“It’s a really good idea because I think that most universities and businesses in general are going more electronic versus paper-based,” said Christine Knasel, an education senior who lives in West Circle.

Prior to the system’s debut, West Circle residents could only make maintenance requests through a log located at each hall’s front desk.

“It’s not meant to replace the system we have already,” Manson said. “You can still go to the front desk and write a request.”

The electronic system is meant to provide students with a more convenient way to access maintenance services, Manson said.

If the system receives positive feedback, it could be expanded to all MSU dorms by next fall, Manson said. Officials are using the pilot program to test the software and its effectiveness.

“We went to Ohio State and Penn State and visited with their staff to see what was working well and what wasn’t,” Manson said. “We think, all in all, the system should work extremely well.”

Officials researched similar online systems and considered Web security issues during the system’s planning stage. Manson said the software is owned by MSU and no money has been spent on the project.

“If we don’t like the system we have, we will look into investing in other software,” Manson said.

Maintenance and front desk employees can access service requests and are expected to check them at least three times a day, Manson said.

Feedback from students, maintenance and front desk staff members have been positive, but Knasel said encouraging students to use the software will be an ongoing staff concern.

“Everyone’s kind of apprehensive about it at the moment,” Knasel said. “But it’s a great idea and from what I’ve seen it’s worked well when students aren’t afraid to use it.”

Alyssa Kocis, an elementary education freshman who does not live in West Circle, said the system could make requesting room maintenance easier for students.

“We have a couple problems in our room that we would like to get fixed, but it’s kind of a hassle,” Kocis said. “If you need something fixed you could just go online and report it and they would come whenever they’re available.”