Security System Grows with Colorado Mesa University

Created: October 2, 2012

Access control solutions that have the flexibility to meet changing needs will make it easier to maintain security for people and property.

AD 400 lock with card reader and keypad installed on new campus buildings
AD 400 lock with card reader and keypad installed on new campus buildings
Von Duprin WA993 wireless trim and exit devices provide access control at El Pomar Natatorium, where wiring conduits could not be retrofitted because of heavy concrete construction.
Von Duprin WA993 wireless trim and exit devices provide access control at El Pomar Natatorium, where wiring conduits could not be retrofitted because of heavy concrete construction.
LCN 4600 Auto Equalizer provides power door operation on left door, while LCN 4100 door closer controls door at right.
LCN 4600 Auto Equalizer provides power door operation on left door, while LCN 4100 door closer controls door at right.
Card readers control after-hours access to this art gallery. Von Duprin 98 Series exit device allows emergency egress, while electromagnetic hold-open releases automatically to allow door to close.
Card readers control after-hours access to this art gallery. Von Duprin 98 Series exit device allows emergency egress, while electromagnetic hold-open releases automatically to allow door to close.
Offline Schlage Campus Locks are widely used at CMU.
Offline Schlage Campus Locks are widely used at CMU.
Doors to rooftop garden in the University Center building are equipped with Von Duprin EL 98 electrified exit devices that provide safe egress and can be unlocked remotely when garden area is in use
Doors to rooftop garden in the University Center building are equipped with Von Duprin EL 98 electrified exit devices that provide safe egress and can be unlocked remotely when garden area is in use
University Center in foreground, two residence halls with about 1,000 beds beyond, and a crane at the location of a third residence hall under construction
University Center in foreground, two residence halls with about 1,000 beds beyond, and a crane at the location of a third residence hall under construction
Temporary buildings are equipped with wireless Schlage AD 400 locks
Temporary buildings are equipped with wireless Schlage AD 400 locks

Perimeter access control for academic buildings generally is by card reader outside of normal operating hours. These are mainly hard-wired online installations, although a few are wireless. All are controlled by a Schlage SMS system, which also is integrated with the University’s one-card system. Ellis says CMU has one of the largest SMS installations in the state, with 15 or 16 panels.

Card access is especially beneficial in the large University Center building, which houses a wide variety of functions that include student government, the campus radio station, an art gallery and many others. When the building is locked, authorized students have access around the clock with their cards. Ellis says the cards eliminate the costs and time associated with keys that are lost or not turned in when a student leaves.

Currently, CMU is renovating its oldest classroom building, which made it necessary to move its offices to temporary buildings. To secure the temporary offices, Ellis used Schlage AD 400 wireless locks to simplify installation. Once the renovation is complete, he will use the locks on other buildings. One panel interface module (PIM) controls access to four of the temporary buildings.

Wireless access control also is used at the Hamilton Recreation Center and El Pomar Natatorium. Here they solved a different problem. When the natatorium was built, conduits were not installed for access control, and the amount of concrete made it impossible to add them later. Instead, the Von Duprin WA993 access devices and trim were easy to install without wiring.

Other hardware solutions complement the access control products now being used across the campus. Ellis says LCN 4600 AutoEqualizer™ power operators are used extensively where needed for accessibility of convenience. For door closers, he prefers the non-handed LCN 4100 door closers because this reduces his inventory.

As the campus grows, flexible access control solutions will make it easier to maintain security for people and property.

“The people are the most important part, but we have to look at the property as part of the package. If we lost a classroom full of computers, it would affect the people who need them,” Ellis states.

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