Safety Information for Students and Families

How are entrances of the residence halls secured?
All Gallaudet University residence halls are locked 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Residents gain access through one main entrance for each residence hall via their student ID card. Residents may enter their own residence hall with their ID card 24 hours a day, and their access to other residence halls is permitted from 7 a.m. - 1 a.m. weekdays, and 7 a.m. - 2 a.m. weekends.

How do students gain access to their room in the residence halls?
Keys are issued to students for entrance into their rooms/suites. In residence halls with public restrooms, the keys are also used to gain access to the restroom on their floor.

What is the guest policy?
Gallaudet University permits guests in the residence halls as long as they are escorted by resident students. Guests are defined as off campus students and visitors who are not members of the University community.

All guests of resident students must sign in, state who they are visiting, and provide a valid picture identification card to residence hall staff upon entry into the residence halls. The staff person will then log the visitor's information which will be stored in the residence hall database. Upon registration as an overnight guest, an overnight pass card will be issued to the guest; the pass card is required to be carried at all times and surrendered upon checking out.

Children under the age of 18 are also not permitted in the residence halls, unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, and are not to be overnight guests.

How are student residents informed about safety and security?
Students receive information through New Student Orientation meetings and videos, Campus Life staff meetings with residents, Department of Public Safety (DPS) brochures, safety programs and workshops, and DPS crime alert bulletins. Residence hall staff receive training sessions for preparation in aiding and advising students in non-academic issues, including safety and security. Peer Health Advocates and Resident Advisors conduct workshops on the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse and the problems of acquaintance rape. DPS and Campus Life also share tips with residents about off campus safety.

What other security features are available in the residence halls?
All entrances and exit doors are monitored 24 hours a day/7 days a week via cameras connected to the front desk offices and DPS. In addition, panic buttons have been installed in each room of the Ballard Residential Complex, as well as every residence hall office. These buttons are for the use of emergency summons only. When a panic button is pushed, a signal goes directly to the Department of Public Safety, facilitating an immediate response.