Suggestions ranging from card swipers at living area entrances to using security guards as night receptionists were talked about at three forums on safety in MSU's residence halls Tuesday evening.

Information from small groups of MSU parents and students will be used as part of a Residence Halls Security Committee report to MSU President M. Peter McPherson.

Only two students and three parents aired their views at a forum held at Brody Hall.

One student, Cory Rose, said he feels safe on campus and doubts that new measures such as swipe cards would improve safety.

"If some one asks to be let in I will tell them 'no,' but someone will let them in," the hospitality business freshman and Holden Hall resident said. "Swipecards are a big inconvenience and more money spent - and they are not going to make me feel more safe."

Parents disagreed, saying the university has a responsibility to keep students safe and changes to night reception and access to the halls should be considered.

"We are not here to dictate to students what changes should be made," said Michael Martone, whose son, James Madison freshman Jonathan Martone was threatened at knife point in his Case Hall room last month.

"We want students to make their own educated and informed decisions."

At a forum held in the Union, MSU parent Diane Rundell said she is surprised MSU lags behind the University of Michigan in terms of security.

"The university has a lot more to do to fill responsibility," she said. "How much do they expect freshman to know on their own?"

No-preference freshman Eric George said increased use of security cameras are a good idea.

"It's not as expensive (as a swipe card system) and it's more effective," George told the forum at Shaw Hall. "If something happens you can review the tape."

Committee member and Director of Residence Life Paul Goldblatt said he found the Brody forum productive but hopes to gather more student input at future forms.

Another round of forums are planned for March 9 at 6:30 p.m. Locations are the Snyder Hall Dining Room, Akers Hall Room 133 and the Wilson Essex Underground.

Senior food science Christina Davids said she feels police and night receptions do a good job and the attempted robbery in Case Hall was blown out of proportion.

"This should raise your level of concern," the Mayo Hall resident said. "But it shouldn't to the point where you are phobic."

Alison Barker contributed to this report.