One of Academic Hall’s entrances will be inaccessible due to new safety changes starting on Monday Jan. 8.

Point Park’s Chief of Police Jeffrey Besong sent out the announcement via mass email on Dec. 15.

According to Besong’s email, access to Academic Hall’s Boulevard of the Allies doors will be “used for emergency egress only.” This includes no ID access.

The announcement follows multiple security changes during the 2017 fall semester including daytime security cuts, Lawrence Hall being locked at all times and requiring visitors to report to Academic Hall.

According to Besong’s email, Alumni Park doors are required to be used and anyone entering  or exiting the building must pass by the desk attendant.

“This will allow for greater access control into and out of the building,” Besong said via email.

Ryan Minteer, junior civil engineering major, wasn’t aware of the security change until he left class and realized he could not exit through his usual route.

“I take an engineering class in [Academic] so I can park my car on the street,” Minteer said.

Lindsey Clements, senior dance major, recalled receiving the email from Besong over Christmas break. She considers it a hassle when she was able just to cross the street and enter the building. However, after she put more thought into the email, Clements became more understanding of the decision.

“Anyone from off the street can follow someone through the door,” Clements said. “I’m actually glad they did that because overall safety is more important over convenience. Even if it’s just a door it is helping a lot.”

Security guards on duty in Academic Hall declined to comment on the security change.