Following a social media poll comprised of students, faculty and the public, the University of Alabama's card office recently revealed the new-look Action Card. The new credentials will continue to feature Denny Chimes -- a bell tower and campus landmark -- but will now add the university's mascot, Big Al, in the foreground.

According to a report from The Crimson White, Alabama's Division of Strategic Communications narrowed the design finalists to six that were then put to a public vote. The votes between the top two designs were so close that the Action Card Office then worked with its card vendor to decide which look best fit the new contactless chip technology in the new card.

The new card will introduce contactless chip technology, and all new and incoming freshman will be issued the new card design. Per the Action Card website, card readers on Alabama's campus are also being updated to support card tap, including Action Card, Bama Dining, Network Printing, SUPeStore, Dining Dollars and Bama Cash off-campus merchants.

Alabama's faculty and staff Action Card.

It had been twelve years since the Action Card was last redesigned. The reason for the design update was a desire to give the credential a refreshed aesthetic, as well as provide students with the opportunity to offer their input in the design of their credential. In addition to student IDs, the new design will carry across faculty and staff credentials as well.

A new photo is required with the new card, and students will not be able to submit a photo online. Instead, students will visit the Action Card office in person where staff will take student photos and issue the new cards on-site. Students will not be charged for the new card design, and as the new credentials are issued over time, the old cards will remain fully functional.

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