UpDate - Vol. 12, No. 18, Page 10
February 4, 1993
Locked out of your office? Here's what you should do

     Almost everyone has experienced that sinking feeling, when you slam
the door and realize that your keys are safely locked inside the office,
house or car.
     Then there's the frustration that comes as you search pockets or purse
for keys that are lost, have strayed or been stolen.
     But what steps should be taken when you are locked out of your office?
The University has established procedures that should be followed, in the
interests of safety and proper authorization, according to Tom Vacha,
director of plant operations.
     During normal working hours, he said, it is relatively simple to get
an office unlocked. Supervisors or department chairpersons usually have
duplicate keys to all the offices and facilities in their areas. They also
know their staff members and know who is authorized to have access to an
office.
     However, during off-hours , on weekends or in the event that only one
key exists, the problem becomes more complicated, Vacha said.
     In these cases, staff and faculty members should call the Department
of Public Safety, not the lockshop. The first step to getting an office
unlocked is one of establising identity and authorization, according to
Vacha, and only public safety can make this decision.
     In most cases, public safety has duplicate keys and can unlock most
facilities after an individual's identification has been established. If
public safety cannot unlock a door, then their personnel will contact the
lockshop. However, the lockshop cannot respond to an individual's requests.
     "It is in the best interests of everyone that proper procedures are
followed, although this may be more time-consuming. We have to ensure that
only authorized people gain access to an office, and we ask everyone's
cooperation and understanding in following this policy," Vacha said.
                                        -Sue Swyers Moncure