Walking into Willow and Larch Halls will be as simple as a swipe of a card with a new access system.The system was installed during Thanksgiving break last semester and will be up and running soon, after a few technical problems are solved, said Randy Alexander, director of residence.”I did know that there was a problem with the design of the lock,” he said. “It had to do with the lock not wearing out too quickly. It’s something that we need to correct.”Eric Mata, Willow Hall director, said he is unsure when the residents will be issued their cards, but he said the system should be in operation within the next few weeks.Alexander said the purpose of the system is to improve security at the two residence halls. “Historically, we’ve issued keys for the building — one for their room and one for the outside door,” he said. “Anyone can lose a key. If someone finds the keys, they can then get into the building.”To avoid having to replace the keys periodically, Alexander said the Department of Residence found it more convenient to go with the card system.”If the cards are lost, we can just punch that individual’s card out of the system and reissue them a new one,” he said.With access cards, Mata said, students will be able to cut through Maple Hall after hours instead of taking an alternate route.”People in Willow or Larch will be able to walk through Maple instead of going around it to get to Linden [Hall] or the rest of campus after 11 p.m.,” he said.Maple Hall was the first residence hall to be issued an access card system, and Alexander said the residents haven’t had any problems with the system yet. In the future, Alexander said, the Department of Residence plans to apply the system to each floor’s kitchen. “Larch will be the first, but that’s another three or four years out,” he said. “We’ve had messes in kitchens, so this way anyone who has a card for that kitchen can get in.”Marsha Chapman, sophomore in chemical engineering, lives in Larch Hall and said she believes the system will be beneficial for students.”It seems like it’s the safest thing,” she said. “In some ways it’s easier too — it won’t bother me that much.”