Security and Access
During business hours, the main university (excluding certain housing facilities) is open to students, faculty, staff, and the general public. During non-business hours, access to all facilities is by key, electronic card swipe, Residence Life staff, or Campus Security.
Residential dormitory buildings are secured 24 hours per day. Over extended breaks, the doors of all buildings will be secured 24/7. Some facilities may have individual hours which may vary at different times of the year. Examples are Hartzler Library, Eastern Mennonite Seminary, and the University Campus Center. In these buildings, doors are secured based on determined schedules developed by building usage.
The campus environment is assessed periodically by staff, security, and local law enforcement to reveal areas that could use improvements in areas such as landscaping, locks, alarms, and lighting. Additionally, any issue of pressing concerns about security or safety will be addressed monthly in scheduled Crisis Management Preparedness Team (CMPT) meetings.
How to Stay Protected
Lock doors to residence hall rooms especially if alone or asleep. These are vulnerable moments and a locked door provides extra protection.
- Never lend out keys or ID cards with building access to anyone.
- Never open doors to strangers.
- Never give names, addresses, or phone numbers to strangers.
- Whether traveling on foot, using public transportation, or operating a personal vehicle, bring a friend. It can be more fun to travel with company and there is always extra safety in numbers.
- Notify roommates, trusted friends, or staff members of location and expected time of return if leaving campus.
Carry ID Cards at all Times
For protection, persons will be required to present a valid EMU ID card on the main campus in the evenings and for entrance into EMU events. Your ID card is also required for access to all residence halls floors. Specific student housing rules and procedures have been developed and implemented to make buildings a safe and secure home. Following are examples of some important rules designed to enhance the safety and security of residents. However, residents should keep in mind that the most fool proof, designed measures are ineffective unless these policies are followed.
Never admit an uninvited non-resident into the building.
Do not let strangers enter the building as a guest. Guests of residents should be escorted at all times by their hosts. This is for the guests' protection as well as the protection of other residents.
Report any unescorted stranger on a floor to a Community Advisor (CA). If there is no staff member on the floor at the time, call the Residence Director (RD), the residence director on-call (540-476-4578), or campus security (540-432-4911).
Do not give ID cards or keys providing access to residence halls to anyone. Residence halls are locked 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for safety of the whole community.
Under no circumstances should an exterior door be propped open. Although doing so may seem convenient, this endangers the community. In addition, interior doors should not be propped open. Most are designed to function as fire doors, and propping them open eliminates their effectiveness in preventing the spread of smoke and fire.
Physical Facilities
If you observe a hazardous condition in your residence hall, immediately notify your community advisor or residence director.