Page 20 - Campus Security & Life Safety, May/June 2021

interfering with the user experience, makes it more functional in reducing touchpoints and enables social distancing. Three types of technology and solutions are key to the enablement of a frictionless access control experience: mobile applications, touchless solutions, and wireless technologies.
Mobile and remote applications enable distance learning from kin- dergarten through higher education. The technology grew exponen- tially in importance and adoption during the pandemic and will likely continue well beyond – particularly for credentials. Mobile access is now desired more than ever for door openings – both for convenience and as a means of reducing touchpoints during the issu- ance of credentials.
Limiting touchpoints throughout campus is a key tactic for creat- ing a safe environment that allows colleges and universities to resume everyday activities. Because doors to classrooms and buildings across campus are a common and frequent touchpoint, touchless solutions can reduce the risk of virus or other germ transmission.
For example, hands-free arm and foot pulls can be affixed to exist- ing doors as a simple, cost-effective solution to reduce touch. Fully automated, touchless doorways can also provide complete safety and convenience, enabling the opening and closing of doors without touching or grasping hardware.
Expanding a campus’ existing access control system may seem like a daunting and expensive project. However, new technology can make a renovation project much more approachable.
For example, wireless access control solutions can be used to expand existing access control systems easily and cost-effectively with little to no construction or infrastructure updates.
Another important aspect of a healthy campus is understanding the impact that building materials, as well as the design and opera- tions of a facility can have on the health and well-being of its occu- pants. Today more than ever it is essential that every component of a campus should contribute to a safe and healthy learning environ- ment. Many building product manufacturers offer transparency doc- uments that can help you understand exactly what materials are being used and how they impact our health.
Mobile Access
Ninety-six percent of 18 to 29 year old Americans have a smart- phone, which is arguably the single-most important possession of col- lege students today. Students rely on their phones for managing nearly every aspect of their lives, and have come to expect the same level of convenience with their school ID that is used for a wide variety of applications from dining, vending and retail to attendance and access.
Adapting your campus to support a mobile student ID may require re-examining your card office business model to determine what this transition means for your campus, and what additional services can be provided to enhance the student experience.
To ensure that you are able to meet this expectation to attract and retain students, prepare your campus with access control infrastruc- ture that can support mobile access as soon as you’re ready to imple- ment it. There are also many other important considerations, such as communication technology, credential issuer and credential type. While this may seem overwhelming, trusted partners can help walk you through this process to ensure a smooth deployment.
Student Housing to Accommodate Increased Demand
Campus housing has long been a critical component to creating a sense of safety and security for college students, and demand for stu- dent housing is continuing to grow. During the COVID-19 pandemic, requirements for single occupancy drove this demand, despite many colleges and universities facing declining enrollment for the 2020/2021
"Adapting your campus to support a mobile student ID may require re-examining your card office business model to determine what this transition means for your campus."
school year, as many first-time students delayed their first year because of the pandemic and its impact on their college experience.
As we look ahead to the next school year, we are likely to see con- tinued demand for student housing due to an expected surge in col- lege applications as a growing number of higher education institu- tions remove the requirement for standardized test scores.
The challenge is the ability to respond quickly and effectively to this increase in demand. With decreased revenue streams, many institutions are facing reduced funding for new construction projects. With new construction being so vital to supporting a campus’ mis- sion, public-private partnerships (P3s) offer an excellent option for funding campus development projects. P3 projects offer a number of benefits, including:
• A higher end living experience for students with better amenities
than the more institutional residence halls traditionally found on
campuses
• Economic development for the local community
• The ability to complete development and construction projects
more quickly and efficiently, while still prioritizing the student experience
However, there are also important considerations to keep in mind as you embark on the P3 route. Private developers may not be as well versed in the campus card or student ID, and the significant role it plays in the day-to-day life of students. For a truly seamless integra- tion into your campus, you’ll want to ensure any new development projects have the security and access control infrastructure in place to support the use of the student ID, whether it’s a physical card or a mobile credential on the phone. In addition, it’s vital that the sense of safety and security you’ve established on your campus is carried through to any private developments.
There are many factors that contribute to the student experience, but in our roles as security professionals, it is our responsibility to instill a sense of safety, security and well-being to create an ideal learning environment. Thankfully, there are many tools and resources at our disposal that allow us to do so. By working closely together, we can accomplish this important mission.
Jim Primovic is the director of campus EAC sales at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions Americas.
Dean Drobot/Shutterstock.com
Student Safety
20 campuslifesecurity.com | MAY/JUNE 2021