SC State implements mandatory ID verification for employees, students and guests at campus entrances

Starting Monday, updated access measures will include electronic ID verification, gate changes and replacement of outdated employee ID cards.

ORANGEBURG, S.C. — South Carolina State University will implement enhanced campus access procedures beginning Monday, Aug. 3, as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen campus safety and security. 

The updated procedures require electronic ID verification at designated campus entry points, establish revised gate access requirements and require updated employee ID cards. 

All faculty and staff must present a valid, current SC State employee ID for electronic ID verification when entering campus through designated gates. Simply displaying an employee ID will no longer be sufficient.

Gate security personnel will retain outdated employee ID cards presented at campus entry points. Employees who need replacement cards should visit University Computing and Information Technology Services as soon as possible.

Employees whose IDs do not scan as valid should visit the One Card Office in Crawford Zimmerman to obtain a new employee ID. 

Beginning Monday, Aug. 3, the following procedures will be in effect:

• Gate 3 (Magnolia and Geathers streets) will be restricted to faculty and staff only. Employees must present a valid SC State employee ID for electronic ID verification before entering campus. Students will not be permitted to enter through Gate 3.
• Gate 4 (Buckley and Goff streets) will remain the designated entrance for students arriving without guests. Students must present a valid SC State student ID for electronic ID verification before entering campus.
• Gate 5 (Chestnut Street and Wilkinson Boulevard) will be open to employees, students arriving with guests and all visitors. Employees and students must present valid SC State IDs for electronic ID verification before entering campus. Guests must present a valid driver's license for electronic ID verification. No exceptions will be made.

The updated verification process is designed to enhance campus safety by confirming that individuals entering university property are authorized to do so. The procedures also strengthen the university's security platform by helping verify and track students, employees, vendors and visitors entering campus.

University officials recognize the enhanced security measures may result in brief delays during the initial implementation period and appreciate the campus community's patience and cooperation as the new procedures take effect.

The updated procedures will take effect as the university prepares to welcome students for the fall semester. Freshmen will move into residence halls beginning Monday, Aug. 3, and classes for the fall 2026 semester begin Monday, Aug. 10.