Campus ID News
Card, mobile credential, payment and security
FEATURED
PARTNERS

Hofstra revokes universal RA access privileges

Andrew Hudson   ||   Feb 16, 2018  ||   ,

Hofstra University has implemented new access privilege protocols for its resident assistants, revoking previously universal access rights to all campus residence halls.

As reported by The Hofstra Chronicle, the revocation of access privileges marks the end of a pilot program that Hofstra's Office of Residence Life had enacted. That pilot was intended to enable resident assistants to swipe in at any residence hall on campus to attend group training sessions and support fellow RA programming across the various dormitories.

“We found that the swipe access was often being used to enter buildings for purposes other than what was intended when the pilot program began,” said Beth McGuire, senior assistant dean of students and director of Residence Life, in a Hofstra Chronicle interview. “Based on that, and a recommendation from Public Safety, we opted to discontinue the program.”

The university's department of public safety also weighted in on the issue, stating that “universal access to dorm buildings is always risky, always controversial and unnecessary in most cases.” University administrators are confident that the change in policy won't negatively impact resident assistants' ability to successfully carry out their responsibilities.

The decision is seemingly dividing opinion amongst resident assistants, with some arguing that universal access helps to better serve student residents. The policy change, however, is undoubtedly a positive move for safety and security.

“I personally hate the lack of access. It’s annoying because I move around campus so often to the point that it becomes a burden to hand in my ID every time I enter a res hall,” said one Hofstra resident assistant, in a Chronicle interview. “I understand that giving complete access to students is a liability, but there’s a reason we were hired – because the majority of us can handle the responsibility of unrestricted access. It’s a shame that a few RAs had to abuse that privilege.”

Hofstra's Office of Residence Life has reported receiving no formal complaints regarding the new access privilege restrictions.

“It doesn’t really bother me because I didn’t really utilize the access,” commented another Hofstra resident assistant. “If anything, it’s a smart application of security risk and vulnerability management. I’m sure it will cause some inconvenience for some RAs who have to work frequently in different residence halls, but then again, the more you limit privileges like this, the more you reduce the chance of any kind of safety risk.”

Related Posts

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter

RECENT ARTICLES

Integrated Payments Dashboard screen
Apr 02, 25 / ,

Data analytics: The new imperative for higher education's future

Higher education is facing a new reality. As enrollment numbers fluctuate and budgets contract, colleges and universities must either embrace data-driven decision-making or risk obsolescence. The implementation of sophisticated data analytics platforms has evolved from a mere advantage to an essential survival tool. Modern universities compete not only through academic excellence but through operational innovation. […]
mobile ordering on phone
Apr 01, 25 /

Mobile ordering, flex, and meal swipes cut wait times in half at Berkeley

Berkeley Dining expanded its Grubhub mobile ordering to allow both flex dollars and meal swipes at four on campus dining locations. Previously, flex dollars could only be used to purchase food through the Grubhub app from off campus restaurants, but now both flex dollars and meal swipes can be used for pickup at campus restaurants. […]
NACCU video shoot promo
Mar 27, 25 /

Going to NACCU? Do a quick video interview and get a $50 gift card

At the CampusIDNews booth (#113) in the NACCU exhibit hall, the CampusIDNews team is shooting short (5-8 minute) video interviews with campus leaders and exhibitors profiling things happening, shaping, or confronting their programs and our industry. I would like to invite you to participate and share your insights with other NACCU members and higher ed […]
CIDN logo reversed
The only publication dedicated to the use of campus cards, mobile credentials, identity and security technology in the education market. CampusIDNews – formerly CR80News – has served more than 6,500 subscribers for more than two decades.
Twitter

Attn: friends in the biometrics space. Nominations close Friday for the annual Women in Biometrics Awards. Take five minutes to recognize a colleague or even yourself. http://WomenInBiometrics.com

Feb. 1 webinar explores how mobile ordering enhanced campus life, increased sales at UVA and Central Washington @Grubhub @CBORD

Load More...
Contact
CampusIDNews is published by AVISIAN Publishing
315 E. Georgia St.
Tallahassee, FL 32301
www.AVISIAN.com[email protected]
Use our contact form to submit tips, corrections, or questions to our team.
©2025 CampusIDNews. All rights reserved.