Client Success Story - North Carolina A&T State University
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (N.C. A&T) is a public, doctoral/research-intensive university committed to fulfilling its fundamental purposes through exemplary undergraduate and graduate instruction, scholarly and creative research, and effective public service. Since its inception as a land-grant university in 1891, N.C. A&T has had a rich tradition of leadership and achievement.
Service History
In 1981, North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University installed the Series/3 campus card system. The university upgraded to Series/5 Protégé in 1995, Gen6 in 1998, and then CS Gold® in 2000. CS Gold was so successful on campus that the school later chose to integrate electronic security and response management. The university also uses many other CBORD® products, such as copier readers, laundry, vending, and MICROS® point-of-sale terminals.
A Total Security Solution
When North Carolina A&T State University wanted to curb crime and provide a higher level of security, it turned to CS Gold from CBORD for a solution. Even though it had no major security problems or threats, the university wanted to take a proactive, instead of reactive, approach.
“In the post-9/11 environment, we are dedicated to securing our students and the community in which they live,” says Curtis W. Bigelow, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Police and Public Safety. “Today, more students and staff are concerned with what the campus provides in terms of security.”
Seamless Integration
The campus was already using the CS Gold system for stored value and credit, access, and other needs when it started looking for a security solution. It was natural for the university to research what was integrated into the software.
The school chose to install an electronic system consisting of a centralized monitoring station with eight digital video recorders (DVR) networked to almost 150 cameras located throughout the campus.
“The system provided the visual assistance we needed, and was integrated into our card system. We couldn't ask for an easier, more effective solution,” says Reginald Wade, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Business Services.
The first phase of the installation was completed in early 2005 and provided dividends in the first few weeks when a hit-and-run was observed. Since then, the 24-hour, real-time monitoring has continued to be an asset. When a crime happens in a camera's field of view, it greatly enhances the police department's chances of apprehending suspects.
“Visual monitoring adds integrity, security, and information capacity,” says Bigelow. “The upgraded security solution benefits the entire campus.”
Lasting Benefits
North Carolina A&T State University's Aggie OneCard Office sees three key benefits from the solution. First, it provides the campus with a sense of security— monitored areas make students, guests, and staff members feel safe. Second, monitoring strengthens campus police operations. If a crime is committed at a monitored location, police can review the video to assist in identifying the perpetrator and prevent future criminal activity. Third, having a state-of-the-art security system attracts new enrollment.
“This system really gives us an edge—so much so that we are continually expanding it,” says John Matherson, Director of North Carolina A&T State University's Aggie OneCard Office.
