RA’s and students share both positive and negative experiences
On Jan. 17, the Office of Student Life announced via email a new swipe card system for all resident halls. For this new system, residents have two options: using the Verkada Pass app or specific access cards to open the new locks.
The email announcement said, “All swipe card readers for external doors will be replaced with the new swipe card readers. Additionally, all interior doors to elevators and the back exit doors in Clark will be replaced with the new system. The swipe card readers for individual rooms in Clark and the Student Apartments are not being replaced.”
On the Apple app store, Verkada Pass has an overall rating of 2.6/5 stars with 38 ratings. One reviewer said, “Those that used it for unlocking doors or as a replacement for a key are loving it. However, those using it as a replacement for their HOA system are consistently facing problems.” Another reviewer had harsher criticism for the app and said, “When I have to use it, the app does not work at all. I have to delete the app and reinstall it for it to […] work.”
The company has faced controversy on the national level. In a 2024 press release, the U.S. Department of Justice stated, “In a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, the United States alleges that Verkada failed to implement reasonable security measures such as appropriate access management and data protection controls and adequate encryption of customer data. These failures allegedly exposed sensitive information — including security-camera footage of consumers visiting locations like hospitals and schools — to unauthorized access.”
The press release explained the conclusion of the lawsuit: “To resolve the lawsuit, the parties agreed to a settlement reflected by the stipulated order issued today by the Court. The stipulated order requires Verkada to pay a $2.95 million civil penalty and to comply with the CAN-SPAM Act, including by honoring requests to opt out of its commercial emails. The stipulated order also prohibits Verkada from misrepresenting its data security practices and requires it to establish a comprehensive information security program and undergo regular third-party assessments of its data security practices.”
Mary Reid, Director of Housing Operations, explained OSL’s main goal in implementing these new residence hall locks.
“It was wanting to make sure that all the students have easy and consistent access to all of the residence halls,” said Reid. “I know that there’s been a few issues in the past, and we wanted to make sure that everyone had complete and safe access.”
Sophomore education major Caroline Duggan explained her relief when she read the email announcement explaining the transition from key card access to the new lock passes: “When they sent out the email that they were going to change the locks, I was praising the Lord because it used to be [where] you’d have to use your key card and it was the hardest thing,” said Duggan. “It [was] so annoying and honestly felt unsafe.”
Clare Gramlich, freshman business and drama double major, mentioned her initial skepticism about the functionality of the app. “I think I was a little apprehensive for sure because with technology you never really know if it’s going to work right,” said Gramlich. “And then, well, what if it doesn’t work, and then what do you do? You’re just sort of stuck.”
Nolia Alexander, senior psychology major, commented on how the app’s functionality is not universal:“I personally haven’t experienced anything, but I have heard people [who are] logged in, they did all the steps they used their email and stuff, they have the app running, their Bluetooth always on, as they’re instructed to do so, and they still can’t utilize their phones with the doors,” said Alexander.
Andrew Sanders, senior politics major, mentioned the criticism he has heard in using the new app: “Everyone is upset that the app drains their battery like nobody’s business,” said Sanders. “Everyone is upset that the app doesn’t always work, even when you’re following the procedures. And generally, people seem to feel like this was a major inconvenience.”
On the other hand, Alexander explained how she has generally heard positive reviews for the app. “I hear a lot of people are really pleased with it, especially us RAs. […] I think the app is nice, especially because we utilize [our phones] anyway,” said Alexander. “So we have our phones on us pretty much all the time, except for those who don’t, and even then, they can get the card.”
Reid encouraged student residents to share feedback with the OSL and said, “If students do have any questions or input about it, we’d love to hear it.”