Campus Services, a division of Student Engagement and Well-Being, has announced an innovative initiative that will enhance campus security and streamline physical access to campus facilities for students and the entire campus community. Starting with Housing and Residence Life, the electronic lock conversion project, in which all mechanical locks will be updated to electronic ones, is expected to be completed Institute-wide within two years.

The initiative kicked off in February with the replacement of locks on interior and exterior doors in North Avenue Apartments, including all doors throughout the residence hall: building entrances, stairwells, common areas, as well as apartment and bedroom doors. This upgrade will not only modernize the current locking systems but also introduce an additional layer of security to ensure the safety and welfare of students residing on campus. 
 

After the North Avenue conversion is complete, contractors will begin working diligently to replace locks across all on-campus housing locations, with the anticipated completion set for Spring 2026. This timeline was developed to minimize disruptions for students and staff while maximizing the benefits of the electronic lock upgrade. 
 

Key features and benefits of these upgraded locks include:  

• Convenience and Efficiency: Electronic locks streamline access for the campus community, providing a hassle-free and efficient way for individuals to enter their residential spaces.  
• Remote Management: The new system allows for remote management, enabling Housing and Residence Life to monitor and control access, thus enhancing overall safety protocols.  
• Modernization: By replacing outdated systems, this initiative aligns with the Institute's commitment to remaining at the forefront of technological advancements, ensuring a modern and secure living environment for students, and advancing our strategic value of champion innovation.  
• Comprehensive Upgrade: The project covers all doors, from building entrances to individual bedroom doors, ensuring a uniform and comprehensive approach to security.  

"Within Housing and Residence Life, the adoption of electronic locks reflects a commitment to leveraging advanced technology for the protection of residents, resulting in a modern, convenient and more secure living environment,” said Dr. Jenny Cotton, Executive Director for Housing and Residence Life.  

While the lock conversion project continues within Housing and Residence Life, Campus Services is in the process of developing a roadmap for campus access control and conversion focused on bringing a secure, seamless, and cutting-edge solution to all buildings at Georgia Tech. The first step currently underway focuses on ensuring the campus has the right infrastructure and support in place to implement a reliable and sustainable long-term solution. 

For further information, please contact: Michael Fellows at jfellows8@gatech.edu