College of Wooster: Lockout Policy

Lockout Policy and Procedures

The College of Wooster aims to maintain a supportive and responsible residential environment. To balance access needs with independence and accountability, the following lockout policy has been established:

  • Initial Lockouts: Each student is permitted three lockouts per academic semester prior to receiving a charge. During the first two weeks of the semester, no lockouts will be logged as students are transitioning back to the flow of the semester. This allows flexibility for occasional mistakes without penalty.
  • Repeated Lockouts: After the first two weeks if a students is locked out more than three instances the following will occur:
    • 4th Lockout — Required Meeting with Res Life Staff
    • 5th Lockout — $15
    • 6th Lockout onward —$25
  • Support Availability: Lockout assistance is available from Resident Assistants (RAs), Desk Assistants (DAs), and Campus Safety depending on the time of day and the student’s residence location.

Step-by-Step Lockout Process:

  1. Locked Out? Start by checking with your roommate or housemate for access, this will help you avoid a lockout log.
  2. Contact Floor RA (if applicable): If your roommate is not available, connect with your floor RA for assistance.
  3. Call Campus Safety: If neither your roommate nor RA (if applicable) is available, call Campus Safety. They will route your request to the appropriate personnel for immediate support.

When a Lockout Occurs:

  1. During Business Hours (8:00am – 8:00pm, Monday – Sunday): Students should contact campus safety to report their lockout. Campus Safety will route to the appropriate staff member based on the students residential assignment and dispatch assistance.
  2. After Hours and Weekends: Between the hours of 8:00pm-8:00am (Monday-Sunday) the nearest RA on-call can provide support for lockouts. Please contact the RA by calling the RA on-call number listed at each building entrance. If you are not able to contact the RA on-call, please contact Campus Safety for support.
    • Zone 1 Staff Number: 330-201-5843 (Andrews, Armington, Kendarden)
    • Zone 2 Staff Number: 330-201-5848 (Bissman, Born, Stevenson)
    • Zone 3 Staff Number: 330-201-5858 (Babcock, Brush, Compton, Gault Manor)
    • Zone 4 Staff Number: 330-201-3136 (Holden, Luce, Gault Schoolhouse)
  3. Houses and Apartments: Students residing in any apartment or campus house should contact Campus Safety at 330-263-2590, who will log the lockout and provide assistance.

Fee Waivers and Appeal Process

Fee Waivers: Certain situations may warrant a waiver of the lockout fee:

  • Fire Alarms: If a lockout occurs during or immediately after a fire alarm, no fee will be assessed.
  • Personal Emergencies: Lockouts related to medical or personal emergencies will be considered for fee waivers on a case-by-case basis.
  • Floor RA between 8:00am-8:00pm: The RA staff has voted to support lockouts without logging them if they are free and available to help at the time of the lockout between 8:00am-8:00pm (please note that logging hours regardless of calling the RA on-call or using your floor RA will occur between (8:00pm-8:00am).

Appeal Process for Extenuating Circumstances: Appeals will be considered only for defined extenuating circumstances, such as those listed above. If you believe your lockout fee qualifies for a waiver, follow these steps:

  1. Submit an Appeal Form: Complete the Lockout Fee Appeal Form on the Residence Life website within seven days of the fee being applied.
  2. Include Supporting Documentation: Provide relevant evidence, such as a doctor’s note, a fire alarm report, or a statement explaining the emergency situation.
  3. Review and Decision: The Residence Life team will review your appeal and notify you of the decision within five business days.