In order to fully implement the security changes, all students will be issued new identification cards. The ID cards will serve as proximity cards, in addition to their original functions-checking out library materials, getting into the dining hall and storing ACDollar$. The proximity cards open doors to all dorms when placed at a door reader. Secured public facilities, such as Seeley Mudd, will also switch to proximity readers.
Students offered mixed reviews of the new system. "They were installed rather quickly, so I wasn't really bothered by the transition," said Amy Huang '09, who stayed on campus over the summer. "I think that the [scrambler] system is more convenient because people can still have access to the dorms even if they forget their IDs ... forgetting your ID means that you'll have to wait outside until you can find someone else to let you in."
In addition to security considerations, the number pads' age provided impetus for change. The pads, manufactured by Hirsch Corporation, had been in place since 1992. They were cutting-edge technology at the time. The old system's software, however, is now outdated and is no longer supported by the manufacturer. The communications path between the buildings and the central computer was also outdated, as it was carried out by antiquated modem telephone lines.
Improvements include a new software module that supports door access in the CBoard Onecard system, servers with protective redundancy, and fiber-optic communication. Electrical services were rewired. Propped door alarms and magnetic readers had to be connected to the new system and new communications devices were installed and attached to the College's new fiber optic system. On certain doors, the lock mechanism hardware was updated.
According to College officials, the number pads were also inconsistent with the rest of the school's interface. "The old system was not compatible with the College's data system, Datatel, which manages most of the College's functions. There was little choice but to upgrade the system," Carter said.
Although talk about the old system's failings began in January, obtaining financial backing was a major obstacle for the project. "Funding was not approved until May, which was when we started having real problems with the Hirsch software," Carter said. "The decision to go with the new system was made in the first couple weeks of June. Shortly after that, we had a large failure in the Hirsch system that rendered communications with the dorms nonexistent."
School officials emphasized the increased secuirty risks stemming from the rampant misappropriation and sharing of codes under the old system. "It was widely recognized that codes were shared with visitors and friends in a very liberal manner," said Director of Information Technology Peter Schilling. According to Carter, the police generally became aware of the problem when reports were filed about local vendors using codes to enter campus buildings.
Currently, some doors are accessed by card swipes instead of proximity readers as a temporary measure to ensure access while letting the project make quick progress. According to Schilling, the College began replacing card swipes with proximity readers, yesterday. Amherst hopes to complete replacements in the next couple of days. As a "fail-safe" measure in case students are locked out of a dorm, police or student security are available to let the students back in.
Punching holes or bending the cards may damage the IDs, making them unusable. Individuals can report lost IDs by contacting dining services, Schwemm's Coffee House, Campus Police or Schilling. Campus Police will then issue a temporary ID that will expire automatically after 72 hours of its first use. A hold on lost IDs wil render them useless for door access, laundry and vending machines. However, students will still be able to eat at the dining hall and at Schwemm's.
The OneCard Administrator and Dining Services established the replacement cost for any lost cards as $20. The former rate was $15.