Last summer, the University launched a new classroom door lock initiative to provide additional security in campus classrooms. While locks existed in campus classrooms, most were external key locks only. The installation of additional hardware provides the option to lock classrooms from the inside or lock doors automatically when closed. The initial phase of the project included the installation of locks in all general purpose classrooms across campus. We are pleased to share that to date, interior locks have now also been installed in all professional school, departmental and laboratory classrooms.
The type of locking mechanism installed is dependent upon existing door hardware and operation. In most cases, locking the door from the inside of the classroom is a manual operation. However, in some classrooms the installation of an “Emergency Lockdown Switch” button was required. These buttons will typically be found adjacent to doors with electronic locking mechanisms. Activating the “Lockdown” button will lock the adjacent door only; it will not lock other doors in the building, sound an alarm or alert UNC Police.
In all classrooms, room occupants will be able to unlock and exit doors with one single-turn operation of the door handle, in compliance with building and fire codes. Building keyholders, UNC Police and other authorized personnel retain the ability to unlock classroom doors from the outside.
We encourage you to review the Facilities Services Classroom Interior Lock Handouts for step-by-step instructions for locking and unlocking the different types of door mechanisms and familiarize yourself with the specific hardware installed in your classrooms.
For questions about the installation or operation of classroom locks, please contact Todd Going, director of Building Services, at 919-962-4633 or Todd.Going@facilities.unc.edu.