, for example, to enter a room when the guest needs help and is unable to reach or open the door. The emergency key should be highly protected and its use strictly controlled and recorded; it should never leave the property. One procedure for emergency keys is to have them locked in a safe or safe deposit box and signed out by the individual needing one. The log should be dated and signed by the individual taking the key.

 

Floor Supervisors Master Key :

 

Key operates all sections on the floor/ floors supervised by the particular supervisor.

 

Housekeeping Staff Master Key :

• Key operates all rooms serviced by particular room maid or housekeeping staff.
• Important Key Control Procedures:
• Security of keys is essential from the moment they arrive on site.
• Keys should be stored separately and securely.
• No unauthorised person should be allowed access to any key, either to examine or handle it, since a photograph or impression can be taken in few seconds and duplicate subsequently made.
• Keep a log book of all keys signed out.
• Establish protocol for distribution of keys.
• Use keys that do not identify the property’s name, address, logo, or room number.
• Perform an annual key audit
• When keys are lost or stolen, the locks should be changed or rotated to another part of the property.
• Authorised employees should remind guests to return keys at check-out.
• The loss or suspected compromise of a key should be reported immediately and, after due investigation, a decision be made as to whether or not the lock should be changed.
• Place well-secured key return boxes in the lobby, at exit points of the property, and in courtesy vehicles.