Card Access Requests

Access

The Campus Public Safety Office is responsible for providing building access and codes pursuant to an authorized request. Improperly completed access request forms will be denied. Email Access forms to accessrequest@pdx.edu. Please allow 10 working days for requests to be processed.

Building Hours and Access

Being respectful of all building users and viewing access changes with an equity lens, the university has made changes to balance openness with campus safety.

Access to most buildings is issued automatically to all current students, faculty, and employees with a valid PSU ID Card.  In addition, special access requests may be made through department staff, facilitating students, staff, and faculty with a demonstrated need, access to buildings during closed hours.

The University furthers its public service mission by offering a variety of public-facing services such as hosting events, guest speakers and fundraisers, providing commercial services to both students and the general public, and by providing outreach and support services to the local community.  PSU Building access for the general public outside of these circumstances may be limited as needed to prioritize access for university students and employees.  Please refer to the table below for more details on buildings with public access and the times it is available.  If you have questions about building hours or access control, call the Campus Public Safety Access Control Team at 503-725-9345 or email them at accessrequest@pdx.edu.

Having a current PSU identification card helps ensure buildings are accessible to authorized persons after hours and restricts access by unaffiliated persons, increasing the safety of the PSU community and protecting the physical university from damage and theft. 

Please be mindful that Access Control is staffed during business hours Monday through Friday. For urgent assistance please contact Campus Public Safety Dispatch at (503) 725-4407. 

Card Access Buildings and Hours

A PSU ID card is required to swipe at the exterior doors to enter most buildings. Students, faculty, and employees are provided general access via their PSU ID card between 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. to most PSU facilities. Some facilities are available at different hours as noted below.  Departments Authorized Access Requesters can send requests for expanded access for specific employees or students to accessrequest@pdx.edu.

Holidays

During holidays and closures, Fariborz Maseeh Hall access remains available for students, but all other general access is disabled.  

Millar Library hours may vary during holidays and closures. Check the Library website for updates: library.pdx.edu/about/hours.

Specially requested access remains in place for most students unless the holiday or closure falls outside the hours requested (i.e. hours requested are "regular business hours.") 

Access Forms

Contact Access Control accessrequest@pdx.edu if your department has assigned you the role of Authorized Access Requester for copies of the required forms and training on the access request process.

Common Issues/Best Practices

• Badges don’t work well inside of bags/pockets/wallets. If your card is not working properly, try the card when outside of a “container."
• Don’t charge your phone with your card inside a phone wallet, this can sometimes affect the chip inside the card. 
• Other magnetized cards can damage your ID card, be sure its kept away from these kinds of items.

FAQ's

What is the maximum expiration date for requested access?

• The maximum expiration date for students is 1 year.
• The faculty/staff maximum expiration date is 5 years.
• For part-time faculty/staff and contractors, the maximum expiration date is 1 year from activation.

How can I get access on my card?

General Access is based on current registration/employment. If this is you, and your card is not working, please reach out. Access will not begin until the first day of classes and is updated at 6pm every night. 

If you need special access, reach out to your Authorized Access Requestor for your department, as they will be able to get you specialized access outside of standard general access.

My card is not working, what do I do?

If your card isn’t working everywhere, it is best to go to ID services, you may need to get a new one. If your card is not working at select locations, contact Access Control.

I need assistance after hours, what do I do?

Access control is staffed during business hours Monday through Friday. If something comes up outside of those hours, please call Campus Public Safety Dispatch at (503) 725-4407. 

Security Surveillance Camera Policy

Policy

Portland State University will use surveillance cameras to enhance the safety and
security of students, employees, visitors, and property, while protecting individuals
rights to privacy. The primary intent of surveillance camera use at Portland State
University is to discourage the occurrence of unlawful behavior and enhance the
likelihood of apprehending offenders.

Rationale

Portland State University has adopted this policy to reflect its commitment to providing a
safe and secure learning environment. The use of surveillance cameras is part of an
integrated security approach that includes a number of strategies, including the physical
presence of staff, access controls, and alarms. Surveillance cameras may be used in
circumstances where potential users demonstrate that cameras will support crime
prevention and the apprehension of offenders.

Scope

This policy applies to employees and students living or working in Portland State
University facilities. It also applies to contractors, service providers, clients, customers,
and visitors.

Use and Management Recordings

(a) Surveillance camera recordings and their contents must not be used or disclosed for purposes other than those specified in this surveillance camera policy.
(b) All recordings and their contents are the copyrighted property of Portland State University and shall not be copied, distributed or used for any broadcast, performance or publication, except when such actions
are taken by Campus Public Safety in conjunction with investigations or criminal prosecutions.
(c) The Campus Public Safety Office shall have the only access to recordings and has the right to control, view, hold, store and dispose of recordings in accordance with this policy. No review of the recordings shall be done unless a crime or unusual event has taken place.
(e) Unless the Director of Public Safety instructs otherwise, recordings may be kept for thirty (30) days, after which they are erased or destroyed unless they are required for ongoing investigations. Recordings will not be made available for civil proceedings involving third parties except where required by law.

Camera Footage Requests

Please reach out to Campus Public Safety to speak with an officer if you have a camera request. 

Conditions Necessary for Camera Installation

(a) Demonstrated need, which includes evidence of high risk of unlawful incidents occurring or reoccurring.
(b) Consideration of alternative non-surveillance camera security strategies should be implemented first if appropriate.
(c) Budgets for cameras are the responsibility of the requesting department and should include funding for the equipment, such as the cameras, videos, monitors, and licensing.
(d) The Campus Public Safety Office shall be responsible for approving any proposed camera installations.

Cameras

(a) Cameras shall be located only in the physical area indicated by the registration process, based on the guidelines accompanying this policy.
(b) Inoperable, fake, or dummy video cameras shall not be used.
(c) All cameras shall be connected to the Lenel OnGuard alarm monitoring system.
(d) Cameras shall not be installed in areas where students, staff, and the public could reasonably expect complete privacy. Such areas include, but not limited to, restrooms, toilet and shower cubicles, locker rooms, changing rooms, etc.

Policy Review and Oversight

At the instigation of the Campus Public Safety Office, this policy may be reviewed two years after it is accepted, and every two years thereafter. Recommendations will then be forwarded to Director of Public Safety

10/31/2024