University Plaza has upgraded its security.

Residents received a new proximity identification card that has a microchip in it which allows residents to enter or exit the building, said Keith Deal, director of operations for the University Plaza.

The new card replaced the existing swipe card which had a bar code on it, he said. Residents have to use the proximity card to enter the elevators and entrances, he added.

Deal said the security upgrade was developed and installed after Feb. 14.

“We looked back and said ‘What can we do for the residents of University Plaza?’” Deal said.

The installation for the security began in late August, and on Nov. 12, the system became operational, he said.

Residents said they feel safe with the upgraded security and the locked doors.

Jenelle Carbonaro, junior business marketing major and University Plaza resident, said she finds the new security to be safe since it keeps out people that do not belong, but she thinks it becomes congested at times when residents have to enter through only one door.

“I feel that they should have a card swipe on all the doors that were accessible before the new security,” Carbonaro said. “It would make things more convenient for U.P. residents.”

Junior accounting major Kortney Wollert feels the security is all right. She feels safe since there are fewer people waiting around the elevators since a resident has to swipe his or her card to enter a tower.

“The new system keeps the people who don’t live in the U.P. mostly outside unless someone lets them in,” Wollert said.

University Plaza’s central building houses the dining area, the pool and the exercise room, which allows access into the common area of the building.

Deal said the doors that lead into the central building are only unlocked from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. to allow public access to the common area of the building. The doors by the residential towers are locked and alarms were added, so that all residents must enter the residential areas through the central building at all times by using their proximity cards, he added.

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