New ID cards part of effort to improve security

A major overhaul of the University's identification card system is scheduled for this spring and summer. The goal is to create a more secure environment on campus and to take advantage of new technology.

Staff members from several departments on campus have been working for a year on plans to launch the improved system. Perhaps the most visible change will be the replacement of some 17,000 ID cards held by students, faculty, staff, spouses, dependents, domestic partners, trustees, retirees and affiliates.

The need for the change began with the decision to replace the 500 proximity readers currently installed on some campus buildings, according to Becky Goodman, manager of software services in the Office of Information Technology. She has been working as project manager with other staff members from OIT, facilities, dining services and public safety, among others.

The readers provide secure access to all dormitories and to some academic and administrative buildings for those holding ID cards with programmable prox chips. The current prox chips don't always work correctly, and the technology is proprietary and available through only one vendor. While all students have ID cards with prox chips, only certain faculty and staff do.

Read the full story in the Weekly Bulletin.

Contact: Eric Quinones (609) 258-3601