FAQ: Access to Weber State Spaces and Records
Weber State follows established rules regarding access to spaces and records, outlined more fully below.
Who can come on campus or enter buildings without permission?
Public Areas: Generally, anyone is allowed to enter areas that are open to the public.
Restricted Areas: Access to non-public areas is more limited. This includes places where the university has restricted entrance by access cards, locked doors, or monitored entryways. It also includes areas that are open to certain individuals with authority to be there. Examples are residences in the residence halls, offices, classrooms and labs.
Individuals without university-authorized access may only enter restricted areas with a search warrant or other appropriate legal authorization. In order to be enforceable, these generally have to be signed by a judge, and even if signed by a judge, most orders provide an opportunity for the university to review their scope, validity and object.
What should staff or faculty do if someone asks for access to a restricted area?
Follow our existing protocols by asking the person for their information and under what authorization they have to access the space. If they provide a search warrant or other legal authorization, let them know that you are not the person authorized to make decisions regarding entrance based on those documents. Tell the person to wait while you call WSUPD, who can be reached at 801-626-6460. Legal Counsel can also be engaged to determine the validity of court orders or other legal documents at 801-626-7323.
People who are not legitimately authorized to be in a restricted area may be asked to leave.
Does the Weber State Police Department (WSUPD) enforce immigration matters?
No, the federal government engages its officers specifically to enforce immigration matters. The WSUPD does not ask anyone about their immigration status and does not detain anyone solely on the basis of their immigration status.
The WSUPD must enforce a criminal warrant from any law enforcement agency, including ICE, and may otherwise pursue any criminal activity not based on immigration status.
What should employees do if someone asks for information or records about a student?
If you receive a request for personally identifiable records about an employee or student from anyone, ask them if they have authorization to have access to the records. If they share a warrant or other legal documentation, contact the following:
- Employee Information: Human Resources hr@weber.edu
- Student Information: University Registrar at ferpa@weber.edu
- Any requests: University Legal Counsel legal@weber.edu
Do not share data with someone who does not have appropriate authorization.
Records with personally identifiable data are generally protected by several laws, including FERPA. Under FERPA, universities are required to release student’s education records when presented with a lawfully issued subpoena, court order, or other similar legal documentation. Students may make a request to control access to certain records, including granting or restricting access, by visiting the Office of the Registrar in person or online.