TigerCard Reader Guide

Your TigerCards will open an electronically controlled door as long as you have the correct access codes programmed onto your card. Only authorized persons with a valid reason to enter a building when the outside doors are locked will be granted a clearance code on their TigerCard. Clearance code changes to TigerCards are made during business hours only. To use your TigerCard to open an electronic lock please follow the following steps:

  • Look to see that the Status LED light on top of the reader is green.
  • Hold your TigerCard up to the reader.
  • Listen for beep.
  • Light on reader will flash green/red.
  • Open door.

Troubleshooting

Preventive maintenance is performed on all of our electronic locks, however, problems may still occur. It is sometimes difficult to determine the exact issues with building access. It could be a failed reader or missing clearance codes on the cardholder’s record. Here are some common entry problems and who to contact for help.

When you present your card to the reader the reader light is not lit

  • Issue: The reader is malfunctioning and needs to be repaired by Facilities.
  • Contact Facilities Customer Services to report the problem. Please specify door location, including entry where relevant, and include the results of your troubleshooting. After regular business hours contact Public Safety.

When you present your card to the reader, it does not beep

  • Issue: Your TigerCard is "dead" and needs to be replaced by the TigerCard Office.
  • Go to the TIgerCard Office for a card replacement.

When you present your card to the reader, it beeps and the light is amber

  • Issue: You do not have clearance to enter this door. If you require access during non-working hours, please test your card since clearance code changes are made during regular business hours only.
  • Contact your Department or Building contact and ask them to add the appropriate clearance code onto your card.

When you present your card to the reader, it beeps and the light flashes red and green

  • Issue: The lock is not functioning properly and needs to be repaired by Facilities.
  • Contact Facilities Customer Services to report the problem. Please specify door location, including entry where relevant, and include the results of your troubleshooting. After regular business hours please contact Public Safety.