Following changes to campus policy, effective July 1, 2024, the Department of Chemistry key check-out process is cashless and paperless.

Procedure for obtaining keys:

  1. Complete the Key Request DocuSign power form.
  2. Clearly state the room numbers and/or the space you need access to.
  3. The form will route to your faculty advisor/supervisor for approval.
  4. After the responsible party approves, you will receive an email from the department notifying you when your keys are ready for pickup.
  5. You may pick up your keys at the department office (NS2 1120) during business hours, M-F 8-12 and 1-5.
  6. You may complete a new form to request additional keys, as needed.
  7. Deposits are no longer being collected; however, you will be billed $25 PER KEY for lost keys, or keys not returned within two weeks of your appointment ending.

How to obtain deposit refunds:

  1. We are no longer able to issue cash deposit refunds. Deposit refunds will be issued through KFS reimbursement and will take approximately 3-4 weeks to receive.
  2. You may request a refund of your deposit at any time by filling out the Key Request DocuSign power form.
  3. Under PI or Supervisor include: 
    1. Name: Chemkeys
    2. Email: chemkeys@uci.edu
  4. Please fill out the form indicating the keys you have in your possession. Once we confirm the information with our records we will process your deposit refund.

Keys for Department of Chemistry students, faculty and staff are issued through the department. The Department of Chemistry occupies space in five buildings: the Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building (ISEB), Rowland Hall (RH), Frederick Reines Hall (FRH), Natural Sciences 1 (NSI), and Natural Sciences 2 (NSII). The Chemistry Administrative Offices are located on the first floor of Natural Sciences 2. Building keys are issued on a case-by-case basis, based on the person’s office or lab location, and when there is demonstrated need.

Keys for Undergraduate Students:  

Undergraduate students requesting lab keys must meet the following criteria:

  • Be enrolled in CHEM 180/199 or hold a student research position, and provide proof of enrollment via a study list.
  • Undergraduates are not permitted to work in labs alone. Faculty must submit a detailed justification for key access requests, including a demonstrated need and a safety plan.

Key requests for undergraduate students are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and must comply with these guidelines.