The trial run of DukeCard access to bathrooms in Southgate Dormitory on East Campus and Kilgo Quadrangle on West Campus has been delayed. Card readers were installed over the summer and were supposed to be operational by August, but programming difficulties have delayed the startup.
"We are still in the mechanical lock mode right now because [the DukeCard bathroom access] is experimental software and it's not cut-and-dried how to make it work" said Fidelia Thomason, director of residence hall operations. "We are working with the vendor to sort out the best way to set it up as soon as possible."
After sexual assaults in Wannamaker and Randolph dormitories in 2002, the University installed gender-specific locks on dorm bathrooms during fall break of 2002 and issued separate keys for bathrooms. The old system allowed the same dorm room key to open all bathrooms in the students' residence hall.
"We are hoping that the DukeCard system will improve safety as it might make students more willing to have their card with them," Thomason said. "However, this system doesn't change the [potential faults] of the locks as the mechanical lock is still there. It will only improve safety if students are willing."
One advantage is that if students lose their DukeCard, the card can quickly be canceled and replaced with minimal expense. With the current system, if a key is lost, the resident must pay to replace the lock. In addition, the locks are not replaced for up to one week after the student reports the missing key, leading to compromised security. Moreover, the new system will give the University an increased ability to track bathroom use while improving safety and convenience.
"Part of what we are trying to figure out is how to arrange this access [to provide the most safety and convenience]. As of now, we are planning to provide the same access that the bathroom keys currently provide" Thomason said.
However, some students feel safe with the current system.
"The locks in general are a pain in the a--, but they're needed," said freshman Erin Richardson, resident of Southgate. "As long as you take the necessary precautions, the campus doesn't feel unsafe. Southgate is the closest dorm on East Campus to [the] city and I still feel safe."
But freshman Lauren May said she is looking forward to the change.
"If people lose their bathroom keys, it would be much less of an inconvenience because Duke would not have to change the locks," she said. "The DukeCard access for bathrooms would be phenomenal."
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