About
Building Access & Video Cameras oversees key control and card access systems for Texas A&M University, including the Texas A&M RELLIS Campus. We manage:
- Creating, controlling, and issuing of keys
- Keying and rekeying services for interior doors, office furniture, cabinets, and more
- Installing new locks, cores, keyless entry hardware, and digital hardware
Access Control Policy and Procedures
Access to Texas A&M University information resources is commonly controlled by a logon ID associated with an authorized account. Proper administration of these access controls (e.g., NetIDs or logon IDs and passwords) is important to ensure the integrity of University information and the normal business operation of University-managed and administered information resources.
View Policy and ProceduresKeyless Access Resources
Request Keyless Access
To submit a request for keyless card access, visit AggieWorks. You may also contact keyless@tamu.edu for assistance and information.
Avigilon Keyless Access Control System
Avigilon is a software that allows administrators to control access to doors, add or edit badges, as well as grant or remove access to doors in the Avigilon System available to authorized users who are connected to the campus network.
Building Access Department
Building Access oversees key control and card access systems for Texas A&M University, including the Texas A&M RELLIS campus. Contact Building Access Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 979-845-1207.
Audio Video Surveillance
The Audiovisual Surveillance Technology (AVST) Committee has been established by the Chief Operating Officer to review AVST installations to verify compliance with AVST Operational Standards and consistent application of surveillance controls, and to oversee management of new and existing AVST. The AVST Committee shall be chaired by the Chief Operating Officer or his designated representative, and include representatives from Technology Services, University Police Department (UPD), Facilities & Energy Services, Transportation Services, Division of Finance and Business Services, Emergency Management and the Division of Risk, Ethics and Compliance (DREC).
View AVST Operational StandardsQuestions About Audiovisual Surveillance Technology (AVST)
Who do I contact if I experience a camera issue after hours?
For emergency or after-hours camera issues, please contact the Customer Service Center at 979-845-4311. The Customer Service Center will notify the on-call Building Access & Video Camera (BAVC) personnel responsible for AVST related support.
Who do I contact if I am unable to log into the camera system after hours?
For emergency or after-hours camera issues, please contact the Customer Service Center at 979-845-4311. The Customer Service Center will notify the on-call Building Access & Video Camera (BAVC) personnel responsible for AVST related support.
What do I do if I am experiencing password issues?
You can verify your NetID login by visiting cas.tamu.edu or gateway.tamu.edu.
- If a password reset is needed, visit password.tamu.edu to manually reset your password, or contact the Help Desk at 979-845-8300 for hands-on assistance.
What do I do if I am having DUO Authentication Issues?
For DUO-related issues, please contact the Help Desk directly at 979-845-8300.
Who do I contact if I am unable to log into the camera system during business hours?
Please contact the Building Access & Video Camera (BAVC) office at 979-845-1207 or email cameras@tamu.edu for AVST related support.
How do I request installation of a surveillance camera?
Once the Laserfiche request for a camera has been reviewed and approved by the Audiovisual Surveillance Technology (AVST) Committee, you will need to submit an installation request through AggieWorks to Building Access & Video Cameras.
Who approves the installation or relocation of a camera?
The AVST Committee must review and approve all AVST equipment installations or relocations.
What should I include in my request?
You need justification for use, desired location, and a signed request form from your department head or designee.
How long does approval take?
The process could take several weeks, depending on the complexity and committee concerns. Please plan accordingly.
Can I request dummy (non-functional) cameras?
No, installing non-operational, or “dummy,” cameras are prohibited.
Can I monitor live camera feeds?
Only if you are an authorized user and your access has been approved by the AVST Committee.
How do I become an authorized user?
Requests must go through Laserfiche and be approved by the AVST Committee.
Do I need training to use AVST systems?
Yes. You must complete the AVST Operations Training (TrainTraq #2111557) and acknowledge the Ethics Statement.
Can I export or download footage?
No. Only the Facilities & Energy Services – Building Access & Video Cameras team may export video, and only after a formal request from UPD or from the General Counsel.
Can I use AVST for employee performance?
No. AVST cannot be used for routine performance management or student attendance tracking.
Who do I contact if I am unable to log into the camera system during business hours?
Please contact the Building Access & Video Camera (BAVC) office at 979-845-1207 or email cameras@tamu.edu. Building Access & Video Camera (BAVC) personnel will assist in determining whether the issue is related to system access, password credentials, or DUO authentication.
Password Issues
You can verify your NetID login by visiting cas.tamu.edu or gateway.tamu.edu.
- If needed, reset your password at password.tamu.edu or contact the Help Desk at 979-845-8300.
DUO Authentication Issues
For DUO-related issues, please contact the Help Desk at 979-845-8300.
What defines an “authorized user,” and what are their responsibilities?
Authorized users are designated employees approved by the AVST Committee with direct access to the AVST systems. They must complete the required training (TrainTraq #211557), uphold ethical guidelines, and support investigations when needed.
What are the key security measures I must implement?
You must ensure:
- AVST output is accessible only through secure, authenticated connections (e.g., SSL).
- Reasonable safeguards are in place to prevent unauthorized access or tampering.
- Surveillance material is securely stored and only accessed for business or investigative needs.
What are the rules for reviewing and releasing recorded material?
- Review must support business needs or official investigations
- All reviews must be documented with reason, personnel involved, material reviewed, and outcome.
- Release of recordings requires formal procedures (e.g., subpoena, authorized investigation, UPD or OGC request) and must be logged.
How long should video footage be retained?
Surveillance data must be retained for no less than 30 days and no more than 90 days — unless it is tied to an investigation or legal request. Exceptions must be pre-approved by the COO or designee.
What are the steps needed to remove or change a camera’s purpose or location?
The requestor must submit a request through Laserfiche to the AVST Committee. Approval is required for:
- Relocation to a different space
- Purpose changes
- Removal of equipment
All changes must be documented and be visible to stakeholders.
What are the reporting requirements for access and use?
All non-routine access, or review of AVST materials, must be individually documented unless part of on-going maintenance or pre-approved operational use.
What if there’s a system issue or policy concern?
Contact the AVST Committee at: avst@tamu.edu, or facse@tamu.edu. Formal complaints follow standard university procedures.
Who do I contact for additional AVST forms, questions and assistance?
Please contact: avst@tamu.edu, or fes-cameras@tamu.edu.
Questions About Keyless Access
For emergency or after-hours key/keyless access issues, contact the Customer Service Center at 979-845-4311. They will notify the on-call Building Access & Video Camera (BAVC) personnel responsible for key/keyless access support for immediate response.
Aggie Card ID Requests:
Students/Faculty/Staff: Visit the MyAggieCard webpage for details about the Aggie Card ID request process at: https://myaggiecard.tamu.edu/.
Contractors: Contact aggiecard@tamu.edu for details.
Lost or Stolen Aggie Card ID:
Visit MyAggieCard to report a lost or stolen Aggie Card at: https://myaggiecard.tamu.edu/.
I cannot get access to my dorm/room/building. What do I do?
Please contact your Facilities Coordinator, Resident Advisor (RA) or local door administrator. For after-hours and on-call support, please contact the Facilities & Energy Services Customer Service Center at: 979-845-4311.
What is Matrix?
The legacy Keyless A&M System is Matrix Systems and is the hardware and software supplier for the integrated campus solution of access control and keyless entry.
What is Avigilon?
This is the new Keyless A&M System. Buildings across campus are being transitioned from the Matrix Keyless System to the Avigilon Keyless System (Avigilon User Guide).
What is Frontier?
Frontier is the PC-based software that allows administrators to control access to doors, add or edit badges, as well as grant or remove access to doors. Currently, the Frontier software is offered as a browser-based client. The browser-based client can be accessed by visiting: https://keyless.tamu.edu.
What is required to install Frontier or Avigilon?
The browser-based client is available to authorized users who are connected to the campus network by visiting: https://keyless.tamu.edu, or: https://avg-acm.it.tamu.edu/sessions/new.
Can I access Frontier or Avigilon from off campus?
While the Frontier client is now browser based, it is not "web-based" and is not directly accessible from off-campus connections. To access Frontier from off campus, an authorized user would first have to connect to campus via a VPN connection. Read more about connecting to VPN.
In Frontier, what is the difference between a badge, a credential and a person?
In recent software releases, Matrix has transitioned from "Badges" to "People and Credentials." Similar to an individual having multiple forms of identification (i.e., driver's license, University ID, passport, etc.), "People" in Frontier relates to individuals and "Credentials" relates to methods that allow access. These methods could be badges (such as those issued by the Aggie Card Office), fingerprints (or other forms of biometrics) or HID/RFID/Prox devices.
A person/credential is showing as "invalid" or in "disuse" in Frontier. What do I do?
"Disuse" is a process in Frontier that invalidates credentials when the credentials have not been used at any reader on the system for more than two years. This process runs weekly. "Invalid" persons or credentials require investigation to determine the proper credential status. In both cases, please send the UIN to keyless@tamu.edu.
What is a keyless card access or keyless entry system?
A keyless card access or keyless entry system is an electronic access control solution that replaces traditional keys with modern authentication methods — such as key cards, fobs, PIN codes, or biometric data (e.g., fingerprints or facial recognition).
These systems enhance building security, allowing for easier access management, and enables Texas A&M University to monitor and control who enters its facilities more effectively.
My ID/badge is saying "rejected" on a reader. What does that mean?
"Rejected" means that you do not have access to enter that door. If you feel that is incorrect, please contact your building proctor, resident advisor (RA) or local door administrator.
My ID/badge is saying "invalid" on a reader. What does that mean?
"Invalid" can mean the card reader did not register a successful swipe or there is a problem with your card. To check, verify that you are swiping your badge correctly or try your badge at a different card reader where you have access. If you are still having problems with your card, please contact the Aggie Card Office or your local badge administrator. If you think that the card reader may be broken or defective, please email keyless@tamu.edu.
My reader is dirty and needs maintenance/My reader says "invalid" for all badges/My reader is not working. What do I do?
Reader maintenance and repair are performed by the Building Access & Video Cameras department. An AggieWorks order must be submitted to request maintenance.
Do you support biometric readers?
Yes, both Matrix and Avigilon systems support biometric readers on campus. We currently have an integrated fingerprint solution installed in multiple facilities on campus. Interfaces from other biometric devices can be implemented with appropriate specifications to the Matrix or Avigilon system. If you are interested in biometric readers or further information, please contact: keyless@tamu.edu.
Can I use PROX/RFID/HID?
For Proximity Badges, Matrix and Avigilon are natively integrated to HID compatible badges and readers. At this time, the badge issued by the Aggie Card Office supports Mag-stripe and Prox for Matrix and Prox for Avigilon. For implementation or further information, please contact: keyless@tamu.edu.
Contact Our Office
UES IT Modular Building
Building 1488
146 Agronomy Rd, College Station, TX 77843