lab access (prox tag numbers)

We would like our CS students to have full and safe access to the computers in our labs (Science Center rooms 238 and 240). However, we would also like to secure our computers and projectors. We want to grant access without requiring doors to be propped open (insecure) or help from public safety (sometimes inconvenient).

As part of the new building, the CS Department had a "proximity card reader" system installed. This means you should be able to access the CS labs, even after hours, using just your student ID card.

Each new student ID card includes an embedded RFID device. All students currently taking CS courses can have their prox tag number -- the first 5 digits above the magnetic strip -- activated to allow access to the labs. All students should have access to the main labs (238 and 240). Upper-level CS students may be given access to additional labs.

During business hours (9am-5pm), if faculty and staff are around, we will leave the doors open. After 5pm, or whenever the last faculty/staff member leaves, we will shut the lab doors and you will need your student ID to get in. There is also one outside door equipped with a card reader (the door between Martin and Cornell). Public Safety usually locks the outside building doors around midnight. After this happens, you will need your student ID to get into the building.

To use your prox tag, just wave it within about two inches of the card reader (a small dark gray panel just outside the lab doors), until you hear a beep. The computers controlling the card readers will then check their database to determine if access should be granted and log any information about the tag being used (including the name of the tag owner). If access should be granted, the light on the panel will flash green for about 5 seconds. During this time, the lock should be open, and you should be able to just push the door open.

Some do's and don'ts...

• Please be safe. If it is at all possible, don't work alone late at night.
• Start your programming assignments early, so you don't have to work late! :)
• Please don't prop the doors open.
• Please let us know immediately if you lose your tag or it doesn't work.
• Please don't share your tag (or your CS account!) with others.

If you have any questions or concerns about this system, please email local-staff.