South Carolina State University strengthens visitation guidelines to enhance campus safety

Screening protocols and accountability reinforce a structured campus environment.

ORANGEBURG, S.C. — South Carolina State University has reinforced its campus visitation guidelines to promote accountability, structure and clear expectations for students, employees and visitors.

The updated measures emphasize shared responsibility, making clear that students are accountable for their guests, visitors are subject to screening and identification procedures, and all members of the campus community are expected to comply with established entry protocols.

“These measures are about clarity and obligation,” said SC State President Alexander Conyers. “When expectations are clear, we create an environment that supports academic focus and protects our campus community.”

SC State Public Safety Chief Richard Johnson said consistent enforcement is essential to the effectiveness of the guidelines.

“Controlled access only works when it is applied consistently,” Johnson said. “Designated gates, identification checks and escort requirements allow us to verify who is on campus and ensure that students understand their responsibility for the guests they invite.”

The procedures outline screening requirements, visitation hours, escort expectations and designated entry points for all campus constituents.

Security screening and identification

All visitors, regardless of their relationship to a student, are subject to security checks, including vehicle and personal screening.

Valid identification may be required to gain entrance. Identification may be retained during the time of the visit and returned upon exit from the university.

As a general procedure, all students, faculty, staff and guests entering the university waive rights to privacy and are subject to safety and security review of themselves and their property.

Visitation hours and study hours

Non-student visitors are permitted on campus from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. only.

The hours of 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. are designated as study/rest hours for students. During this time, non-student visitors are not permitted on campus.

Parents and legal guardians are exempt from the hour limitations but must comply with all established security procedures.

Escort requirement and student accountability

All guests must be escorted onto campus by their student host and must always remain with that host. Individuals who are not escorted by a currently enrolled student will be denied entry.

Students are fully responsible for the conduct of their guests. Violations of university policy by a guest may result in disciplinary action against the hosting student, in accordance with university policies and the laws of South Carolina.

Due to limited parking, non-student visitors are restricted to designated parking areas. Students are required to meet and escort their guests.

Parking for guests of students

Due to limited parking, non-student visitors are restricted to designated parking areas. Students are required to meet and escort their guests at the visitor parking lot and remain with visitors at all times. Non-student visitors are not allowed to park in any other area of campus.

Campus events

Exceptions to standard campus access hours may apply during university-sponsored events, including athletic competitions, Homecoming, musical performances and theater productions.

During these events, enhanced security protocols will be implemented, which may include controlled entry points, credential verification, screening procedures, traffic management measures and restricted access to certain areas of campus.

Gate access designations

To support these guidelines, the university has designated the following entry points:

Students

• Gate 4 – Goff and Buckley streets: Reserved exclusively for currently enrolled students.
• Students must present a valid SC State student identification card and a valid university parking decal.
• Students without both items will be redirected to Gate 5 for security review.

Non-student visitors

• Gate 5 – Chestnut Street and Wilkinson Boulevard: Required entrance for all non-student visitors, including non-students traveling with students. There are no exceptions to this requirement.

Faculty and staff

• Gate 3 – Magnolia and Geathers streets: Primary access point.
• Gate 5 – Chestnut Street and Wilkinson Boulevard: Secondary access point, if necessary.

News media

• All news media representatives must enter at Gate 3 – Magnolia and Geathers streets and report to the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing, Suite 100, Ko W.G. Donma Administration Building, unless otherwise directed by Strategic Communications and Marketing staff or during university-sponsored events.

Visitation policies may be adjusted as needed to meet institutional security requirements.