Access Control: What You Need to Know
Montclair State University provides building safety and security and the maximum utilization and access to its facilities, through electronic access cards and the responsible administration of access privileges.
Access distribution and assignment is the responsibility of the Access Control unit. Access Control uses the University ID Card and other credentials for access programming. University ID Cards are issued to all faculty, staff, and students. University ID Cards are able to access doors with readers that are programmed for user access.
Employee and student identification cards are obtained from the ID Card Office, located in the Student Center. The identification card must be returned to the university upon separation.
Individuals are responsible for the security of issued ID cards, as well as their use, until they are returned to the University. All University ID Cards issued to individuals remain the property of Montclair State University.
Employee Access
All access requests must be submitted through the Nuvolo Integrated Workplace Maintenance Management system. Access requisitions must be authorized by the requesting Department Head, Administrator, Supervisor or delegated authority. Access requests that are determined to violate access management policies will not be approved.
Student Access
Students may access campus facilities in accordance with standard permissions, schedules, and procedures. All requests for after-hours student access must be submitted through Nuvolo and be authorized by the requesting Department Head, Administrator, Supervisor or delegated authority. Access requests that are determined to violate access management policies will not be approved.
Access for Buildings and Spaces
All access scheduling for academic and administrative buildings and spaces must be submitted through Nuvolo. Access scheduling requests that are not authorized by the associated Department Head, Administrator, Supervisor, or delegated authority will not be approved.
As of October 18, 2025, campus academic and administrative buildings will adhere to the Building Perimeter Access Control Policy. Faculty and staff are permitted 24-hour access through the University ID Card. Students with a valid ID card are permitted access until 11:00 p.m.
General campus building hours are as follows:
Mon–Fri: 6:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sat–Sun: 6:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Cole Hall building hours are as follows:
Mon–Fri: 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sat–Sun: Locked
During locked hours, Faculty & Staff may access these facilities with their campus ID Card. Students are not permitted inside after 11 p.m. unless specifically authorized.
The University will not dispatch personnel to grant routine or non-urgent access to individuals who have forgotten their ID Card.
Access requests for Residence Life facilities are managed by Student Development and Campus Life.
Access for Special Events
All access scheduling for special events must be requested through Nuvolo. Access scheduling requests that are not authorized by the associated Department Head, Administrator, Supervisor, or delegated authority will not be approved.
Access FAQs:
To align with national best practices in campus security, improve safety, and ensure consistent access standards across all facilities.
As of October 18, 2025, campus academic and administrative buildings will adhere to the Building Perimeter Access Control Policy. Faculty and staff are permitted 24-hour access through the University ID Card. Students with a valid ID card are permitted access until 11:00 p.m., at which time they are required to exit the premises, unless specifically authorized to remain.
Faculty, Staff & Adjuncts
Q: Why is Montclair implementing this policy now?
A: To align with national best practices in campus security, improve safety, and ensure consistent access standards across all academic and administrative facilities.
Q: Will I still be able to access my office after hours?
A: Faculty/Staff will retain 24-hour access with your University ID.
Q: What if I forget my ID card?
A: The University will not dispatch personnel for routine access. Please carry your ID card at all times.
Q: What counts as an emergency for after-hours access?
A: Emergencies include life safety, urgent medical needs (e.g., retrieving medication), or essential transportation items (e.g., car keys). UPD will not unlock doors for forgotten books, laptops, or personal items.
Q: How do I request a building stay open later for an event?
A: Schedule change requests for entry access to a building outside normal hours must be submitted to accesscontrol@montclair.edu at least one week in advance.
Q: Does this apply to residence halls, or the Rec Center?
A: No, those facilities are managed under separate policies by Student Development and Campus Life. Student access to academic and administrative buildings ends at 11:00 p.m., except for approved labs/practice spaces by request from an administrator of the school.
Q: What are the general hours for academic buildings?
A: General campus building hours are as follows:
Mon–Fri: 6:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sat–Sun: 6:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Cole Hall building hours are as follows:
Mon–Fri: 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sat–Sun: Locked
Students
Q: Why is Montclair making this change now?
A: Because our facilities are for Montclair students. This update lines up with national best practices, keeps buildings more secure, and makes sure access is fair and consistent across all academic and administrative facilities.
Q: Can I still get into my building after hours?
A: If you’re a student, yes – but only with your Red Hawk ID between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. After 11, doors are locked until 7 a.m. unless you’ve been cleared for a lab, studio, or practice space. This change does not affect residence halls, the Rec Center, or the Student Center.
Q: What if I forget my ID card?
A: Then you’re stuck. Unless there is a true emergency, UPD can’t unlock the door for you. Always carry your ID card.
Q: What counts as a true emergency?
A: Think life safety, urgent medical needs (e.g., retrieving medication), or essential transportation items (e.g., car keys). Not a true emergency? Books, laptops, and phone chargers.
Q: I’m hosting an event – can the building stay open later?
A: Maybe! If your event needs the doors unlocked outside regular hours, have the organizer email accesscontrol@montclair.edu at least one week in advance. They’ll confirm against the official event schedule in 25 Live.
Q: Does this apply to residence halls, or the Rec Center?
A: Nope. Residence halls, the Rec, and the Student Center set their own hours and aren’t impacted by this policy change.
Q: What if I’m a musician and need to practice, or I need access to specific equipment in a lab?
A: You will still have access to the spaces you need. Music students can swipe into designated 24/7 music practice rooms, like those in Chapin Hall at The Cali School of Music, by swiping in with your badge. Students who work in approved research laboratories will also keep their swipe access.
If you need access or have questions, just reach out to your professor, dean, or program director. They’ll work with the building administrator to make sure your request is handled, as has been the standard process in the past.
Q: What are the general hours for academic buildings?
A: General campus building hours are as follows:
Mon–Fri: 6:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sat–Sun: 6:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Cole Hall building hours are as follows:
Mon–Fri: 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sat–Sun: Locked
Employee and Student identification cards are obtained from the ID Card Office, located in the Student Center.
In the event of an ID card malfunction, contact the Facilities Customer Service Center (FCSC) through the Nuvolo Integrated Workplace Maintenance Management System. You may also contact the FCSC via email servicedesk@montclair.edu or telephone 973-655-5444.
If it is determined that the problem with an ID card is due to physical issues with the card itself, and not programming, the employee will be required to obtain a replacement from the ID Card Office.
University-designated replacement fees may apply to replace an ID card damaged outside the scope of normal wear and tear.
Users are responsible for maintaining the ID card in such a manner as to ensure proper function and appearance. Do not physically alter the ID card, as it may damage the technology embedded within. It is also not advisable to leave the card in the sun or allow it to become de-magnetized.
Damaged cards must be turned in to the ID Card Office before a new card will be issued.
Faculty, staff, and students are responsible for carrying their ID card at all times. The University will not dispatch emergency or access personnel to grant access to individuals who have forgotten their credentials.
If an ID card is lost or stolen, please notify the ID Card Office immediately so that the card can be deactivated and reissued.
Note: The University does not issue “loaner” or “temporary” ID cards for employees and students. If an employee or student can not locate their ID card, they must go to the ID Card Office to obtain a new card at the University’s designated fee.
Please report card reader and door issues to the Facilities Customer Service Center via email servicedesk@montclair.edu, telephone 973-655-5444, or through Nuvolo.
Please submit requests for access updates or removal through Nuvolo.
Upon arrival to the Overlook building, all visitors, including employees who do not work in the building, must sign in at the 1st floor Lobby security desk before proceeding to the 3rd floor.
Overlook 3rd Floor Access
A Montclair State University ID card is required for access to the 3rd floor. All permanent staff assigned to work at Overlook are permitted access credentials to the floor perimeter card readers. Access credentials for new Overlook employees and programming updates for existing employees may be requested through the employee’s Division Point Person. Student employee access must be requested through the Division Point Person and approved by the Division Head. Montclair State affiliates (contractors, consultants, etc.) must be approved by the Division Head and complete the Montclair State University Human Resources onboarding process before being issued access credentials.
Upon arrival on the 3rd floor, all visitors, including university employees who do not work in the building, must stop and be announced by Front Desk Reception. Visitors may also contact floor personnel directly for entry.
Overlook Weekend & Off-Hours Access
Off-hours access to the Overlook building is not available to employees who do not work in the building.
Building employees must register at the 1st floor Lobby security desk upon arrival. Overlook Building Management will not grant 3rd floor access if you do not have your University ID card.
All University Facilities employees are required to have a Montclair State University ID card that is carried at all times while on campus. Timeclock employees are required to register their daily work hours by swiping the ID card at the clock and verifying their identity on the biometric scanner at the terminal.
Note: Montclair State University ID cards are non-transferrable. Misuse can result in disciplinary action.
University Facilities service and trades employees who perform work requiring entry to residence areas, offices, and other work spaces must produce their card upon demand and ensure that it is accessible at all times while working.
- Do not duplicate or request unauthorized duplication of a University ID card.
- Do not transfer possession of a University ID card to an unauthorized person.
- Do not be in unauthorized possession of a University ID card. Cards found in the possession of an unauthorized person may be confiscated.
- Do not leave ID cards unattended.
- Do not wash the ID card, as this might damage the card and require replacement at the University’s designated fee.
- Do not punch holes in the card. This will render the card inoperable and require replacement at the University’s designated fee.
- Do not prop doors open and compromise the security of campus facilities.
- Do not replace, damage, tamper with, or vandalize a campus lock, door, or security device.
- Do not attempt to secure any campus area with an unauthorized locking device or security system. Modifying, removing, or attempting to defeat or disable any card reader, alarm, key or lock systems, except in cases of system failure, maintenance or repair, is strictly prohibited.
Any person causing intentional damage to University access devices, alarms, keys, doors, lock systems and their associated hardware and software; or in any way interferes with the proper securing of an access-controlled entryway (door props, etc.) is in violation of University regulations and will be subject to appropriate sanctions.
- Location:
- 150 Clove Road
- Phone:
- 973-655-5444