The Times

Issue date: 2/4/08 Section: News

Joe Student

The Board of Trustees discussed the final details of photo ID's for all employees and students district wide.

In January, the policy was introduced and its main factors were presented. Adopting this policy would place San Jacinto in the current college trend of increasing and creating security measures.

The policy is expected to be put into effect before the end of the spring semester. Students and all employees will be issued photo ID cards. Employees will be required to visibly wear their ID cards at all times. For students however, the policy is different.

"Students do not have to wear their photo ID cards, but must present them if requested," Vice President of Marketing Terri Fowle said.

The ID cards will not only identify who belongs on campus and who doesn't, but will also be required to use the college's student services.

If students wish to use a college computer, check out a library book or use the testing center, they must present their ID card.

Fowle said this will prevent people who are not students from abusing San Jacinto's student services.

These details, as well as the adding of more functions to the ID cards, are still under discussion.

The college hopes that tying services to the ID cards will give students a reason to carry them. To be issued a photo ID card, students will go to the library at any of the campuses to have their picture taken. No fee will be required to obtain the ID card.

"This new photo ID system will not result in an increase in tuition," Vice President of Enrollment Services Bill Raffetto said.

The college purchased the ID system for approximately $56,456.75 according to the office of Kenneth Lynn, vice chancellor of fiscal affairs.

After the tragic events on April 16, 2007 at Virginia Tech, colleges everywhere are taking safety measures to increase security. This trend has spread quickly with Texas colleges. San Jacinto hopes to create a more secure environment with this new policy.

"I think the new photo ID policy is good because it gives a little more sense of security," Jerome Gordine, South student, said.

In another safety measure, San Jacinto purchased the ENS (Emergency Notification System) for $57,000 in the summer of 2007. The function of the ENS is in a state of emergency, students will receive a call or text on their cell phone with an automated message. This message would inform students of the emergency and provide instructions on what action to take.

A 1-800 number would also be included for students to call to receive news in an emergency. How students will register their contact information with this system is still under discussion.

San Jacinto is also working on getting the ENS system up and running in for the spring semester.

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