Students living on the University of Northern Iowa’s campus this year have adjusted to a recent change in the way they can access their respective dorms.

Instead of using keys, the Department of Residence has converted to an electronic ID scanning system.

The dorm doors are locked 24 hours a day with the exception of the door nearest the office of each building, which is unlocked eight a.m. to five p.m., Monday through Friday.

Nicholas Rafanello, assistant residence life director, said the university implemented this new policy to tighten dorm security and keep students safer.  

It was also implemented to know who is coming in and out of the dorm buildings. Guests of students now need to know someone in the building they are trying to get into. 

Jared Heitz, junior English major and Residence Hall Association President said the reason for the conversion from keys to electronic access is that it provides convenience and better safety for our campus.

Heitz said he hasn’t had any complaints since the switch.

“It’s a transition for students to get used to having to have your ID on you all the time,” said Erica Eischen, assistant director of residence. “You can’t walk through buildings to cut through to classes, which is more of a transition than a con.”

As technology advances it is possible more changes for dorm security could take place. For the moment there are no future plans. Any changes will be to upgrade security and make dorms safer for students living in them, Eischen said.