Over the past few years, the debate over universal keycard access has taken several courses.

House Masters and students were initially worried that universal access would allow strangers to enter Houses and threaten the security of students.

But student groups tried to allay these concerns, urging their fellow House residents to be vigilant in ensuring that only Harvard students be allowed to "piggyback" through frequently-open doorways.

Last year, Quincy House began universal access, and 10 other Houses soon followed suit.

When universal access was first suggested by the Undergraduate Council, the proposal called for 24-hour access, seven days a week.

Advocates said that access was necessary to allow students to visit friends and offer them the ability to enter Houses if they were in trouble or were being followed.

Though pleased with the announcement by the House masters, Undergraduate Council member and presidential candidate Sterling P.A. Darling '01 said he thinks that 24-hour access would be more beneficial to the students.

"That we're seeing a universal system is excellent news, but we'll continue to lobby for 24-hour access," said Darling, who sponsored legislation and helped garner support for the suggestion among the UC.