Holly Pointe Commons strengthens security measures

Holly Pointe Commons, the largest first-year residential building on Rowan University’s campus, has begun enforcing stricter overnight entry procedures on the weekends. 

Residents in Holly Pointe Commons now may only enter the building through the D and E-Pod entrance between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Students are also expected to have their Rowan IDs with them at all times, with Rowan Police Department enforcing students to scan their IDs only at the D and E-Pod entrances during the time the rules are in place. 

This decision was sparked after recent concerns over the safety of Holly Pointe residents, as the attention towards nonresidents entering the building, commonly at night, grew. While campus security and police recognize that it is a kind gesture for a student to hold the door open for the student behind them, it can be a major security threat to those living in dorms. 

Students received an email from Residential Learning and University Housing stating why this decision was put in place. 

“These procedures are being implemented to: reduce unauthorized access to residential spaces, increase overnight monitoring of building entry points, [and] strengthen the overall safety of our community,” said Residential Learning and University Housing in an email. 

These new rules have stirred up emotions in those living in Holly Pointe Commons this year. Some find this new rule to be an inconvenience, while others share their understanding of the rules to keep Holly Pointe residents safe. 

This rule has been frustrating to those living on the ends of Holly Pointe Commons, such as A-Pod and G-Pod. Instead of being able to enter the building through the entrance closest to them, these students have to walk around the building to get back to their rooms. David J. Ruiz, a biological sciences major, shares how this new situation can be frustrating and inconvenient. 

“I think they can find a better strategy because it doesn’t make sense for people who live at the ends of the building to walk all that way just to pass their doors. There’s enough cops for them to have one at each door. I think the rules are okay. I feel safer now, but it’s still annoying,” said Ruiz. 

Maria Conte, an accounting major, shares how overwhelming this new rule can be now that there is an extensive police presence at Holly Pointe Commons. 

“It’s not that it doesn’t make me feel safe. It’s just kind of overwhelming how the cops are at every door. I understand the point, but it’s also just overwhelming to have so much police presence,” said Conte. 

Other students seem not to be bothered by the rule change and have continued with their day-to-day lives. Cole Sluis, an electrical and computer engineering major, shares his thoughts on the rule change.

“I think it’s fine. It’s used to keep us safer,” said Sluis. 

Alexandra Kurcaba, an exercise science major, understands why these new rules need to be enforced for the safety of Rowan students. 

“I think it’s better for sure. It’s better so that people who don’t go here aren’t roaming in our hallways, especially in the middle of the night,” said Kurcaba.

Rowan’s Residential Learning and University Housing committee continues in their email how they prioritize the safety of Rowan students. 

“Your safety is our top priority, and we are implementing [these] new procedures to help keep our community safe…We appreciate your cooperation in advance with this policy and our shared responsibility to maintain a safe residential community,” said Residential Learning and University Housing via email. 

The Residential Learning and University Housing committee recognizes that although this change can be frustrating, the team emphasizes that this new policy was put in place to ensure the safety of those living in Holly Pointe Commons.