"The switch should be driven by the policy," he says. "We're trying t be able to support whatever policy the College feels in necessary."

And despite any increased financial or technical investment , Lichten says universal access in "a great tool."

Safe, Not Sorry

In addition to requiring a modification of existing systems, universal access has touched off a debate about safety and security concerns across campus.

In November, two prints loaned to Quincy House by the Fogg Art Museum were stolen from Quincy's Griswold Room after the "Bare as You Dare Dance," engendering some concern that universal access might have left the House more vulnerable .

But Quincy House Master Michael Shinagel Stresses that the publicized theft is completely unrelated to the newly-implemented universal access system.

"So far, the students all seem to like it," he says. "So far, so good."

Dean of the College Harry R. Lewis '68 says he, too, in delighted that more and more Houses are experimenting with universal access and don't see the system as a safety hazard.

"I don't consider it a violation of the 'two locked doors' policy to give a Harvard undergraduate with a valid keycard direct access to an entryway or a floor of another House," Lewis says.

"The policy means than there should be two locked doors between a student's bedroom and the street, not two locked doors between a Lowellian and a Kirklandian, for example."

Joy J. Liu '99, a resident of Eliot House, adds, "Can't we all just trust each other?"