Student Residence Keys

All residence building entrance doors will be locked at all times.  Students will be issued an exterior door access card.  Refer to the Residence Building Electronic Access Policy for information regarding access to exterior doors.

The purpose of the electronic access system is to provide a safe living environment for all residents.  If a door is found propped open, a fine will be levied against all residents of the building.

Students will be issued one key to the door of their residence room.  The key issued will correspond to the room according to the Housing & Residence Life Office records.  Students are required to present a valid College identification card and sign an acknowledgment of the Key Control Policy at the time they receive the key.  Students are strongly encouraged to lock their residence room door.

In the event of a room change, the student will be issued the key to their new room and allowed to keep the key to their former residence for a maximum of 48 hours for the purposes of relocating.  If the key to the former residence is not returned to the Access Control Office within 48 hours, the key will be considered lost and charges associated with lost keys will apply.

If a key is lost or stolen, it must be reported to the Access Control Office and to Campus Safety immediately.  The following charges apply for lost or stolen keys:

  • $75 charge for each key lost or stolen
  • $100 charge for each key not returned
  • $25 charge for late key return

Keys must be returned within 24 hours of the final day of residence.  The Housing & Residence Life Office shall determine the final day of residence for the Fall and Winter Semesters.  Commencement is considered the final day of residence for short term.  If a student leaves the College prior to the end of the semester, it is the student’s responsibility to return their assigned keys to the Access Control Office.  Keys that are not returned within 24 hours of the final day of residence (end of semester, end of short term, or termination of housing prior to the end of semester) will incur a $100 charge for an unreturned key.  Keys returned late, but prior to the locks being changed will be charged a $25 late fee.

Keys remain the property of Bates College.  Keys may not be duplicated.  Keys may not be swapped between individuals.