Maggie Dougherty
News Editor
The new school year brought on new security developments aimed at making campus safer for students. In a recent email, Steve Glick, director of Security and Protective Services (SPS), informed the campus about students’ new ID cards, a number of new security camera locations, a continuing problem with items being stolen from vehicles parked on campus and a recent shooting on Beall Ave.
One of the changes that directly affects all students is the implementation of new “smart” ID cards.
“The ID cards and the updated system has an extra layer of security that makes it more difficult for someone to clone or copy the card,” Glick expanded on the cards.
The cards will also be part of the eventual switch to a proximity lock system, meaning students and faculty members will no longer need to swipe their ID cards, only wave them near a sensor.
“As we update buildings or build new ones, we will use proximity locks where possible so we will no longer have to swipe. The swipes will be with us for a while and the new cards can do both,” Glick noted on the transition process.
Glick’s email also reported that new security cameras have been installed and more will soon be installed in a few specific areas. Glick listed security concerns and student feedback as the key factors in the decision for where the cameras should be placed.
“At Gault [School House], we have had some off-and-on concerns with thefts from vehicles and the occasional suspicious person. This lot was on the list as one of the first ones to get cameras. Lot 36 is rather isolated and students have brought that to our attention,” Glick said.
However, Glick also noted that vehicle thefts have not been concentrated solely in these areas, but spread throughout the campus. Thus he urged that students be vigilant about locking their cars, keeping any valuables left in the car out of sight and reporting any suspicious activity they notice to SPS.
Additional cameras have also been installed in Ruth Williams Hall and Scheide Music Center and are planned for Old Main. Glick explained that because Ruth Williams and Old Main both have business areas, it is customary to put additional security measures in place. Likewise, Scheide’s status as an event venue means that it has fairly heavy public traffic and requires more attention. Moreover, recent vandalisms inside of Scheide have made it more of a concern to SPS.
Finally, in response to questions about the Aug. 14 shooting outside of the McDonald’s on Beall Ave., Glick said that not much public information has been released.
“On the surface, it appears to be an isolated incident, and based on published reports the police department is actively investigating the incident and have found at least one of the cars involved,” stated Glick.
However, Glick reassured that SPS will continue to monitor the situation and remain a visible presence on Beall Ave. to ensure student safety.