Quads due for change; Students skeptical

Posted on | September 3, 2008 | No Comments

Students at Elizabethtown College residing in the Schreiber Quadrangle were recently notified about some important upcoming changes.  A memo from the Office of Campus Security was posted on the door of every Quad.  This memo stated that, similar to several residence and non-residence buildings on campus, a card swipe entry system would be installed soon.

A meeting was held on Wednesday, September 3rd at the Quad Commons to discuss these upcoming changes.  Though many of the student’s questions were answered at the meeting; the initial reaction to the memo, for some, was of skepticism.

“I think it is an unnecessary expense that could be used somewhere else on campus.  Residents at the Quads are happy with our current security system.  Is this another way to crack down at the Quads? Is there an ulterior motive?” Said Ashley Sweeney, a Senior and Quad resident.

To answer some of these questions Dale Boyer, Assistant Director of Campus Security, was asked to explain what this new lock system would entail.  Boyer mentioned that this card swipe system will be like the card swipe systems that are already in place at Founders and Brinser Residence Halls as well as the Vera Hackman Apartments.

“We have been struggling with “lost key” issues for years and have been trying to get card swipe access for all the residence halls on campus.  When a key is lost we then have to change the lock as well as charge students anywhere from $35 to $70.” Said Boyer.  He states “Using cards as a key access is more cost effective for the students and the school and is also a lot easier.”

Re-taking your picture and printing out a new I.D. card takes a lot less time than calling in the Campus Locksmith to make a new key as well as a new door lock.  The system that will be installed at the Quads will be “a lot more efficient” claims Boyer.  He goes on to say, “As far as ulterior motives go, safety is our only ulterior motive.  We’re here to look out for your safety and that’s what we plan to do by installing this card swipe access.”

This new entry system is a definite plan and will hopefully be completed before Christmas break.  For more questions Schreiber Quadrangle residents should contact campus security.

-Jamie Smith, Elizabethtown College Senior

image: www.flickr.com/photos/sandysphotoaday/376940682/

Comments