Access Control
Access Control manages electronic access cards and privileges for Montclair State's facilities, ensuring building safety while maximizing access. University ID Cards are issued to all faculty, staff, and students.
- accesscontrol@montclair.edu
- 973-655-5444
- 150 Clove Road
Building Perimeter Access Control Policy
As of October 18, 2025, campus academic and administrative buildings will adhere to the Building Perimeter Access Control Policy. Faculty and staff are permitted 24-hour access through the University ID Card.
Students with a valid ID card are permitted access until 11:00 p.m., at which time they are required to exit the premises, unless specifically authorized to remain.
Manage Credentials
Employee + Student
Request employee and approved student access to offices, academic buildings, labs, practice rooms, and other authorized campus spaces.
Special Events
Access scheduling requests that are not authorized by the associated Department Head, Administrator, Supervisor, or delegated authority will not be approved.
Buildings + Spaces
Request or manage access permissions for classrooms, offices, research areas, and other secured University spaces based on your authorized access needs.
Montclair State University provides building safety and security and the maximum utilization and access to its facilities, through electronic access cards and the responsible administration of access privileges.
Access distribution and assignment is the responsibility of the Access Control unit. Access Control uses the University ID Card and other credentials for access programming. University ID Cards are issued to all faculty, staff, and students. University ID Cards are able to access doors with readers that are programmed for user access.
Employee and student identification cards are obtained from the ID Card Office, located in the Student Center. The identification card must be returned to the university upon separation.
Individuals are responsible for the security of issued ID cards, as well as their use, until they are returned to the University. All University ID Cards issued to individuals remain the property of Montclair State University.
Our Services
Access Requests
Submit requests for new access, door access, or system changes,
Key Management
Manage mechanical keys and core systems across campus.
Card & Credential Management
Issue new, adjust current, or deactivate Red Hawk Cards and credentials.
Door & Hardware Support
Install, repair, and maintain access-controlled doors and hardware.
Temporary Access & Events
Request temporary access for visitors, contractors, or special events.
System Security & Compliance
Ensure systems meet universoty security standards and policies.
What Applies to Me?
Students
Q: Why is Montclair making this change now?
A: Because our facilities are for Montclair students. This update lines up with national best practices, keeps buildings more secure, and makes sure access is fair and consistent across all academic and administrative facilities.
Q: Can I still get into my building after hours?
A: If you’re a student, yes – but only with your Red Hawk ID between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. After 11, doors are locked until 7 a.m. unless you’ve been cleared for a lab, studio, or practice space. This change does not affect residence halls, the Rec Center, or the Student Center.
Q: What if I forget my ID card?
A: Then you’re stuck. Unless there is a true emergency, UPD can’t unlock the door for you. Always carry your ID card.
Q: What counts as a true emergency?
A: Think life safety, urgent medical needs (e.g., retrieving medication), or essential transportation items (e.g., car keys). Not a true emergency? Books, laptops, and phone chargers.
Q: I’m hosting an event – can the building stay open later?
A: Maybe! If your event needs the doors unlocked outside regular hours, have the organizer email accesscontrol@montclair.edu at least one week in advance. They’ll confirm against the official event schedule in 25 Live.
Q: Does this apply to residence halls, or the Rec Center?
A: Nope. Residence halls, the Rec, and the Student Center set their own hours and aren’t impacted by this policy change.
Q: What if I’m a musician and need to practice, or I need access to specific equipment in a lab?
A: You will still have access to the spaces you need. Music students can swipe into designated 24/7 music practice rooms, like those in Chapin Hall at The Cali School of Music, by swiping in with your badge. Students who work in approved research laboratories will also keep their swipe access.
If you need access or have questions, just reach out to your professor, dean, or program director. They’ll work with the building administrator to make sure your request is handled, as has been the standard process in the past.
Q: What are the general hours for academic buildings?
A: General campus building hours are as follows:
Mon–Fri: 6:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sat–Sun: 6:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Cole Hall building hours are as follows:
Mon–Fri: 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sat–Sun: Locked
Faculty, Staff & Adjuncts
Q: Why is Montclair implementing this policy now?
A: To align with national best practices in campus security, improve safety, and ensure consistent access standards across all academic and administrative facilities.
Q: Will I still be able to access my office after hours?
A: Faculty/Staff will retain 24-hour access with your University ID.
Q: What if I forget my ID card?
A: The University will not dispatch personnel for routine access. Please carry your ID card at all times.
Q: What counts as an emergency for after-hours access?
A: Emergencies include life safety, urgent medical needs (e.g., retrieving medication), or essential transportation items (e.g., car keys). UPD will not unlock doors for forgotten books, laptops, or personal items.
Q: How do I request a building stay open later for an event?
A: Schedule change requests for entry access to a building outside normal hours must be submitted to accesscontrol@montclair.edu at least one week in advance.
Q: Does this apply to residence halls, or the Rec Center?
A: No, those facilities are managed under separate policies by Student Development and Campus Life. Student access to academic and administrative buildings ends at 11:00 p.m., except for approved labs/practice spaces by request from an administrator of the school.
Q: What are the general hours for academic buildings?
A: General campus building hours are as follows:
Mon–Fri: 6:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sat–Sun: 6:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Cole Hall building hours are as follows:
Mon–Fri: 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sat–Sun: Locked