The University has unveiled the upgraded AllCampus ID card to incoming freshman, some upperclassmen and staff that serves to replace key fobs. The new card features an advancement in technology, such as credentialing and door access. Upperclassmen affected by the new technology, such as students who need access to buildings or labs, will receive a new card.
Jennifer Gilmore, University Dining marketing manager, said the new card will not affect the average student.
“It’s more important to us to card the people who are going to be with us for the longest period of time and then to re-card everyone else who is directly affected,” Gilmore said. “Over the next four years there is a really good chance that our new students will use the card, but they never had a card before, so we start with them.”
Gilmore said there are new types of technology coming out all the time.
“The University felt like there were some new things that needed to be happening. What is built in this card is the type of technology that will accommodate future technology,” Gilmore said.
Gilmore said the card has information chips and coil in it.
“The coils we can use right now because it starts moving us towards secure door access,” Gilmore said. “But just having memory build up in this card opens up many more opportunities for us to take advantage of technology beyond.”
Gilmore said the bottom of the old card has no technology tied to the given expiration date.
“Whereas now when my card expires I will be required to come get a new one, because suddenly my door access will be gone,” Gilmore said.
Wolf Village, Berry, Becton and Bagwell residential halls have been switched to card access.
“When someone loses their key to their room or suite, all the doors have to be re-keyed,” Gilmore said. “Over time we will have almost all buildings card accessible.”
Jordan Brooks, junior in life sciences, said it’s a good idea the University replaced the key fobs with the new ID cards.
“A fob is just another thing you need to keep up with,” Brooks said. “You’re always going to have your student ID with you.”
Brooks also said she thinks it is great students are having an opportunity to use new technology.
“They should take advantage of it,” Brooks said.
Yaneth Pena, a freshman in First Year College, said she thinks it’s cool that her class can use ID cards for everything.
“I know the class of 2010 has always been really special with technology,” Pena said.
Pena said when her class started high school they were always the “guinea pigs.”
“Now that we’re in college we’re the guinea pigs of the cards,” Pena said. “It’s special we get to be the guinea pigs for something new and advanced, like the new ID cards.”
