Lack of student participation in preserving residence hall safety has forced University officials to implement new security measures this semester, including video cameras, dorm room lock-in systems, and educational material.
Andrew Tan, an Engineering sophomore and West Quad resident, said students must do their part for these new security measures to be effective. He said locking your door is the first conscious step in creating a safe environment.
"We do have to sacrifice some convenience in order to gain some security," Tan said.
Video cameras and new lock-in systems are just some of the security measures University Housing plans to implement later this semester.
Ian Steinman, associate director of University Housing, said new security measures will expand upon security methods already in place. University Housing has created fliers and distributed letters informing students of general safety tips and preventative measures.
Steinman said it is necessary to provide more comprehensive information to the community in order for the increase in physical security to have an effect on residence hall safety. "Our core goal is to develop a security-conscious community," he said.
An equipment-based initiative, which has yet to begin, will provide video cameras on all residence hall entrances and require students to use a personalized card to enter their rooms and residence hall bathrooms.
The new security equipment represents an increase in actual security which will be more effective than steps taken last year, South Quad resident advisor Brie Statham said.
"I'd rather have them watching then not watch and have something bad happen," LSA sophomore Statham said in reference to installing security cameras.
The security measures are a response to an increase in Peeping Tom incidents and dorm room invasions that occurred last year, Steinman said.
University Housing Director Bill Zeller said the increase in those categories "made us think how we were managing access into the buildings."
Last year, entrances to residence halls were locked 24 hours a day and the University increased residence hall patrols.
While the University can take an active role in creating a safe living environment for residents, Zeller said some responsibility lies on the students.
"One propped door jeopardizes the safety of the entire community," he said. For this reason, Zeller emphasized the importance of educating students on how to maintain a safe environment.
"The best measure we can take is to build a responsible community," he said. "That is the ultimate goal we're striving for."
Steinman said there is also a committee actively working on creating contacts with residents and developing crime analysis with the Department of Public Safety to pinpoint crime in residence halls.
"It's not only a security issue, but also a community issue," Steinman said. Students have the ability to greatly reduce the potential for future incidents of crime, he added.
Nursing sophomore and South Quad resident Jill McCarty said stepping up security in the residence halls is a positive step.
The need for the new security measures makes "me feel more concerned, but I'm glad they're doing something," McCarty said.