Georgia Tech is implementing a standardized process for requesting and issuing physical keys to campus facilities. Beginning Jan 4, 2027, physical key requests must follow the Institutional Facility Access Control Policy, helping strengthen security, consistency, and accountability across campus.  

Under the new process, physical key requests must be submitted by an authorized requestor, such as a building manager, facility director, or project manager, through the Access Control ServiceNow ticketing process.  Requests submitted by email, phone, or walk-in will no longer be accepted beginning Jan. 4. 

Physical keys and other facility access may be issued only to individuals with an active Georgia Tech employee, student, or affiliate status. The Institute’s Facility Access Control Policy already makes facility access contingent on active employment, student, or affiliate status, with certain provisions for security clearances.  

Contractors, vendors, temporary workers, and others who are not Georgia Tech employees or students must have active affiliate status when access is required. A GTID or BuzzCard alone does not establish active status.  

Effective immediately, the Infrastructure and Operations Lock Shop will verify active affiliate status before distributing a physical key to an affiliate. Anyone who currently holds a physical key but does not have an active employee, student, or affiliate status must complete the appropriate Georgia Tech Human Resources affiliate process by Jan. 4, 2027, or return the key.  

Anyone who currently holds a physical key and has active employee, student, or affiliate status must return the key to the Infrastructure and Operations Lock Shop by Jan. 4, 2027. Access Control will then reissue the key through the new standardized process. The Infrastructure and Operations Lock Shop is in the Okeefe Building, at 151 6th Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30313.  

Beginning Jan. 4: 

• Physical keys will not be issued for locations where electronic access is available, except for approved accommodations or exceptions. 

• Key recipients must pick up their keys in person at Swarm Support during regular business hours and present valid government-issued identification. Swarm Support is located at The Pavilion, Georgia Tech, 410 4th Street NW, Building #216, Atlanta, GA 30332. 

• Active affiliates performing contractor-type work that requires a physical key for one business day or less may pick up and return the key through the Infrastructure and Operations Lock Shop. 

What Departments Should Do Now 

Departments should review individuals they sponsor who currently have or need physical key access and: 

• Begin or renew the affiliate process for contractors and other affiliates who require access beyond Jan. 1. 

• Use the Access Control service request form for new physical key requests. 

• Ensure requests include required approvals and justification. 

• Identify current key holders who will need to establish or renew their Georgia Tech status before Jan. 1. 

The changes support Georgia Tech’s Institutional Facility Access Control Policy, which establishes requirements for granting, managing, and revoking access to Institute facilities.  

For instructions and frequently asked questions, visit the Access Control website.