Module 5 – Night Desk Operations
Night Desk Operations is a critical area where Desk Assistants support the Department. When performing in this role you become a vital part of the security that we provide to keep our residents safe. The Night Desk monitors who is coming and going from the building, registers guests, and looks for potential security concerns as people come and go from the building.
When Operating the Night Desk you should
Remember, operating a night desk is NOT a passive activity.
- Actively monitor the lobby of your facility at ALL times.
- Be aware of who is entering and leaving
- Be aware of whether or not there are special events taking place in the lounges of your area
- Make sure folks have the appropriate security sticker on their IDs
Make sure you get the Chromebook from the Hall Office and inform the CA you are present for your shift
*The power cord must ALWAYS stay with the Chromebook. Please do not lose this power chord.*
Who needs to be signed in?
All non-residential students, off campus guests, and any residential students who do not live in the building you are stationed in.
(Note: Campus Town is not a Residential Education & Housing-operated facility)
What do you look for when checking IDs?
Ensure that everyone who passes by has the appropriate security sticker for that building on their ID.
- Anyone who does not possess the security sticker for that facility must be signed in as a guest by a resident of that building, or turned away.
- If you notice a resident has 2 or more stickers, this is a violation of our policy and you may remove the sticker that no longer applies to their current housing assignment.
Please know, residents are responsible for the activity of their guests.
How do you sign in a guest?
- You ask both the guest and the resident of that building for their ID
- IDs include TCNJ School ID Only
- You get the guest’s name, building, and their cell phone number.
- You get the host’s name and room number.
- Record the time the guest is being signed in.
What is the Guest Management System?
- Every building (except Townhouses) will utilize the new guest management system
- Each building will have two Chromebooks
- Students signing in guests will do it electronically via the Advocate/Simplicity Guest Management Software
- TCNJ students can utilize their ID cards to be logged in
- Paper logs will serve as a back-up in the event of an issue with the system
- Residents that are not signing in guest will still show their ID with their building sticker on it
Guest Management Swipe System – Click Here to View Step by Step Guide
What are the guest policies?
All guests must be signed in at the Night Desk between 8pm-12am
One/Two guests are able to be signed in at one time per host.
The Behavioral Expectations and Regulations on the Residential Education and Housing website states :
Residents are welcome to have guests, however, each residential host assumes responsibly for their guests’ behavior and actions during their visit. All guests in the building after 8 p.m. must be registered with the hall night desk. Any non- resident is in the building prior to 8 p.m., must register at 8 p.m. when the night desk begins operation. Each guest will be required to provide a picture ID.
What can I find on the Chromebook?
Your SMRO supervisor will direct you to the appropriate location as you complete your competency checklist during training.
- Guest log – your regular guest log. Need to show ID and have a host present.
- Roster – should be campus wide, alphabetically by last name
- Banned list – no access allowed, need to call PD in some instances
What is the difference between banned from Residence Hall and Banned from Campus?
Banned from Residence Hall
- This means the individual has restricted access to that building
- You should deny them access to building and immediately inform the Community Advisor of the individual’s attempt to enter the building
Banned from Campus
- This means the individual is not allowed on or in any TCNJ premises.
- You should immediately contact Campus Police
The following video illustrates an evening at the Night Desk