Augsburg College buildings and land are private property. Despite being private property, however, law enforcement officers from local, state, and federal agencies generally have the legal right to enter private property without requesting permission and while in the process of conducting their business.
What follows is general guidance for the Augsburg community. This information is not legal advice. Every interaction our community may have with law enforcement will be unique and come with it a different set of circumstances and variables.
Please note: If a law enforcement officer from a local, state, or federal agency, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), is in any of these spaces, please contact the Augsburg Department of Public Safety immediately at 612.330.1717 for assistance.
Permission typically requested or required before entry by law enforcement officers: There are spaces where law enforcement officers from local, state, and federal agencies need permission. These are also spaces where the public is not invited and cannot come in. Depending upon each unique situation, permission may be requested verbally or in writing.
- Offices of Center for Wellness and Counseling Staff
- Offices of Campus Ministry Pastoral Staff
- Classrooms in Active Use
- Gage Center Rooms in use by Gage Staff
- Library Study Rooms
- Locker Rooms
- Offices of StepUP Counselors
If a law enforcement officer from a local, state, or federal agency is in these spaces, please contact the Augsburg Department of Public Safety immediately at 612.330.1717 for assistance.
Individual Residence Hall Rooms and/or Apartments: Students contract with Augsburg College for living space in the residence halls. Individuals have a “right to privacy” in their home – whether an apartment, residence hall room, condo, townhouse, or single family dwelling.
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Warrant required by law enforcement before entry to residence hall living space: Any law enforcement officer or agent of a local, state, or federal agency must have a warrant before requesting or being given access to a student’s residence hall room or apartment room. The warrant must be signed by a judge.
You can choose not to allow the law enforcement officer or agent of a local, state, or federal agency to enter your dorm room. If you choose not to let an agent in, immediately call the Augsburg College Department of Public Safety at 612.330.1717. Staff will contact either the Director of Public Safety Scott Brownell or the Dean of Student Affairs Ann Garvey to review the warrant before the agent is allowed into a dorm room.
Permission typically not needed to enter: Because Augsburg hosts events and invites visitors, members of the public are invited to:
- Augsburg College-hosted events (speakers, celebrations, etc.) in Hoversten Chapel, Oren Gateway Center, Sateren Auditorium, the Commons, and other locations.
- Augsburg College-hosted sporting events whether in Kennedy Center, the Dome, Parade Stadium, or other venues.
- The Quad and other outdoor common spaces on campus.
- Events that take place on public property, such as public parks and/or sidewalks.
Questions? Please contact Scott Brownell, Director, Public Safety, 612.330.1717, or Ann Garvey, Vice President of Student Affairs, 612.330.1168.