2008 Woodie Awards
Precautions increase dorm safety, but some students want more
Jamoke Balogun
Issue date: 2/13/06 Section: News
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"It's just the little things," Hubbard said, "like being polite and holding the door for someone."
However, students in residential dorms are advised that their acts of kindness could lead to danger.
"Kids feel too safe here," said Carol Kariotis, director of UMKC Residential Life, "that's why this issue needs to be discussed."
Kariotis especially warns residents against opening doors for strangers as an act of kindness. This is called tailgating. Tailgating occurs when a stranger comes in behind a resident and the residents allows them to enter the building behind them.
"Half the time I don't know the person," said Hubbard. "Letting someone in is just natural instinct."
Some students find it impossible not to lend a helping hand.
"It might seem harmless," Kariotis said, "but you are endangering your safety and the safety of others by being polite. Residents need to recognize little things like tailgating…that is why we updated the safety guidelines."
According to Collin Ruud, assistant resident manager, the new guidelines are already underway.
"Instead of locking the lobby doors at 9 p.m.," Ruud said, "we are locking them at 7 p.m."
Ruud implemented the card access program in the Cherry Street Residence Hall last semester. The Oak Street Residence Hall already had the program. Between the hours of 8 a.m. and 7 p.m., the lobby doors are open. After 7 p.m., residents must swipe their student identification card on a security device to enter the dorms.
However, many students want more precautions. According to Ruud, the Residential Hall Council (RHC) wants lobby doors to remain locked at all times. This idea is under consideration by Kariotis. RHC comprises residents elected to help formulate dorm policies and works closely with Kariotis on several issues.
"I make the final decision," Kariotis said, "but RHC proposals are very powerful."
