Classroom Locks

The University of Minnesota is committed to the safety of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors. One security tool our communities have asked for is the ability to lock classroom doors in the event of an emergency.

We are working to install locking mechanisms on classroom doors across the University for enhanced safety during an active threat, such as an active shooter. This means anyone inside a classroom will be able to lock the doors from the inside to protect from an outside threat.

When you enter a classroom, check to see if it has door locks. If you observe an active threat or get a SAFE-U Alert of a lockdown in your area, lock the doors. Continue to follow all other guidance on responding to an active shooter situation.

How to Use Classroom Locks

Depending on the building, classrooms may have electronic lockdown buttons or manual door locks.

Learn how and when to use lockdown buttons:

Video Transcript

VIDEO: Classroom Locks: A Tool for Campus Safety | Audio-described video: Classroom Locks: A Tool for Campus Safety

Some classrooms have manual locks that you turn or otherwise engage to lock. The door will display “locked” from the inside.

Blue sign that reads, "Emergency lockdown lock door call 911" next to a brown door with door handle displaying a red "locked" message.