Building Access

Most campus buildings and facilities are generally accessible to members of the campus community, guests, and visitors during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Certain facilities may also be open for designated hours on evenings and weekends. Exterior doors on campus buildings are locked and secured each evening by Public Safety personnel. Residence hall exterior doors are locked at all times. When the residence halls are locked, entrance (where applicable) is gained by use of a valid St. John’s College ID card.

1Card System

The St. John’s 1Card is the identification card for members of the St. John’s College community. It is required to access campus buildings and all residence halls. Certain campus services require the use of the 1Card. These include using the campus meal plan and printing. The 1Card may also be used for bookstore purchases, purchasing class manuals, and paying library fines. New students will receive the 1Card upon registration and should carry the card at all times while on-campus.

Entrances to college buildings with key-card access will unlock only when a 1Card is presented to the card-reading machine at the side of the door. Residence halls and the gym are accessible through use of the 1Card only. Other campus buildings will move to 1Card access on weekends and at night.

No security system can be effective if those who have access do not use it properly. An intruder in a building may be dangerous to anyone who lives or works there. While this is not a frequent problem, it has occurred. For this reason, it is very important not to prop open doors or interfere in any way with their secure closure. Intruders most commonly enter buildings by following someone with an access card. Fines may be levied for improper use of the access system, including admitting someone who would not otherwise have access and doesn’t belong.

Please carry your 1Card with you at all times as it is the most important card that you will have at St. John’s College. A lost or stolen card must be deactivated for the protection of the entire community. Immediately report a lost or stolen card to the Office of Public Safety at 410-626-2533. To deactivate your Campus Cash account, go to stjohnscollege1card.com or call 866-568-5121. A $25 fee will apply to replace your card.

Lower Back Campus

Although the security of lower back campus has improved, the area from the lower playing field to College Creek is an isolated area, especially at night. Students should take extra precautions when visiting this area and be sure to travel in groups.

Bell Tower

Anyone who enters the Bell Tower of McDowell Hall will be subject to a substantial fine.

Ice Skating on College Creek

Because College Creek is a tidal creek, ice skating is dangerous. Cracks and soft spots appear with the changing of the tide conditions. Students are urged not to skate on the creek.

Swimming in College Creek

The water of College Creek is shallow and often polluted, so students should never dive into it and are encouraged not to swim in it. Moreover, animals including crabs, jellyfish, and snakes inhabit the creek and the wetland. These have been known to pinch, sting, and bite in self-defense. Since the college has no lifeguard, students who swim there are urged not to do so alone. At least one strong swimmer should be present at any time, preferably one trained in lifesaving and resuscitation procedures. Students are urged not to swim beyond the bridge on King George Street, since the Navy racing shells are put into the water in this area and there is the possibility of a serious accident.

Photography and Videography On Campus

The public is welcome to take personal photos or short videos while visiting campus, so long as it does not interfere with the operations of the college or impede the members of our community. Professional photo and video shoots must be scheduled with the Campus Reservations Manager, are subject to location availability, and may require additional approval by the Communications Office. A contract must be signed for the rental. Facilities, including the fields, are rented in four-hour time blocks.