Utah Tech University follows established rules regarding access to campus spaces, employee information, and student records.
- Access to Public Areas: Generally, anyone is allowed to enter areas that are open to the public.
- Access to Restricted Areas: Access to nonpublic areas is more limited. Nonpublic areas include places where the University has restricted entrance by access cards, locked doors, or monitored entryways as well as areas that are open to certain individuals with authority to be there. Examples are residences in the residence halls, offices, classrooms, and labs. If someone asks for access to a restricted area, ask that person for their information and under what authorization they have to access the space. If they provide a search warrant or other legal authorization, let them know that you are not the person authorized to make decisions regarding entrance based on those documents. Tell the person to wait while you contact the Utah Tech Police Department (UTPD) by calling dispatch at 435-627-4300 or fill out the Contact Police Department form under Campus Resources in My UT. People who are not legitimately authorized to be in a restricted area may be asked to leave.
- Search Warrants: Individuals without University-authorized access may only enter restricted areas with a search warrant or other appropriate legal authorization. In order to be enforceable, these generally have to be signed by a judge, and even if signed by a judge, most orders provide an opportunity for the university to review their scope, validity, and object. If someone presents you with a warrant, contact Associate General Counsel Brian Graf at 435-879-4246.
- ICE Officers on Campus: If U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers approach you on campus, please inform UTPD Chief Wes LiCalzi by calling 435-652-7515.
- UTPD Immigration Enforcement: UTPD does not enforce immigration matters, as the federal government engages officers specifically for these matters. UTPD does not ask anyone about their immigration status and does not detain anyone solely on the basis of their immigration status. However, UTPD must enforce a criminal warrant on campus from any law enforcement agency, including ICE, and may otherwise pursue any criminal activity not based on immigration status.
- Access to Records: Do not share personal records with anyone. If you receive a request for personally identifiable records about an employee or student, refer the requestor to Human Resources at hr@utahtech.edu for employee information or the University Registrar at records@utahtech.edu for student records.
- FERPA Protection: Records with personally identifiable data are generally protected by several laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Under FERPA, universities are required to release students’ education records when presented with a lawfully issued subpoena, court order, or other similar legal documentation. Students may make a request to control access to certain records, including granting or restricting access, by visiting the Registration Desk on the first floor of the Holland Centennial Commons. Contact Brian Graf if you have questions about FERPA.
- Learn More: For more information about access to campus or immigration enforcement on campus, contact UTPD Chief Wes LiCalzi at 435-652-7515.