The early closing of Case Hall may only be a temporary measure to assess dorm security following an attempted armed robbery Thursday, officials said.
As of Sunday, night receptionists will go on duty at 9 p.m. in response to the incident on South Case's sixth floor. A knife was held to the throat of James Madison freshman Jonathan Martone on Thursday night.
"We were not sure if the incident was specific to Case Hall so we decided to lock the doors early, while we access security," Director of Residence Life Paul Goldblatt said.
The early closing will not be extended to other dorms at this time, Goldblatt said. Doors lock at midnight on the rest of campus. He said the system will be evaluated and there may be some permanent adjustment to hours at Case and other halls.
Residence Life, the MSU Department of Police and Public Safety, Housing & Food Services and other departments plan on meeting later this week to discuss hall security, Goldblatt said, adding he intends to gather student input which so far he describes as a "mixed bag."
"Some students have said they felt more secure, but others want more access," he said.
Martone's father, Michael Martone, is gathering with other MSU parents this week in attempt to demand better security in the dorms from the administration. He believes the 9 p.m. lock down should be extended to all halls.
His son was assaulted shortly before 11 p.m.
"If the knife went up instead of down you would have murder on your hands," Martone said.
In addition to a permanent 9 p.m. closing, Martone said he would like to see 24-hour card swipers at all entrances, more security cameras and better lighting in the hallways.
But locking down the buildings around the clock is not an option because classrooms and offices must be accessed during the day, said Chuck Gagliano, assistant vice president for Housing & Food Services.
Not all students are in favor of an early close.
Wilson Hall resident and marketing freshman Tom Turgeon said he doesn't want access to his hall restricted.
"A lockdown doesn't stop anything," he said, adding if someone wants to get in the building they will find a way other than the front door.
MSU police are continuing their investigation. Anyone with information should call (517)355-2222.
