2008 Woodie Awards
E-Card enhances security
Matt Smith
Issue date: 4/5/05 Section: News
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The new Ram e-Card, popular for its interactive features, now provides swipe access into all residence halls, a system that electronically detects student identification cards before granting entrance into the buildings.
The swipe card system its purpose to enhance resident hall security was introduced to students at the beginning of the spring semester. During the hours of 4 p.m. to 8 a.m., seven days a week, all students wishing to enter the dormitories are required to check themselves in with their Ram e-Card.
"The system checks the main data base, verifies that the student has been approved for access to that building, then releases the magnetic lock so that the door can be opened," said Director of Housing Services Peter Galloway, adding that each resident must repeat the same process once the door is locked.
The plan is to eventually keep the system activated 24-hours a day, following the same path many other colleges and universities have taken. According to Galloway, if swipe access proves to be successful at West Chester, there may be a change in how security guards are used in the residence halls.
"We are still discussing what role the security guards will have in the residence halls and in the residential area on campus," he said. "The guards will not totally be replaced, but they may take on different roles. We hope to have these issues resolved by the end of the spring semester."
A 24-hour security system will not require staff to be assigned to observe the building each hour of the day. Although security guards will still play a vital role in maintaining a secure environment in and around the residence halls, Galloway hopes that the card system will prove to be even more efficient, and come at less of a cost.
"While having staff on site to monitor who comes in a building can be a very effective method, it is also very expensive over time given the wages and benefits that staff accrue," he said. "By installing the card access hardware and software, we can provide additional security at a minimal additional cost once the initial investment is paid off."
The swipe card system its purpose to enhance resident hall security was introduced to students at the beginning of the spring semester. During the hours of 4 p.m. to 8 a.m., seven days a week, all students wishing to enter the dormitories are required to check themselves in with their Ram e-Card.
"The system checks the main data base, verifies that the student has been approved for access to that building, then releases the magnetic lock so that the door can be opened," said Director of Housing Services Peter Galloway, adding that each resident must repeat the same process once the door is locked.
The plan is to eventually keep the system activated 24-hours a day, following the same path many other colleges and universities have taken. According to Galloway, if swipe access proves to be successful at West Chester, there may be a change in how security guards are used in the residence halls.
"We are still discussing what role the security guards will have in the residence halls and in the residential area on campus," he said. "The guards will not totally be replaced, but they may take on different roles. We hope to have these issues resolved by the end of the spring semester."
A 24-hour security system will not require staff to be assigned to observe the building each hour of the day. Although security guards will still play a vital role in maintaining a secure environment in and around the residence halls, Galloway hopes that the card system will prove to be even more efficient, and come at less of a cost.
"While having staff on site to monitor who comes in a building can be a very effective method, it is also very expensive over time given the wages and benefits that staff accrue," he said. "By installing the card access hardware and software, we can provide additional security at a minimal additional cost once the initial investment is paid off."
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