Students at Quinnipiac University have mixed feelings about VingCard, the new security system on campus. Some feel their privacy is being invaded, while others appreciate the additional security features.

The VingCard system allows students to access their residence hall and room by swiping their Q-card, rather than using the traditional lock-and-key system. Every time students swipe their card, the action is recorded.

When the residence halls are closed for breaks, the Q-Cards are shut off so there is absolutely no way to enter. All doors lock automatically when they are closed.

“It’s kind of scary that they’re watching us,” said Kristin Misata, an undecided business major. “They know our every move.”

Although Security officers are able to look at the records of card use, they do so only when it is necessary.

“The only time any of the doors will be interrogated will be as the result of a security investigation,” said Derek Zuckerman, assistant director of Residential Life. “The new system will afford Security the opportunity to gain information that might solve violations of University policy.”

If any of the residence halls are vandalized, Security can look up which students swiped their card to enter the building and continue their investigation from there.

“I don’t understand how they are able to track everyone down, because residents can let other people in the dorms without them accessing the system,” said Valentina Iacono, a Resident Assistant and an English Education major.

When a lock is tampered with, security is alerted immediately so they can report to the location. In years past, it was possible to insert a small object, such as a coin, in the doors so they would not lock, but with the new VingCard system, it is impossible to do that.

“We can tell when the doors are propped open, so if any theft is reported, we can check to see if the door was opened with a card, or left open,” said David Barger, assistant chief of Security.

Students raised concerns about the possibility of a system failure.

“If the power goes out and the generator doesn’t kick in, we’re locked out of our rooms,” said Allison Pearce, a mass communications major. “It’s too dependent on technology.”

One convenience the system brings is the lack of traditional keys. Students are required to have their Q-Cards with them at all times, so it is to their advantage that their identification card also serves as a key to their residence hall and room.

“We don’t have to carry bulky keys with us everywhere,” Iacono said. “Using the Q-Card to access dorms makes it easier on students.”

Some students feel their safety is more important than their privacy.

“The system can be considered invasion of privacy, but since I don’t plan to vandalize anything, it makes me feel a little safer,” said Zachary Ingraham, a mass communications major.