photo via dom.edu
By Lesley Manzo
Students, faculty and staff now have to swipe their Star cards to get into some buildings on campus as part of a new security push.
The doors that now require key cards to open are Parmer South, the two west doors and one northwest door of Fine Arts.
Not all students are happy about the change.
“It just doesn’t make any sense. Why just one or two buildings? If it’s said it’s for security purposes it’s not possible because there are multiple ways to get into the buildings without an ID,” said Yaslin Lopez, a sophomore at Dominican.
Carol Seley, the Director of Campus Safety and Risk, was in charge of the change. A general fear of violence prompted the change, she said.
“We have always had a very open campus but unfortunately, the world has changed and a day barely goes by without some sort of violent act,” Seley said in an emailed statement. “By using technology to lockdown building entrances, we can let those who should have access, have access.”
Although no crimes have occurred at Dominican, uninvited guests such as sales representatives would enter the premises handing out their information.
Dominican hosts many events that are open to the public. Eventually there will be designated visitor entrances with staffed desks and all other doors will require key cards, according to Seley.
The project was funded as a Life Safety item in the capital renewal & replacement budget.
In addition to the door card readers, the security effort means more training for campus security officers and more security cameras being installed.
There are a total of 76 cameras all around campus providing 92 video angles. Seley would not disclose the exact locations of the cameras due to security reasons. The cameras are on 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and are monitored by dispatch officers round-the-clock.
Student leader Dolores Hernandez had been pushing for greater security, and approved the change.
“In the past year or two, students have expressed concern about safety on campus due to the easy access into buildings by anyone,” said Hernandez, president of the Student Government Association, in an emailed statement. “These sentiments have been expressed in town hall meetings and by student leaders in SGA. While we are located in a very safe neighborhood, it’s better to be safe than sorry.”
Hernandez liked the new security system but says there is still work to be done. She suggested installing better lighting in some areas so students can walk around more comfortably after dark in addition to installing even more cameras.
Everyone will need their Star cards in order to access those doors in the buildings from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
