The Florida A&M University School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (SJGC) has implemented new security measures, including restricted door access and enhanced camera surveillance, sparking attention from students.
There’s been a gradual growth in security upgrades surrounding the building, ultimately changing the way students get to and from their classrooms.
Darnell Walker-Jones, a sophomore broadcast journalism major, says the increase of locked doors has been an inconvenience to his original routines.
“My route has changed,” Walker-Jones said.“After lunch at Chick-fil-A, I would normally go through a back green door by Coleman, but now that it’s closed, I have to walk all the way around.”
Other students don’t think the locations of the advanced security were strategically thought out regarding their routes to specific classes.
Bianca Holsey, a senior graphic design student, says the doors are primarily locked on the graphics side of the building.
“I really don’t like that the only doors locked are our doors,” Holsey said. “I think it is unfair, but I understand it, I guess they have to still work through how they are doing it.”
Among the most noticeable enhancements, particularly on the fourth floor, now requires visitors to be buzzed into the Dean’s Suite. This change limits unrestricted access, ensuring that only authorized personnel can enter certain areas.
In addition to the buzz-in system, SJGC has installed several new surveillance cameras throughout the building. These cameras were placed to monitor areas, such as entrances, hallways, and common spaces. The presence of these cameras has not gone unnoticed by students as well.
“Just the other day me and my friends were leaving an event and were like oh, look it’s another camera,” Hosley said.
Mira Lowe, the dean of SJGC, says the new equipment is to keep technology up to date and manage accessibility to the building.
“Our recent security upgrades are part of a comprehensive plan to enhance technology and replace outdated or malfunctioning equipment, such as card readers and cameras,” Lowe said. “This plan aims to improve access control for our 100,000 square foot facility on an open campus.”
She also says that safety and security remain top priorities for the school and the university.
Likewise, students have mentioned that the security upgrades will make them feel safer.
“Now that we have more security, I think students will feel more comfortable going to their class and not having to worry about someone who is not a student walking in or anything like that,” Walker-Jones said.
While some students acknowledge that adapting to these changes takes time, especially in their adjusted routes, most agree they are a vital step toward a safer campus.