Forgetting your passport doesn't cost as much as you think
Earlier this semester, Debra Duncan, Chief Director of Campus Police and Security, sent an email to all High Point University students with guidelines about new passport regulations. The email informed students that failure to provide a passport when requested by a security officer will result in a referral to the Office of Community Standards inferring that conduct sanctions may be taken.
The email did not include any information on the type of sanctions or warnings a student may receive if they forget their passport while on campus.
Students grew frustrated with the new guidelines as it did not fully explain the sanctions. Some students who live off campus became confused over the situation wondering what happens when they have a bad morning and forget their passport at home. Everyone has bad days and sometimes students forget their passports, wallets or phones at home.
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Mary Sullivan, Senior Director of Community Standards at HPU, clarified the passport regulation guidelines. Sullivan is new to HPU, but is knowledgeable about security and convenience issues that students may have.
“When a student cannot produce his/her passport at a campus checkpoint, the student's information is taken down by the security officer on duty and all of that information is collected on a daily basis and sent to the Office of Community Standards,” said Sullivan.
Sullivan explained that the first and second offense will result in a warning letter emailed from the Office of Community Standards. When a student reaches a third offense, a letter will be emailed to the student and a $25 fine will be issued. Every offense following will result in an emailed letter and a $25 fine.
Sullivan also explained why it is important for students to carry a passport.
“The expectation to carry and produce the passport (also known as the student ID) is not new and has existed for years,” said Sullivan.
“As I am sure that you know and understand, with all that is happening in the world outside our campus gates, we need to be vigilant that those who enter are only those who have business here, and have earned the right to be here, especially during the evening and early morning hours. It is during those times that most of the passport issues happen. Carrying one's passport is a responsibility that we all share for the safety of our campus and our fellow Panthers, but it is also a matter of civility. As all are aware of the need to produce one's passport, not carrying one and holding up the lines or the traffic at our entrance points is disrespectful to our peers.”
As almost everyone knows, waiting in line at a campus gate is never fun, especially when you are running late for class.
Not having your passport also presents a security problem. The world is a dangerous place and student ID’s are implemented to help keep the community safe. College campuses have become a target for unwelcome guests and horrific incidents. By keeping your passport on you, it keeps the community safe and prevents long lines at each checkpoint.