Residence Halls Access, Security and Safety Guidelines

The UMPD works in partnership with the staff of Residential Life to ensure that our 45 residence halls are safe places to live.

Residence Hall Safety Features

UMass Amherst uses a variety of systems to keep the residence halls safe. The doors are locked 24/7 and residents must use their UCards to enter. A student’s UCard will only work at his or her residence hall. All exterior doors are connected to a silent alarm system, which is monitored remotely by the Housing and Residence Life staff as well as the police.

Additionally, 350 security cameras monitor the residence halls. The cameras are focused on the main entrances and areas of high pedestrian traffic. Residence hall security monitors staff the lobbies from 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. on weekdays and from 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. on weekends, checking IDs and registering guests. On the weekends, police cadets join them for added support.

Help Keep Your Residence Halls Safe

  • Follow residence hall guidelines.
  • Do not share your keys and UCards.
  • Report lost keys or UCards immediately.
  • Lock your door, even if you are leaving the room for just a moment.
  • Always use main entrances and exits–except during a fire alarm.
  • Do not prop any exterior doors.
  • Don’t let anyone “tailgate” you—don’t let a stranger follow you into the residence hall as you enter.
  • Show proper ID to the security staff and keep your UCard hall stickers valid.
  • Always register your guests.
  • Notify staff of broken doors and security equipment.
  • Tell police or security if you see any attempts to tamper with safety equipment or undermine security.
  • Report suspicious activity to the police.

Click here for information about lock-outs, lost keys, and more.

 

CONTACT

UMPD
585 East Pleasant Street
Amherst, MA 01003-9600

umpd@admin.umass.edu
413-545-2121 non-emergency
413-545-3111 emergency or 911
413-545-3113 fax

Tips

Call 413-577-TIPS (8477) or use our Anonymous Witness Form.