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Keys and Access Cards

Keeping Our Community Secure

McKendree University is committed to maintaining a safe and secure residential environment. Access to residence halls and apartments is restricted to authorized students using their issued keys and McKendree ID cards.

Your student ID also serves multiple purposes: it functions as your dining pass, library card, and general proof of identity across campus. Keeping both your key and ID in good condition helps ensure the security of your belongings and the broader McKendree community.

 

Your Responsibilities

    • Keep your room and apartment doors locked at all times.

    • Carry your keys and ID card with you; do not leave them unattended.

    • Never loan or share your key or ID card with another person for any reason.

    • Present your McKendree ID upon request from University faculty, staff, or Public Safety.

    • Report missing or stolen items promptly.

 

Locked Out of Your Room?

If you find yourself locked out, the process depends on when it occurs:

During Business Hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM)

Call the Office of Residence Life at 618-537-6855.
A staff member will verify your identity and assist you in regaining access to your space.

Nights, Weekends, and Holidays

Please contact the Resident Assistant (RA) on Duty for your residential area:

    • Baker, Barnett, and Walton Halls: (618) 975-4388

    • Residence Halls East & West, Hunter Street Apartments, and Summerfield Suites: (618) 304-6366

    • McKendree West Apartments: (618) 975-4386

Emergencies

If you cannot reach a staff member or there is an immediate safety concern, contact Public Safety at (618) 537-6911.

Staff may ask for identification before unlocking a space. For the safety of all residents, access will only be granted to verified occupants of the assigned room or apartment.

If your key or ID card is missing, try to locate it as soon as possible.
If it remains lost after 48 hours, follow the replacement instructions below.

 

Lost or Misplaced Keys

If your key or set of keys is lost or cannot be located within 48 hours, contact your Area Coordinator directly.
A list of Area Coordinators and their contact information can be found on our Residence Life About Us page.

The Area Coordinator will arrange for the Physical Plant to re-key your space and issue new keys to ensure security.
Replacement costs are billed to your student account:

  • Mailbox key: $75

  • Room key or set of keys: $200

 

Lost or Misplaced Student ID Cards

If your McKendree ID card is lost, damaged, or no longer functions:

  1. Visit the Information Technology (IT) Department in the lower level of the Piper Academic Center (PAC).
  2. IT staff will print a new ID card and may take a new photo if necessary.
  3. The $10 replacement fee will be automatically charged to your student account — no separate payment or receipt is needed.

Your new ID will be active immediately and will continue to serve as your access card for residence halls, meal plans, and campus facilities.

 

Safety Reminder

Keeping your doors locked and your keys and ID secure helps protect not only your belongings but also your neighbors and our shared community spaces.

If you notice any security concerns or suspicious activity, please report it immediately to Public Safety (618-537-6911) or a Residence Life staff member.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can someone else pick up my replacement ID for me?
No. For security reasons, replacement IDs must be picked up in person by the student receiving the card. A government-issued photo ID may be required for verification.

Q: What should I do if my ID stops working for building access?
Visit the IT Department in the lower level of Piper Academic Center. Most access issues can be fixed on the spot. If the problem is related to housing access, IT will coordinate with Residence Life to ensure your credentials are properly updated.

Q: What happens if I find my old key or ID after getting a replacement?
If you’ve already been issued a replacement key or ID, the old one should be turned in immediately.

  • For keys: return them to your Area Coordinator.

  • For IDs: return them to the IT Department.

Old credentials are deactivated for security purposes and cannot be reactivated or refunded.