In an emergency, always call 911 first.
Then notify the building security desk so officers can direct first responders to your exact location.
Security Overview
The SFESOM building is monitored around the clock by University of Utah Department of Public Safety personnel in partnership with a dedicated building security desk. Security staff provide access control, badge issuance, patrol, and incident response for students, faculty, staff, and visitors throughout the facility.
Uniformed officers and security ambassadors are present at the main entrance during business hours, with campus-wide coverage continuing 24/7/365 through the University's Department of Public Safety dispatch.
Building Access & UCard Policy
| Access Type | Details |
|---|
| Students / Faculty / Staff | UCard tap access at all building entrances, 24/7 in designated study and research zones |
| General Public | Main entrance only, 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM; sign-in at the lobby security desk required after 6:00 PM |
| Visitors | Must be signed in by a building occupant and issued a visitor badge at the lobby desk |
| Contractors / Vendors | Temporary access badge issued by Facilities; escorted in restricted lab and mechanical areas |
| After-Hours (10 PM – 6 AM) | UCard access restricted to enrolled students and approved research personnel |
| Lost / Malfunctioning UCard | Report immediately to the security desk or the UCard Office for deactivation and replacement |
Security Services Available
24/7 building patrol and monitored entrances
Safety escorts to parking and transit stops after dark
Lockout assistance for offices, labs, and study rooms
Camera-monitored lobbies, stairwells, and loading dock
Motorist assistance in adjacent parking structure
Event security coordination for lectures and symposia
Requesting a Safety Escort
Call the security deskDial the non-emergency line below or use a building courtesy phone (located at each entrance) to request an escort.
Provide your locationLet dispatch know your floor, room, or entrance and your destination (parking structure, TRAX stop, or shuttle stop).
Meet your escortAn officer or security ambassador will meet you at the building entrance, typically within 10 minutes.
Emergency Procedures
Know Before You Go
- Fire alarm: Exit immediately via the nearest marked stairwell — do not use elevators. Proceed to the designated assembly point on the south plaza.
- Medical emergency: Call 911, then alert the nearest staff member or the security desk so first responders can be directed to your floor.
- Severe weather: Move away from exterior glass and follow posted shelter-in-place signage; announcements will be made over the building intercom.
- Active threat: Follow Run–Hide–Fight guidance. Silence phones, lock and barricade doors, and await an all-clear from University Police.
- Suspicious activity or unattended items: Do not approach — report immediately to the security desk or 911.
Reporting a Non-Emergency Concern
Non-urgent concerns — a burned-out hallway light, a propped-open door, a suspicious but non-threatening situation, or a lost item — can be reported to the building security desk in person, by phone, or by email. For anonymous safety tips, use the University's SafeU reporting tools.