Monday, April 8, 2002

A Wireless Handheld Computer Speeds Admission Lines at One Fraternity's Parties By JEFFREY R. YOUNG Bouncers at one Wake Forest University fraternity don't have to squint at student ID cards anymore -- they just scan the cards with a wireless handheld computer. The handhelds, which have been tested since last fall by Sigma Nu, are much like those used by package-delivery companies. Once a student's ID card is scanned, the student's age is automatically drawn from the university registrar's database and displayed. Those over 21 receive bracelets indicating they may drink. The idea was proposed to university officials by students who were fed up with how long it was taking to get into parties. At Wake Forest, fraternities are housed in university-owned dormitories, and organizations are required to record every student who attends a party where alcohol is served. Campus officials chose the handheld computers, instead of laptops or desktops, because they are "waterproof and drop-proof," says Jay L. Dominick, assistant vice president for information systems. The university bought the devices, which usually cost about $1,000 each, through a partnership with Symbol Technologies. The new system has crashed a few times, but for the most part, it's getting students into parties more quickly. As Chris Gottfried, a Sigma Nu member says, the lines have been cut by "a drastic amount." Easy-to-print version E-mail this article

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