Identification Policy for Access to Properties Owned, Occupied or Used by the University
McGill University is an open and accessible institution, and it is also located on private property. The University has a duty to:
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Maintain the integrity of it academic mission and application of its policies
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Protect the safety and security of its community
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Ensure spaces and services are accessible to intended members of the McGill community
The McGill ID Policy establishes a framework for requesting identification from people on properties that the University owns, occupies, or uses for its operations and activities, in accordance with the terms of the Policy.
1. What are the principles of the ID Policy?
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Identification for legitimate purpose: ID must only be requested for a specific and valid reason.
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Transparency: The University must proactively share information about the ID Policy as well as information relating to its use by members.
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Proportionality: Requests for ID should be proportionate to the situation and not go beyond what is needed to uphold a “legitimate purpose” (described below).
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Personal autonomy, equity and accessibility: Requests for ID must respect individual dignity, accessibility needs, and equity considerations.
It’s also important to note that this Policy does not reduce or limit any rights granted under other McGill policies, including the Charter of Students’ Rights and the Statement of Principles Concerning Freedom of Expression and Peaceful Assembly.
2. What kind of ID do community members need to carry?
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McGill ID holders: Those who have been issued a McGill ID card are required to carry it while on properties that the University owns, occupies, or uses.
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Other community members: Those who have not been issued a McGill ID card, including casual or temporary staff, contractors, and visitors, are required to carry valid government-issued ID.
3. How can I get a McGill ID card?
Please consult the request process that is relevant to your McGill affiliation:
4. What happens if I forget my ID card at home?
If a McGill ID holder cannot show their ID card when asked, alternative verification methods may be accepted depending on the situation (for example, they could show proof of registration or enrolment and valid government-issued ID).
5. Who is allowed to make ID requests according to the Policy?
Under the McGill ID Policy, only Authorized Personnel are allowed to request ID from people on properties that the University owns, occupies, or uses.
Authorized Personnel includes:
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Exam invigilators
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Campus security representatives
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Faculty or staff members, while acting in an official capacity, such as overseeing a McGill class, event, activity, service or while responsible for access to a restricted space
6. What is a valid reason to request ID?
According to the Policy, requests for ID must be made for a legitimate purpose, meaning one that is necessary to uphold:
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The integrity of McGill’s activities, operations or services
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The safety of individuals on campus
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The integrity of McGill property
7. In what kinds of situations can ID be requested?
ID requests should be directly connected to:
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Verifying eligibility to participate in an academic assessment or to access restricted academic resources
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Confirming authorization to access a restricted space, event or appointment
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Responding to a concern regarding safety, security or protection of property
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Responding to a possible violation of a rule regarding access to a restricted space or service
8. What do Authorized Personnel need to keep in mind before making an ID request?
Authorized Personnel must read the McGill ID Policy in its entirety to understand their rights and obligations. Some of the important cautions for Authorized Personnel included in the Policy are:
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Respect the right to protest: Peaceful and lawful protest conducted in compliance with McGill policies is not grounds for an ID request.
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Understand your role: For non-security personnel, requesting ID is a right and not a duty.
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Identify yourself: When making an ID request, Authorized Personnel must identify themselves and, if asked, confirm their role at McGill.
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When in doubt, don’t make the request: If an ID request could escalate a situation or create a safety risk, or if the legitimacy of the request is in question, Authorized Personnel should refrain from requesting ID and instead contact Security Services.
9. What happens if someone refuses to show ID?
Refusal to produce ID when asked may result in denied access to the University’s services, activities or premises. However, a refusal to produce ID cannot lead to an investigation or disciplinary measures under the University’s applicable policies.
If an individual disagrees, in the moment, with a decision related to this Policy, they can request that the matter be escalated to Security Services.
Complaints about enforcement of the Policy can also be reported through the relevant channels for student or staff complaints.
10. Is any training offered?
The Policy requires that Authorized Personnel receive training that is appropriate to their role and responsibilities in connection with the Policy.
Individuals who are considered Authorized Personnel under this Policy and who would like additional guidance can request a training and Q&A session from Security Services.
