Card Access FAQ
- What do I need to access CSIL and other CMPT Labs?
- Who can access the CSIL facilities?
- How do I get an access card?
- What if I already have an access card?
- I have an access card from another SFU department. Do I still need a separate card to access CSIL and other CMPT Labs?
- Can I use my friend's card if they're not using it?
- I registered late in a Computing Science course. How do I get an access card?
- I lost my card. What do I do?
- I found my old card after reporting it lost and obtaining a replacement, what should I do?
- My card worked properly for a few weeks and now it doesn't - why?
- When should I return my card?
- Where can I find the SFU Card Access Office?
- Can I prop open a CSIL or other CMPT Labs' door?
What do I need to access CSIL and other CMPT labs?
You require an access card to open the door and enter the labs. There are different cards for Burnaby and Surrey as the SFU security systems use different technology on the two campuses
So, don't let others in on your card, and don't open the door for any students who knock. If someone is authorized to use the lab, they will have the access card. If they don't have a card, then they aren't authorized.
SFU security personnel periodically check the labs and students without valid cards will be asked to leave.
How do I get an access card?
Burnaby Campus:
If you don't already have an access card, visit the SFU Card Access Office on or after the third business day following your registration into any CMPT course. When you pick up your card, you'll have to show your student identification and pay a fee.
Note that CSIL is not open at the start of the semester. Check the CSIL General FAQ page for details.
Surrey Campus:
In Surrey, please visit the Security Desk located in the Mezzanine. The Surrey Security desk is located at the top of the stairs leading to the Mezzanine. Security services are available 24 hours a day, however, building access is restricted to 7am to 6pm without an access card.
Lists of registered students requiring access cards are generated for Surrey at the same time as for Burnaby, so the same waiting period after registration applies. Cards are currently not charged for, though this may change in the future.
Students who plan on taking courses at Surrey in future semesters should keep their access cards, as a fee will be charged for issuing a replacement. Access will be automatically renewed in subsequent semesters when Surrey CMPT courses are taken.
What if I already have an access card?
Burnaby students:
If you already have a Burnaby access card, it will automatically be updated to allow you in to CSIL when you register for a CMPT course(s). If you do not register for any CMPT courses in any given semester, you will not have access to CSIL, and so your card will not work on the CSIL doors.
If you registered or were added late, you may need to contact the helpdesk to get your card activated. Please go to the Burnaby CSIL and test that your access card works before you desperately need to enter CSIL!
Surrey students:
If you already have an Surrey access card, it will automatically be updated to allow you in to CSIL when you register for a Surrey based CMPT course(s). If you do not register for any CMPT courses in any given semester, you will not have access to CSIL, and so your card will not work on the CSIL doors.
If you registered or were added late, you may need to contact the elpdesk to get your card activated. Please go to the Surrey CSIL and test that your access card works before you desperately need to enter CSIL!
Note that some older cards may not work with new system, so older cards may need to be replaced.
I have an access card from another SFU department. Do I still need a separate card to access CSIL and other CMPT Labs?
Burnaby and Surrey campuses use different cards, but in general the cards on each campus will work for that entire campus once the appropriate access is granted by campus security.
If you like to add CSIL and/or other CMPT labs access to your existing access card, please email helpdesk.
Just remember: please kindly inform us about the other department you are working/studying with in the email. With this information, we could ensure you have access to all the labs you are entitled to use, accross all the departments.
Can I use my friend's card if they're not using it?
No!
You and your friend could lose your access to the labs as a consequence. If your friend no longer requires their access card they should return it to the SFU SFU Card Access Office and collect the deposit refund.
Note that before an access card is issued you sign a statement wherein you agree:
- To only use the access card for yourself.
- The access card remains the property of SFU.
- You will not pass the card to another person.
- You will return the card when you no longer require its use.
If your card is found in another person's possession it will be confiscated by SFU Security.
I registered late in a Computing Science course. How do I get an access card?
You must send an email to helpdesk advising us that you registered late in the course and that you require an access card. The SFU Burnaby SFU Card Access Office (Surrey Security for Surrey students) will be notified within two business days and you will be able to pick up your card after this time.
Please send us your student number and the number of the course you've registered for in the email.
If you already have the access card(s), send us the card number as well so it can be updated to allow you use CSIL facilities.
I lost my card. What do I do?
You must report your card as "lost" to Campus Security in person so that it can be disabled. A replacement can then be issued to you.
At the beginning of each semester the SFU Card Access Clerk is supplied with a list of cards permitted to access the CSIL facilities. If you have not reported your card as lost it appears on this list. If someone finds and uses your lost card and you have not reported it lost, you may be held responsible for any trouble they cause.
I found my old card after reporting it lost and obtaining a replacement, what should I do?
Take the old card back to the SFU Card Access Office.
My card worked properly for a few weeks and now it doesn't - why?
There are two likely reasons why this can happen -- either you are no longer enrolled in courses that require use of CSIL resources or there is a problem with your access card. If you suspect the card is the cause then please send an email to helpdesk, along with your student number and the access card number.
When should I return my card?
You should return your access card when you are sure you will no longer need to use it.
A good example of when to return your card would be if you have graduated and will not be returning to the campus. If you think you might take another CMPT course in the future then you probably want to keep the card. If you register in another CMPT course that requires use of CSIL, your card will be re-enabled faster than if you had to pick up another card. Also, you'd have to pay another fee again for a new card.
Where can I find the SFU Card Access Office?
Burnaby campus:
The key and access card operation is located in West Mall 3101 (directly south and connected to the Parking Services office).
Surrey Campus:
In Surrey, please visit the Security Desk located in the Mezzanine. The Surrey Security desk is located at the top of the stairs leading to the Mezzanine.