As campus buzzed with talk about impostor Azia Kim’s involvement in ROTC, a strong majority of more than 40 students interviewed Tuesday said that the ordeal has not shaken their sense of security on campus and that the 18-year-old Fullerton resident who pretended to be a student for eight months should be forced to pay restitution to the University.

In a battery of interviews at Tresidder Union between noon and 7 p.m. yesterday, questions about who was to blame for the ruse’s length drew the most diverse answers. But more than half blamed either Student Housing or the resident assistants (RAs) in Kimball and Okada, the two dorms where Kim squatted during her time on campus.

Students were also divided over whether she should be allowed back, with a plurality of respondents saying no.

Four students said the fiasco has undermined their sense of security.

“You think everyone is a registered student, then you find out some girl has been able to pass herself off as a student,” said Charisma Chotalia ‘10. “It’s kind of scary.”

Lauren Wood ‘10 said that “it’s something new to think about every time you meet people.”

Even among those who said they did not feel less safe, answers were varied and included several references to the Apr. 16 Virginia Tech massacre.

“I was talking to my mom about it over this weekend,” said Priyanka Narayan ‘08, “and I feel like it’s not a big deal, but everyone is still on high alert after Virginia Tech.”

The question, “Should Azia Kim go to jail?” got only one “yes” vote, while the question “Should she pay restitution” received 30 positive responses. According to the University’s housing policies, Kim could be liable for $175 per day of unauthorized residence — $42,000 in total.

“I think there should be some kind of punishment or it’s just encouraging this kind of thing,” said Indu Premukumar ‘10, “but maybe not the full $42,000.”

Some who argued for some sort of leniency were swayed by the Long Beach native’s dedication and passion.

“I’m impressed that she could pull that off for so long, without paying housing or anything,” said Jay Kilachand ‘09, who also supported admitting Kim. “I wish I could do that.”

Many cited concern for Kim’s state of mind and wondered what role psychological factors could have played in motivating her to tell the stories she told.

“There might be mental problems that should be looked at before we pass judgment,” said a freshman named Michael, who asked that his last name not be mentioned.

“I think it’s more important that they have measures to account for her mental health,” said Alicia Dennis ‘07.

When asked, “Who, if anyone, is responsible for this going on for so long,” 15 people held RAs somewhat responsible, claiming that they should have noticed suspicious behavior and checked on their residents. Eight placed some of the blame on Stanford Housing.

“Many people apply to be an RA just to get a single and don’t pay any attention to their residents,” said one senior, who was granted anonymity because he has friends who are staff members.

Twelve people either blamed no one or said that it would not be productive to play the blame game.

“The system is not built to catch this sort of thing,” said Estelle Luk ‘10. “It was just extremely random.”

Dan Meyer ‘08 echoed Luk’s belief that no person or group is to blame.

“I kind of figure that it’s a fluke thing and to catch it would require a lot of diligence that’s not really necessary,” he said.

This survey consisted of 38 undergraduates, one co-terminal and one master’s student. There were 21 females and 19 males. Twelve respondents were freshmen, six were sophomores, 11 were juniors and 10 were seniors.

Despite Facebook groups such as “I Want Azia Kim As My Roommate” and “Let Azia Stay,” only four students supported offering her acceptance into Stanford. Fifteen were against letting her return, and 12 were indifferent, as long as she was admitted through the normal process.

“Sure,” said Eileen Ho ‘07, who supported admitting Kim. “If she wanted it so badly that she would spend eight months here.”

“She’s clearly committed to working,” said Erica Emmons ‘10. “But she might not be the student Stanford wants. You’d have to go back and look at the reasons she wasn’t admitted in the first place.”