The NIU OneCard swipe system to gain access to campus residence halls will remain for the foreseeable future.

Since the Feb. 14 shootings, residence halls have been kept locked at all times instead of simply during nighttime hours.

Jessica Ovunwo, a member of the residential hall operational personnel, said that the residence halls will remain locked at all hours.

“The only way to gain access to the [residence halls] is with an NIU OneCard or if someone lets you in,” Ovunwo said.

According to Michael Stang, director of facilities and operations for Housing and Dining, the swipe-card system will remain in place for at least the rest of the semester.

One Douglas Hall resident is not in favor of swiping his card to gain access to his residence hall.

“I think swiping cards is a little more of a hassle than a security measure,” said Andrew Morris, a freshman communication major. “If someone wants to do something, they’ll find a way into the dorms, regardless of the updated security.”

A Lincoln Hall resident is in favor of the new lock security, but believes the timing in implementing it was wrong.

“I feel NIU should have started using the swipe card system after the shooting threats [in December] and not after the shootings,” said Tierra Lemon, a sophomore accounting major.

Those who hope for a return of the old system, with residence halls being locked from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., are out of luck for at least the rest of the semester.

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