Security and Personal Property Protection
The Office of Residential Life and Housing is committed to providing a safe and
secure environment for our students, but this requires students to do their part to
protect and watch their surroundings and to secure their own property and belongings.
All residence halls are accessed by your student ID. In addition, each student has a key for their individual room door. Of course, security and locks only work when used as intended, and we recommend that students exercise good judgment all of the time.
You should always be sure to lock your room door anytime you are not physically in the room, and while holding locked card access doors for people may seem a courteous gesture, if you do not know the person you are letting in personally, don't let them in! People may look very nice and they could be... but unless they have their own ID card to open the door, they have no business in your residence hall. Inside the hall, it is quick and easy for people to go door to door checking for unlocked doors. If your door is left unlocked and no one is inside, your new ipod, laptop, digital camera, or that $20 you left on your desk might not be there when you get back, even just a few minutes later. It's not just strangers who look for open doors; unfortunately the people most likely to perpetrate a crime against you are people who live with you and know you and your schedule.
Once you recognize that crimes of opportunity take place in any residence hall on any college campus, it is important to have a plan to avoid being a victim. Remember that it's hard to be too safe or take too many precautions.
Some tips to protect yourself and your belongings are:
- Always lock your room door anytime you are not there, even if you are just running across the hall to the bathroom!
- Laptop locks are essential. If you have a laptop, you should securely lock it to something everywhere you go.
- You may wish bring a lock box or safe in which to store valuables inside your room.
- Don't leave valuables out in the open. Many times thefts occur only because an item was in plain view.
- Never lend your keys or ID to anyone, for any reason!
- Make sure you have some type of renters insurance or that your home insurance policy protects you at school. Companies like http://www.collegestudentinsurance.com/ can provide you with insurance to protect your belongings.
- Follow the advice and information provided by University Police about protecting yourself out on campus.
Lost Keys/Clark ID Card
If you lose your room key during the course of the year you will be charged a replacement fee for your room lock and key. It is strongly recommended that you keep your keys on a reliable key ring and that you carry your keys and Clark ID at all times. Do not lend your keys or Clark ID to anyone for any reason. If you lose your room key, you should immediately notify your Resident Adviser and go to the Cashier’s Office (20 Downing St., 2nd floor). Upon paying the cashier $35 for the replacement key and lock, you will get a receipt to take to physical plant. If you are unable to pay this fee immediately, it will be added to your student account—you’ll need to see the Accounting Office (Student Billing Office) to do this. Locks are changed for security purposes when keys are lost. Be sure to report a lost key immediately. Lost Clark IDs should be reported to University Police. A replacement ID can be obtained for $15. Remember to return your room key before leaving at the end of the year to avoid being charged for its replacement.