The residence halls still will be making use of student-based safety and security staff to make rounds in the hallways and check residents’ doors to make sure they are locked. This new technology will help supplement the security team’s efforts, Welch said.

The residence halls currently are accepting applications for these security positions until Nov. 23. Residents who participate will be able to remain in their rooms during winter break without paying the standard $300 fee.

Welch said only three or four halls had the automatic locking door systems that require residents to scan their MSU ID in order to gain access to a building last winter break. Currently, all residence halls but Case Hall have the system.

“If you live in Wonders (Hall) and you aren’t given permission to stay over the break, you won’t be able to get into the building,” she said. “Before we had the security system, we would find vagrants sleeping on the main floor or first floor.”

In years past, the residence halls were more dependent on student volunteers to monitor the halls and make sure all doors were locked and secured.

No-preference junior Brandon Krol was part of the hall safety staff during the summer and said it was a worthwhile experience.

Krol never had to contact the university police, but he once spotted a water leak during one of his rounds.

“It’s great for people who want to stay over the (break) because there is no living expense, and it also comes with good working hours,” he said. “It’s great for experience. It’s not something you would typically get to do.”

Despite the security measures in place, unoccupied residence halls still can be targets for thieves.
MSU police Sgt. Florene McGlothian-Taylor said students have come back from winter break and noticed items missing from their rooms.

McGlothian-Taylor said students’ best defense is to take home whatever valuable items they can, especially portable electronics, such as laptops and iPods.

Students also should try to write down the serial number for any valuables that are left behind, McGlothian-Taylor said. Having a readily available serial number makes it easier for police to recover stolen items.