Residence halls undergo technology upgrade

The combination locks used for entrance into residence halls have been replaced with a new security device. The combination locks have been removed and residents are able to use their IDs to gain access to their halls by swiping their cards near the device.

by Brian O'Connell assistant sports editor

As residents approach their dorm or house, they take immediate notice of the security devices new to campus. No longer seen are the combination locks, which were mounted on the front door of each residence hall.

Many students are shocked at the new technology that has finally arrived to further ensure the safety of the residents on campus.

Accessing the device is very simple. The student has to place their residence card near the de- • vice, and once the light changes from red to green, the door unlocks and the student can enter the building.

"I find it easier to use than the combination locks because all you have to do is put your card in front of the device and the door opens," said sophomore Joanne Morrone.

However, safety plays a major role on the installation of the new devices.

"This is safer because there are no combinations that can be given out to other students," said Dr. Robert Bonfiglio, vice president for student development.

"The cards can also be programmed so that no students can enter the buildings over the semester holidays and the buildings will be more secure,'' Bonfiglio said.

These new security locks pro- vide. safer residence halls, no doubt. This adds to the confidence of the students, because they know the chances of someone breaking into the building greatly decrease.

"I like the idea of having the new locks on the dorms, and I think that it is safer because no one from any other halls can get in,'' Morrone said.

''I prefer these new locks to the._ combination locks because you don't have to remember the code," said sophomore Linsey Heiser. "I also find them safer because they are not as easily accessible."

However, some disadvantages play a role with these new locks. Access to the residence halls is very limited, because only the res- idents of that building have access to it. But what about friends on and off campus and family?

"I also find these new locks inconvenient because fnends from home can't come to campus and surprise you." Morrone said.

"The one disadvantage I find with the new locks is that you have to constantly open the door when friends come over," Heiser said.

Residents on campus carry their ID card on a key chain, where it is at great risk to be damaged. Other students carry their ID cards in their wallet. Constantly exposing the card to open space could cause the card to break or be damaged to the point where it will no longer work.

"If the card is not treated right, meaning if the student bends their card or punches holes into it, it could mess up the card and the student would not have access to the building," said senior Brandie Plasket, R.A. of the Dixon House, also known as house two.

There is no question that these new security locks are far easier to use than the combination locks. It is no longer necessary to remember the four-digit access code to the dorms, which is a great advantage these locks provide.

Swiping the card in front of the device is simple. However, friends and family do not have access, which could shortly become a concern to students.