AUC Security Office Changes Gate Operations
BY NADA BARAKA
![A student walking into Seoudi gate [Hana Shousha]](http://www.auccaravan.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/gate-e1425762265188.jpg)
Members of the AUC community are accustomed to using Gate 1; this has been particularly useful to those who need to get to the AUC Center for the Arts (PVA).
“I usually carry a lot of things when entering and so the closure of Gate 1 is extremely annoying,” said Salma El Sayed, a graphic design senior.
The decision came after growing concerns from visitors who were unable to find enough parking spots.
“Parking of students and staff at Gate 1 was not correct because it didn’t leave a chance for visitors coming to the admissions office as spaces are occupied all day long,” said Senior Director for Security Mokhtar Shalaby.
The university did not send an official email announcing the closure; Shalaby believes thatthis is not necessary as the new regulations already enforce the established policy.
Students and staff wishing to enter on foot may still do so. Those being dropped off are also still allowed to use that gate provided they are not using taxis.
Shalaby also mentioned that as part of an upcoming phase, visitor vehicles would now be filmed on camera prior to entry.
The current system had security personnel manually taking down license numbers.
On the other hand, the Seoudi Gate, which became accessible last year, was only open from 7 am to 10:30 PM.
“We opened the gate based on many requests from students in the dorms who said that it was closer to them and easier to transport their luggage,” Shalaby said.
Yasmine Hashim, a political science senior and dorm resident, was one of those who requested the Seoudi Gate be opened all the time.
She told The Caravan that she met with Shalaby on March 1 along with other dorm residents to discuss the importance of the gate to students and to those who want easier access to the sports complex.
“There was already a security guard there… The office wouldn’t even have to hire new staff,” Hashim said.
