Students at Montclair State University in New Jersey are talking about a new requirement that they have a cell phone – at their expense. At Montclair State, being “in touch,” is mandatory for students, and the Sprint-operated devices can be used for email, as well as calls.
This is the first program of its kind in the country. The cost is $420 a year for a base plan, which is bundled into the tuition bill. The plan includes 50 peak voice minutes a month, but unlimited text messaging to any carrier, unlimited campus-based data usage, and student-activated emergency GPS tracking. The downside is when students already have a monthly cell phone bill, but the school is not profiting from the deal.
Montclair Police Department Chief Paul Cell said it allows students to have an extra people watching over them when they’re going from one location to another.
Positive impacts are already being experienced on campus, everything from an increased sense of security to checking the train schedule.
