COLUMBIA, S.C. – Allen University is giving away free cell phones to students as a new security measure.
The Sprint PCS Vision LX350 phones have a location tracking feature by which university security personnel can monitor student whereabouts. The tracking feature will only be enabled by student request and will track the student for any time period he or she designates.
The student’s identity is not revealed during the tracking period unless the student fails to enter his or her security code at the end of the tracking period. If the security code is not received, the student’s information is relayed to security personnel, who are dispatched to verify that the student is not in danger.
The cell phones are integrated into an online course management system that grants them access to E-mail, voicemail and text messaging.
The university already has a similar system in place for its faculty and staff.
