Technology services on campus are likely to expand through a more efficient phone charging station in the Colvard Student Union. 
   The technological advances of this generation have soared to new heights once again, although this time, the momentum has left outdated cell phone charging in the dust. 
   Mississippi State University first experienced the convenience of free-standing phone charging stations in the Union about two years ago. However,  Building Services Coordinator Brad Hill said the current charging stations are not secure. 
   “With the current phone chargers, you have to plug your phone in and leave it on a ledge to be charged,” Hill said. 
 With the concern of security in mind, Hill said he began looking for more reliable charging technology. During his research, Hill said he found a more effective charging station called Bright Box. 
 Hill said one of the benefits of Bright Box is the individual charging slots each phone is stored in while charging.  Hill said the Bright Box station can be accessed by a swipe of an MSU ID or credit card for no charge. Once the card is swiped, the Bright Box can only be opened again by that specific card. 
   Hill said Bright Box also offers a face recognizing camera to cut down on the potential of phone theft.
 “This technology can verify you by seeing your face and [the system] can go back and see who accessed the charging slot,” Hill said.
Hill said the funds for this program are under the Student Association budget.
Student Association Vice President Roxanne Raven said the charging stations are one way students’ needs are effectively met. 
    “It [Student Association] is trying to become more and more in tune with what students want,” Raven said.
  Raven said effectiveness is found in the convenience. 
  “When [students] see an amenity that’s brought to them, it gets used,” Raven said.
  Bright Box  Director of Sales Anthony D’Eramo said the convenience of Bright Box coupled with the need for reliable charging stations, makes the technology perfect for college campuses. 
    “By offering a secure way to recharge your phone on campus, students can stay charged and connected all the time,” D’Eramo said.
However, Hill said partnering with the Student Association for the investment of Bright Box will take time. 
 “We’re in an exploratory phase to see if [Bright Box] is something we want to bring to the Union,” Hill said.
 Despite the wait for Bright Box to be implemented on campus, Hill said he ultimately wants the purchase to aid students. 
    “If we’re going to make the investment, we want to make it mean something to people,” Hill said.