FAQ - Seattle Central College key cards upgrades
Seattle Central College is upgrading the system that controls the locks to the entrances of our campus buildings, classrooms, labs and some office suites. This includes the Wood Technology Center and Maritime Academy as well. When the upgrade is done, all of the outside doors, except for the main entrance on Broadway to the Broadway Edison building, will require a key card to enter during business hours.
The goal of this upgrade is to better secure our buildings, while still keeping our campus open and accessible to students, staff, and visitors.
Who will be affected?
All students who are currently enrolled in Seattle Central College will receive a new photo ID card that will also work as their key card, at no cost (if lost, there is a $25 replacement fee). Students who haven’t already had their picture taken for a student ID will need to visit the Enrollment Services lobby of Broadway Campus, room BE1104.
Starting July 1st, 2020 newly registering students will pay a one-time fee of $10 for photo ID / key card. Every student will be required at registration to obtain a key card.
Staff who currently have a proximity card key can continue to use them. Later this year, Seattle Central College will replace those cards with a photo ID/key card, at no initial cost.
How does this system work?
The cards have an RFID chip in them that communicates with a reader placed near the doors. When the card is placed near the reader, it identifies the card and the access that it is allowed. If the card ID is in the system database, it unlocks the door.
To unlock a door with a key card:
- Take the card out of your wallet or purse and hold it next to the reader (it is important to get it within 2 inches of the face of the reader)
- Wait a couple of seconds
- The red LED light will flash between green and red, and you will hear the lock on the door disengaging. You should be able to open the door at that point.
How are visitors supposed to access the buildings now?
The Broadway Edison building will have one entrance open to all visitors without a card during business hours. Entrance A on Broadway, across from the security office, will remain unlocked.
Also, all doors will remain unlocked to general traffic during the first 10 days of each quarter, to allow new students without a key card/ID to not miss classes if they are delayed in obtaining one.
I have a disability and I need to use the automated door opener. Will I still be able to access the doors?
Yes. If you have registered your accommodations with Seattle Central College, the readers will recognize your card and are programmed to keep the doors unlocked for a longer span of time, to allow users to press the automatic door openers.
The main entrance in Broadway is ADA accessible to visitors without cards.
What about continuing education classes after business hours?
Students in those classes will be able to enter the building through the Harvard street entrance. That door will be equipped with a key pad for students to enter an access code. Access codes will be provided to continuing education students at registration.
What about the Science and Math building?
The Science and Math building entrances will remain locked during business hours.
The outside doors of that building are equipped with proximity card readers for staff and students, as well as a “doorbell” and security camera to reach a receptionist for visitors. The receptionist can remotely unlock the door. Some areas inside the building with hazardous chemicals or other risks will be restricted to staff and students with permissions programmed into their key card/IDs.
What happens if my card is not working?
If you have used your key card/ID correctly (see above) and the door is still locked, please call the Safety and Security office at 206.934.5442 and later email keycards.central@seattlecolleges.edu. Your department may also have a person with a master key card who can help you – check with your supervisor for details.