In an effort to offer more protection for its students, the University of Southern California is installing fingerprint scanners at the entrance of all on-campus residence facilities.

Students have until the end of this week to get their fingerprints scanned and a photo taken. Starting next Monday, a student will have to scan his finger and offer up his ID card before entering the dorm.

In addition, guests will have to leave an ID card with building officials in order to obtain a temporary pass.

Some students didn’t think the new system will work. “I don’t understand how it will be any more effective than the current security procedures,” said one student. “A resident can still hold the door for friends and others who do not live in the dormitory, defeating the purpose of the fingerprint scanner.”

Installation of the fingerprint scanners comes a few days after an on-campus shooting on Halloween that left four people injured. None of them were USC students.

Read more here.

---

Related articles:

Card system vendors refine off campus offerings Waging war over fees Student Advantage’s discount program: Coming to a campus card near you?