This year, a proximity device has been installed at almost every dormitory entrance, part of Choate’s most recent campus security effort. Students now must access dormitories through the use of a personal keycard, issued at registration.

Every authorized member of the Choate community—faculty, students, staff—have been required to get the new Choate Card this year, equipped with the proximity technology necessary for the system. The purpose of this added security measure is the safety and security of the students, says Ms. Salot, Dean of Residential Life.

In the planning stage for a few years, this security system was put to the test last winter. After practice runs of several different systems, the proximity card was chosen. To unlock the door to a dorm, a Choate Card must be waved in the general area of the sensor. In this way, only members of the Choate community could have access to the dorms.

At least, that is the plan. Many students confess to having let people standing outside a building in with their own key cards. Other students have walked up the two flights of stairs to Library dorm, realized they didn’t remember their card, and waited to be let in by the next person who comes along. Mike Noel ’09 said, “As an actual safety measure they don’t really change things. Anybody who looks like a student can just ask someone else to let them in.”

From the positive side of student opinion comes the belief that key cards add a layer of security that was lacking previously.

“I believe it ensures our safety against evil townies,” says Miguel Vargas ’09, voicing the opinion of a student majority. Before this year, dorms were virtually open to anyone who felt like walking in. There was limited protection from outsiders.

The key cards have the potential to limit not only also dangers to wellbeing, but also possessions. In the past, several thefts have occurred on campus. Especially during events like Prize Day, when most people are at one place on campus, dorms have been entered and belongings stolen. One hope for the new security is that it will dissuade and prevent outside thieves from attempting to break into rooms.

Student opinion of the key cards varies widely. Many, such as Noel Titus ’09, believe that this technology adds a level of paranoia to the student body. Since the system authorizes someone to enter a dorm by the unique information on each Choate Card, it logs the person, place, and time of entry. This technically gives administration the power to find out where and when any given student enters a dorm. Titus said, “I feel like Big Brother knows where I go, when I go, all the time.”

To this idea Salot responds, “Think about the volume of that information. It would take way too much effort to try and monitor that.” She also said that if there was a huge incident, that information might be tapped into in order to see who went in a dorm at that time. Faculty continue to affirm that no one is spending their days checking that vat of data for students breaking co-ed.

Another issue of the key cards is the inconvenience. Most people are unused to needing their Choate Cards to get into dorms. As a result, large numbers of students and faculty alike are left stranded outside their dormitories, unable to get in. The culture change has proved difficult for many, such as Melissa Rybacki ’09. “I never have my Choate Card with me, so it’s impossible for me to ever get into a dorm.”

Students have dealt with the hassle of remembering their cards in many ways. Some continue to be forgetful and deal with the trouble by griping. Ellis Riley ’10 says, “It’s so inconvenient to have to wear pants with pockets!”

Others have found ways to more easily attach their card to themselves. Most common is getting used to carrying a wallet around at all times. Some opt for the Choate card cases sold in the School Store. Others, like Daniela Lara ’09, have purchased lanyard style holders from outside stores. Lara, who recently bought a white Coach one, said, “I really, really don’t care if I look like a loser wearing my key card around my neck. This is a good safety measure for our school—it’s not to bother us.”

This confidence in the new system is encouraged by the simple enthusiasm of students like John Fenney ’09. He says, “It makes me feel important when I swipe my card.” Alongside him in gusto are the faculty. One such example is math teacher Mr. Marrinan, who claims that wearing his key card attached to his pocket makes him feel like he’s in with the CIA.

A few desperate students have attempted to punch holes in their cards to make their own lanyards. This has proved unsuccessful, because the holes damage the sensor technology. Those students have needed to replace their Choate Cards.

Students are also divided on the issue of how crucial these security measures actually are. Monica Yang ’09 said, “It’s a bit unnecessary, because campus security is available 24/7 and our campus has always felt very safe and secure.”

To this outlook, Salot says, “It’s something we really wanted to do before there was an incident—a tragedy, or an unfortunate event. We’ve been very lucky, very blessed.”

Salot said, “We knew that this would be inconvenient. We knew that going in. But I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how smoothly we’ve adjusted. Now, that’s not to say that it’s been perfect.”

There are still some kinks being worked out. Most common is outgoing alarm malfunction in some dorms. When exiting a dorm, if the door is approached too fast or at an unusual angle, the sensor alarm will go off. Technical problems like this are in the process of being reviewed and repaired by Facilities, says Salot.

In the end, merits and disadvantages of the new key cards will have to be accepted by Choate. Salot says, “They’re absolutely here for good.”