Residential Security
For Information on Personal Access Codes (PAC) fplease read the below section called Viewing & Changing Your PAC
Trained Public Safety officers are stationed within all residential buildings, providing a physical security presence for students, staff, and visitors. The physical security presence is complemented by state-of-the-art electronic access control, strategically-positioned CCTV cameras and bright lighting. These are all key features of the residential security program for the on-campus Penn community. A valid PennCard is required for entry into residential areas. Once the PennCard holder has swiped into the electronic turnstile, a Personal Access Code (PAC), unique to each holder, must be entered in order to be permitted access.
Typically, all authorized Penn students can enter any residential facility between the hours of 7:00a.m. and 2:00a.m. After 2:00a.m., only those students who live in with their respective residences are permitted to enter using their Penncard. All others entering must be signed in by a resident of a particular house. This policy is subject to change during “low occupancy” periods, such as during holiday breaks and for the summer months. During this period, only residents are granted access to their individual house.
Viewing and Changing Your PAC (Personal Access Code)
Residents may change their PAC and create a new one by following the steps found at:
https://galaxy.isc-seo.upenn.edu/ws/PAC-view-update.
The access procedures for residents and guests were developed to protect the safety and well-being of the Penn student, staff and faculty bodies. As a rule, DO NOT:
- Let others use your PennCard to gain access to a College House or Sansom Place East/West.
- Share your PAC
- Sign in strangers as guests
- Leave your room or apartment door unlocked
- Prop exterior doors open
- Disable safety or security equipment
- Leave guests once they’ve been signed in.
Whether you live on campus or off following these simple tips can keep you and your roommates safe.
- DO NOT let anyone "tailgate" you into a building. It is OK to tell someone that they will have to wait to be let in by the person they are visiting.
- DO NOT prop doors
- Get to know your neighbors
- DO NOT leave windows open or unsecured when you leave your residence, even if for only a few minutes.
- Lock and secure first floor windows at night when you go to sleep
- ALWAYS lock your door.
- Call the Penn Police at 215-573-3333 (511 from campus phone) if you feel unsafe or notice suspicious activity
- Report issues such as broken windows, lights or locks
