The University’s new key insurance procedure – designed to create a more secure campus and to handle keys more efficiently through an online database – has fallen under scrutiny from the University’s Faculty Senate, according to a resolution passed Sept. 4.
Under the new policy, key distribution is much stricter. For example, keys will be distributed based on evaluation of an individual’s needs and will only be issued to faculty staff and graduate students. Departments are also financially responsible for the cost of key replacement and any rekeying work necessary to maintain security if keys are lost.
Some of the major concerns outlined by the Faculty Senate include aspects of the policy that limit key access for undergraduates, place increased financial responsibility on departments if keys are lost and require that each individual using a key obtain it directly from Facility Services – the concern being that a researcher who only occasionally uses a key cannot simply borrow one, but must go through an extended
process.
The new procedures require cooperation among Facility Services, the LSU Police Department and various academic departments on campus – all of which agree safety is the top priority, but disagree on how to achieve it for the time being.
The Executive Director of Facility Services Tony Lombardo said he has been working actively with the departments to resolve any concerns or misunderstandings about the key policy.
“More security means less convenience,” Lombardo said. “We’ve been working with all of the colleges to accommodate their needs.”
Lombardo said undergraduates will be cleared for key access to buildings on an individual basis, clarifying one of the most contentious parts of the policy regarding undergraduates having keys.
Vince LiCata, professor, faculty senator and a sponsor of the key procedure re-evaluation resolution, said Facility Services should sit down with departments to discuss what is realistic about increasing security. According to LiCata, the first draft of the policy would cause more difficulties.
“This policy is not different than other research institutions of our size, and often others are more restrictive,” Lombardo said.
Facility Services members plan to meet with and discuss the policy together with LSUPD at the next Faculty Senate meeting to collaborate and determine solutions that satisfy both departments and the
University’s safety needs.
“This policy is not different than other research institutions of our size, and often others are more restrictive.”