Eastern Oregon University rolls out new safety changes for Hoke Union Building

Published 12:00 pm Thursday, March 16, 2023

LA GRANDE — Eastern Oregon University on Friday, March 17, updated the hours the public can access the Hoke Union Building, following a recent assault of a student and an overall increase of people unaffiliated with the university accessing the facility, according to a press release from Eastern’s Public Information Representative Michael Dakota.

From Monday through Friday Hoke is open to everyone including the public during normal business hours. After hours during the week and all hours during the weekend the building will be accessible only by using an Eastern ID on a card reader. There are two card readers on the ground level of Hoke — one on the south side of the building near the bookstore and one on the north side near Mac’s Grill.

The details of when the Hoke Union Building is accessible and to whom follow:

Monday through Friday

• 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. — open to the public
• 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. — ID card access only
• 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. — closed; special access only
• 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. — ID card access only

Saturday and Sunday

• 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. — ID card access only

The change is meant to enhance safety measures for students, employees and visitors, according to the release. Eastern is also reassessing access for each building on campus.

“Eastern Oregon University takes the safety and security of everyone in the EOU community seriously and thanks you for your cooperation and awareness,” Dakota wrote.

Students and employees who do not have a current ID card can stop by Eastern’s Information Technology Department in room 209 of Ackerman Hall. Alternatively, email helpdesk@eou.edu or fill out the ID card webpage.