MSU officials announced plans Monday to test a keyless entry system next fall in Emmons Hall, a significant step in the university's plans to enhance security in residence halls.
When students return to the Brody Complex residence hall in August, they will need to use their university identification cards to enter exterior doors and living areas, University Housing Director Angela Brown said.
During the pilot program, officials will collect information about the effectiveness of the system before determining whether to implement keyless systems in other halls.
"We looked at a lot of different types of security technology, and what came through loud and clear from students is, they don't want to feel locked in," Brown said. "Parents wanted the highest level of security as possible for students.
"We came to a happy medium - a system that provides security but allows students to move throughout the unit."
For the Emmons Hall pilot, identification cards won't be necessary for using the dorm phones, rest rooms and lounge during the day. Hall staff automatically will be notified of doors that are propped open.
Students such as interior design freshman Susan Wesche say they are concerned that the new system could be an inconvenience, but they are willing to give it a chance.
"I think our hall has a great opportunity to help out the campus," said Wesche, a black caucus hall representative who plans to live in the Hall again next fall.
But, she fears "that guests would not be able to get in as easily and would not have as much access to the building."
The announcement comes nearly 10 months after an MSU student was threatened at knifepoint in his Case Hall dorm room by two assailants posing as charity solicitors.
The incident triggered the formation of the Residence Halls Security Committee, which made recommendations for improving on-campus security in April.
Based on those suggestions, Brown said the university has revamped training for night receptionists and is working with campus police on a crime-alert system and making officers more visible on campus.
Officials also are crafting a plan for improving external and internal lighting in dorms and are reviewing sanctions for violating campus-security ordinances.
Residence Halls Association spokesman Brian Winters said the programs are based on "trial and error," and results will be evident in the future.
After a string of aggressive robberies this year in the community, mostly in the city, officials have been under pressure from parents and students to address security.
Michael Martone, the father of Jonathan Martone, the victim in the Case Hall attempted robbery, said Monday that he "commends" the university for taking action to improve security.
Considering that other Big Ten universities already have keyless programs in place, Martone, the founder of Safety First at MSU, a parents' organization, says he doesn't believe the university has gone far enough yet to protect students.
"Our concerns are still there," said Martone, an Oakland County District Court judge. "They are being addressed to some degree, and I'm grateful to the university for that.
"Until the system is in place and a safe campus is all the more safer, that's when we'll feel better."
The recommendations for security enhancements come amidst budget setbacks that are causing the university to reduce spending, rather than fund new projects. The university still is obtaining cost estimates on the new security procedures, Brown said.
Student leaders, who have met with housing officials to discuss the plans, say price shouldn't be the focus.
"Can you really put a price tag on someone's safety?" said Jared English, chairperson of the Academic Assembly of ASMSU, MSU's undergraduate student government. "I don't think you can.
"It is something that needs to be taken into account, but if it saves someone's life or saves someone from being robbed, then it is a necessary expenditure."
Details about security enhancements at MSU can be found at info.msu.edu/securityreport.html.
Steve Eder can be reached at ederstev@msu.edu.
