St. Ambrose University has made changes to how students, staff, and visitors enter buildings on campus. Beginning October 12, most campus buildings with card-access doors are now locked by default, requiring students and staff to use their Bee Cards to get inside.
The new policy is part of the university’s effort to improve campus safety and ensure that only authorized individuals can enter campus buildings.
Director of Public Safety Ryan Leabo says the goal is to make campus buildings more secure.
“That only the people who should be coming into our buildings are coming into those buildings. And if something does happen, we’re better able to control it,” Leabo says.
While safety is the main priority, the change has also raised concerns about public access, especially at the Galvin Fine Arts Center.
Unlike many other buildings on campus, Galvin regularly welcomes members of the community for art galleries, performances, and other events. Limiting access to Bee Card holders could make it more difficult for visitors to enter the building.
Director of Galvin Fine Arts John Hagar says finding a balance between safety and public access is important.
“We have to balance that with our need to serve the public,” says Hagar. “We have public art galleries here. We also want to give people access if they want to come in and buy a ticket.”
After working with Public Safety, Galvin reached an agreement that allows the building to remain accessible to the community during certain hours.
Under the agreement, Galvin’s four Bee Card accessable doors will remain locked, but the main lobby entrance will be open to the public Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The building can also open outside those hours for special events.
While the policy is intended to improve safety, it has also created some adjustments for students who are used to entering buildings without needing their Bee Cards.
SAU junior Jor’ae Beaver says she understands the reason behind the change, even though it can sometimes be inconvenient.
“I don’t mind it, because it’s like making the campus safer,” says Beaver. “But also, it can be annoying sometimes because you don’t necessarily always have your Bee Card, like, ready.”
Despite the adjustment, the university hopes the new policy will create a safer environment for everyone on campus while still allowing the community to participate in university events and activities.
Students and staff are encouraged to keep their Bee Cards handy as the new building access policy continues.
