Villanova Dorm Access Goes Hi-Tech
By Dr. Marciene Mattleman
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Villanova University in the western suburbs of Philadelphia is known for many things, among them its basketball prowess. Now, put it in a list of tech leaders as well.
The University is installing an online system in all of its residence halls to control access to both inside and exterior doors using an app on a smartphone as a means of controlling movement and security in and out of campus facilities.
Northwestern University has used keys and swipe cards and is now completing 6400 locks that will open with online devices. Those who don't own smartphones can text "unlock my door" to a designated number.
These schools are among 75 colleges and universities controlling access through mobile devices, where a hard wired lock can cost as much as $5,000 per door.
What's next? Maybe biometric systems, using fingerprints or handprints for access!
Read more in The Chronicle of Higher Education.
