Hofstra University Enhances Student Safety with Full Height Turnstiles

Located 25 miles east of New York City in Hempstead, Long Island, Hofstra University campus boasts 115 buildings on 240 acres, 1180 faculty members and over 7000 full-time undergraduate students. With so many students in a densely populated area of Long Island, Hofstra takes the safety of its students seriously.

For several years now, Hofstra University has been using Boon Edam’s Tomsed full height turnstiles along with a card swipe access control system to control and monitor the access of students and guests into residential halls and compounds. Students swipe their HofstraCard ID and pass through a turnstile, one at a time. Guests must sign in with a Resident Safety Representative (RSR) student at the front desk before being allowed to enter. Using full height turnstiles ensures that students or guests cannot jump or crawl through to the secure side. Handicapped students enter using their HofstraCard ID and an automatic emergency exit door, under the supervision of a Resident Safety Representative (RSR).

Transparent Turnstiles for Interiors

For entrances in central buildings on complexes, Hofstra uses the transparent, THT-100CSTG turnstile to create a security entrance with a aesthetic, open appearance. The clear Lexan panels allow light to pass through the entrance while the rugged engineering handles the high throughput. "Our students really like the transparent look of these turnstiles," says Mercedes Ravelo, Senior Assistant Director, Department of Public Safety. "And, having these at our entrances makes it much easier for our RSR’s: now they can focus on processing guests and other duties. They really appreciate the greater control and the parents feel more comfortable knowing their children are safer."

“Our employees appreciate the greater control and the parents feel more comfortable.”

Metal Turnstiles for Exterior

Hofstra University uses the all metal, durable construction of the Tomsed THT-100 full height turnstile to provide outdoor access control into residence compounds from remote parking locations. The turnstiles provide unmanned access control that can withstand years of outdoor weather conditions and traffic from hundreds of students per day.

Future Plans

Hofstra University currently uses both types of Boon Edam turnstiles at several locations, and due to their success, plans to install more in the coming years. The turnstiles are installed when buildings are renovated and are now included in plans for new buildings.

"Once we saw the safety benefits for the students and the positive difference the turnstiles made for our employees, we began incorporating them into our future plans and budget," says Ravelo.

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