Card, mobile credential, payment and security
An article in Southern Mississippi University’s student paper, addressed concerns over the perceived high cost of replacement ID cards.
“A scratched magnetic stripe on a Southern Miss student ID can cost $20, limiting access to dorms or meals,” begins the SM2 piece. “For many students, this price is an unexpected burden.”
Campus card and auxiliary service professionals understand that replacement cards cost the institution money, and they often serve as an important source of revenue to fund the card program.
To the students, however, the fees can seem onerous.
Two-thirds of institutions charge between $15 and $50 for replacement cards with the average hovering around $20.
The article provides a glimpse into the student perspective, and it can help card office managers better position the fees in student facing interactions and materials.
Here are some key points students made against the fees:
The author goes on to quote the Southern Miss website saying, student ID cards are permanent and must be reused throughout a student’s time at the university unless they purchase a new one.
But, the article says, students argue that the card is not strong enough to withstand normal use. “This (leaves) students questioning why the appearance is changing, but not the issue with the card’s durability.”
While the $20 replacement card fee may seem excessive to the article’s author, it is not out of the norm when compared to other campuses.
Two-thirds of institutions charge between $15 and $50 for replacement cards with the average hovering around $20, according to the NACCU 2023 Campus Profile Summary Report.
The issue isn’t the fee. It is the student perception of the fee.
That puts the Southern Miss card program in line with its peer organizations.
The issue, however, isn’t the fee. It is the student perception of the fee.
The lesson is to keep this perception in mind and be prepared to explain it in a way that students will understand. Acknowledge their concerns but provide ideas to protect the card and explain its crucial role on campus.
Consider ways to more proactively share this message at different touchpoints such as orientation, issuance, photo upload, website, signage, and social media. It may help ease student frustration, whether it is outward as in the Southern Miss case, or pent up as is likely the case at most institutions.
A fleet of 105 autonomous food delivery “rovers” are making more than 1,000 deliveries daily via a partnership between Ohio State and Avride robots.
The university upgraded to the new autonomous rovers from Avride in early 2025, replacing the previous Cartken models that rolled out three years ago.
The new rovers are reducing delivery costs and increasing efficiency.
While traditional food delivery services can charge $4 to $15 in fees, OSU’s rovers offer a $2.50 flat fee per order.
While traditional food delivery services can charge $4 to $15 in fees, OSU’s rovers offer a $2.50 flat fee per order. Additionally, they reduce campus traffic congestion by exclusively using sidewalks, making deliveries safer and more predictable.
The rovers are integrated with Ohio State’s Grubhub ordering system so students can request robot delivery right from the app. Once an order is ready, dining staff loads it into the rover which autonomously navigates to its destination.
The service is available from 7 am to 10 pm daily.
At the end of the day, the robots return to a repurposed Barnes & Noble store on campus to recharge and receive any required maintenance.
At the end of the day, the robots return to a repurposed Barnes & Noble store on campus to recharge and receive any required maintenance. They have a 12-hour battery life, so in some cases a rover may need to return at another point during the day.
If there is not time for a recharge, however, staff doesn’t need to plug it in and wait. Instead, batteries can easily be easily swapped out for new ones in about 30 seconds.
The new rovers offer advanced autonomous navigation, recognizing traffic signals and estimating vehicle speeds. Each unit weighs 200 pounds and operates without human intervention.
They feature digital screens with animated "eyes" that blink and express emotions. OSU’s dining team adds messages such as “Go Buckeyes!” during football season.
According to an article in the Columbus Dispatch, they feature digital screens with animated "eyes" that blink and express emotions. OSU’s dining team has customized messages for special occasions – such as “Go Buckeyes!” during football season and heart-eyed expressions on Valentine’s Day. Staff occasionally include free beverages or handwritten notes, making the experience more enjoyable.
Avride, headquartered in Austin, is a developer of autonomous driving technology that specializes in both driverless cars and now delivery robots.
The company originated from the Yandex self-driving car project which began in 2017. At the start of the Ukrainian war, Yandex’s Russian ties brought international pressure on its Dutch parent company to divest of its Russian assets.
Lidars, cameras, and ultrasonic sensors enable them to safely travel at 5 miles per hour in challenging terrain.
The autonomous vehicle and robot efforts were spun out in 2024, and Avride became an independent AV start-up under the umbrella of the Dutch Nebius Group.
Even prior to Ohio State’s launch of the Cartken robots, the institution had planned to introduce Yandex robots, but the launch was halted.
Now the robots are back, utilizing software developed for the company’s autonomous cars. Lidars, cameras, and ultrasonic sensors enable them to safely travel at 5 miles per hour in challenging terrain.
The goal of the integration between the Grubhub ordering app and the Avride robots is to bring autonomous robot delivery to colleges across the country, says a Grubhub announcement.
“Avride’s robots are intelligent and reliable—even in challenging conditions like rain or snow,” says Grubhub. “They boast a spacious compartment that can handle anything from a quick snack between classes to an assortment of pizzas and drinks for a get together with friends.”
If the Ohio State rollout continues with its initial success, we could see these new rovers on other campuses soon.
North Carolina was a key battleground state when it came to voting rights last year. The stark division between political parties kept many campuses guessing whether their campus IDs would be accepted at the polls.
Some institutions made changes to their issuance process and provided specialized IDs for the sole purpose of meeting requirements. Others were in the middle of a debate as to whether a mobile credential was ‘as acceptable’ as a physical card.
Two campus administrators who experienced this firsthand guided the discussion in the NACCU-hosted webinar – Debbie DeYulia, Director of Duke Card Services at Duke University and Roman Farhrman, Director of IT for Business Services at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte.
Duke's mobile ID was declined because they did not require users to upload a government ID when they submit their photo and they didn't have an expiration date.
Voter ID requirements vary from state to state. Some require photo IDs, and in some cases college or university IDs approved by the State Board of Elections are accepted. Typically, student voting eligibility depends on voter registration and residency status – students can vote locally if they update their registration. Otherwise, they must vote by mail in their home state.
Fourteen states and D.C. do not require an ID. North Carolina has a "non-strict, non-photo ID" policy, allowing provisional ballots or affidavits for those without proper identification.
In North Carolina, more than 100 institutions had their IDs approved for the last election. This is an annual process, and each campus must resubmit for the new year.
Key rules for acceptance include:
In addition to the many campuses submitting their physical cards, Duke submitted their mobile ID for approval. It was denied.
“The two reasons were that we currently don't require folks to upload a government ID when they submit their photo,” explains DeYulia. “The second reason was we didn't have an expiration date and at that time we didn't have a way to put that on the mobile credential.”
At UNC Charlotte, changing voter ID laws coincided with reissuance of NFC credentials, rebranding, and ultimately a mobile credential launch. Farhrman explains that issues with expiration dates and disparities between iPhone, Samsung, and Android use cases kept them from submitting their mobile ID to for consideration.
Initially Chapel Hill's was accepted because they used a custom field in mobile ID to display an expiration date. This worked for them was because they only issued iPhone credentials.
UNC Chapel Hill’s mobile ID was approved, but shortly before the election it was struck down by the court of appeals.
Initially it was accepted because they used a custom field in mobile ID to display an expiration date which then shows up in the app. The reason this worked for them was because they only issued iPhone credentials, so Android and Samsung challenges did not apply. Still, in the end the acceptance was reversed.
The webinar provides an in-depth look at the use of campus cards for voter ID with specific attention paid to the particular challenges for mobile credentials.
Tune in to NACCU<em>TV</em> to watch the webinar
The student senate at Michigan’s Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is pushing the university to adopt mobile credentials. In campus ID circles, we often hear of student pressure as a driver for mobile adoption, and this is a perfect example.
Last month, the senate unanimously passed legislation asking that GVSU explore the potential for replacing the current contactless cards with mobile IDs.
Specifically, the bill says:
“Let it Be Resolved, that Grand Valley State University explores the feasibility of creating and implementing a secure digital student ID system accessible via smartphones and other devices; and Furthermore, Let it Be Resolved, that the University evaluates the costs and timeline for implementation, the infrastructure requirements for integration, necessary measures to ensure data privacy and security, and potential partnerships with technology providers.”
As with any student-driven initiative, there are many steps between a request and a reality. Still student influence is an important driver on any campus.
The bill was sponsored by the Senate’s Chief of Staff, Evan Jackson.
“Digitizing student IDs will improve convenience, accessibility and sustainability on campus,” says Jackson in a Grand Valley Lathorn article. “Students already use their phones for most daily tasks and transactions, and carrying a physical ID can be an extra hassle, especially when lost or forgotten.”
The bill’s overview of the potential benefits of mobile credentials is quite good. It aligns well with the language of industry advocates.
Examples of the reasons for implementation cited by the senate include:
“The lives of students are busy, and any way that campus can be made more convenient is something worth investing in,” says Student Senate Public Relations Chair Ty Vanlerberghe. “Students can have one less thing to juggle when attending (sporting) events, utilizing campus recreation and accessing campus dining,”
As with any student-driven initiative, there are many steps between a request and a reality. Still student influence is an important driver on any campus. This trend toward more official student pressure to consider mobile credentials, as seen at GVSU, is likely to grow.
The Modern Campus – Solving Identity Challenges in Higher Education is the title for an upcoming 30-minute webinar with ColorID. The event will take place on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm EDT.
The event is billed as a “comprehensive approach to credential and identity management that addresses the evolving challenges in the higher education market.”
The desire for flexibility and interoperability is driving institutions to reconsider traditional approaches to identity management. This includes rethinking the systems of record that control identity data and the ownership of these systems.
The desire for flexibility and interoperability is driving institutions to reconsider traditional approaches to identity management. This includes rethinking the systems of record that control identity data and the ownership of these systems.
This 30-minute session is intended to help identify these challenges and present options for implementing future-ready solutions.
Topics include:
According to ColorID, the event is designed for campus card managers, IT and security professionals, identity and access management teams, and business and operations leaders.
Presenters include ColorID owner Danny Smith and the company’s director of product management David Stallsmith.
Register Now
At the 2025 Transact 360 event, the annual Transact Distinction Awards were presented to a series of campuses and partners that raised the bar. This year’s program celebrated eight institutions for their forward-thinking initiatives that improve the student experience and drive operational efficiencies.
This award honors institutions that have used technology to markedly improve the student experience in areas such as recruitment, engagement, and retention.
Doane University
In under two years, they implemented Transact TSE, Mobile Credential, Instant ID, Cloud POS, Mobile Ordering, Luxer One Lockers, and LenelS2 Door Access. They equipped all residence halls hundreds of wireless locks.
Wayne State University
As a Sponsor Payments BETA client, they provide vital feedback to help shape future enhancements of Transact payment products. Their ePayment portal is recognized as a model for other institutions.
Wingate University
In two years, they transformed student onboarding with TSE, Online Photo, Instant ID, Mobile Credential, and S2 door access with ACI. Cloud POS and Mobile Ordering streamlined meal plans and payments.
The award honors new Transact a client who has transformed their campus via Transact products and services.
Southwestern Oregon Community College
While deploying multiple Transact solutions –Cashiering, ePayment, ERP integration – their commitment to collaboration ensured seamless implementations and set a new standard for client engagement and success.
University of Mount Olive
In a single semester, they deployed Cloud POS, Mobile Credential, eAccounts, and Online Photo Submission. Their outstanding execution of the TSE and Mobile Credential projects stands as a model for future implementations.
This award recognizes a campus that achieves widespread adoption of technologies that improve student experiences, administrative workflows, or institutional intelligence.
University of Alabama
Their Graduate Commemorative Card is a $50 keepsake for graduates that features the UA seal and graduate details. It helps offsets revenue lost from digital credentials and fosters alumni connections.
The award honors an institution that effectively used a marketing to enhance the visibility and value of campus credentials and payment solutions.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Innovative marketing strategies drove significant adoption of the Transact Mobile Ordering App. QR code-tagged water bottles promoted the app during move-in, while a referral campaign and student rewards boosted engagement.
Three vendor partner awards were also presented. The Partner of the Year award was presented to Ellucian, the Excellence in Partnership award went to Progressive Technologies, and USEFULL won the Partner Innovation award.
Brigham Young University’s robust security program includes 25 officers, 15 supervisors, and 400 academy-trained student employees. To better coordinate these departments, BYU wanted a solution that would unify operations and improve efficiency. They selected Genetec's Operations Center, a solution for designed for security that is built into Genetec’s Security Center SaaS offering.
BYU already used Genetec’s Security Center, so the integration made sense.
The addition of Operations Center has helped consolidate tasks into a single system, replacing disconnected tools and manual processes while improving visibility across the enterprise.
Before you had to be listening over the radio and paying mental attention, but now we are keeping track of our officers better. They are also able to keep track of where they and their fellow officers need to be.
It’s enabled BYU to automate key processes such as nightly checks, equipment inspections, and building audits. These tasks are now scheduled and managed automatically, reducing workload on dispatchers as well as the potential for error.
As an example, every night BYU conducts code four checks with different divisions on campus.
“Before the dispatcher had to manually enter that call and remember to check with each individual division, whereas now it automatically creates that card,” says Joshua Frizell, Student Manager, BYU Security. “Same thing can be done for equipment checks, building inspections, any sort of process that can be automated.”
The mobile app enhances situational awareness for field officers, providing real-time updates on assignments and facilitating compliance with operational procedures.
“It allows us to keep track of officer locations,” explains Kaemon Cole, Student Manager, BYU Security. “Before you had to be listening over the radio and paying mental attention, but (now) we are keeping track of our officers better, and they are able to keep track of where they and their fellow officers need to be.”
BYU also uses Operations Center to:
Genetec’s Operations Center allows BYU to customize workflows and reports for each department’s specific needs. From tracking officer locations to managing inventory and generating incident reports, the platform adapts to support the university’s diverse security teams.
BYU reports that it is now better able to coordinate security efforts. Communication and data sharing is enhanced, and automation of routine processes is freeing teams to focus on higher-priority responsibilities.
Smart lockers are a growing trend on higher ed campuses, but other markets are also getting on board. It is often beneficial to look to other use cases to spark ideas for your own applications, and the efforts of a Minnesota public library system is a perfect example.
The use of smart lockers for distribution of library materials is not entirely new to higher ed, but what about extending the convenience to locations in the community?
That is what the Washington County Free Library (WCFL) did when they expanded their smart locker network to include new locations at local shopping centers.
The lesson for campuses is that they evaluated where and when their customers wanted service, and it was not between 9 am and 6 pm at a building across town.
The shopping center locations complement the four existing locker installations at library branches, further enhancing patrons' ability to access materials beyond traditional library hours. A book return box is also available at each of the six locker sites, providing a streamlined borrowing and return process.
Many of today’s library users, like any other service users, are looking for convenience and speed. The smart locker system allows them to retrieve reserved books and materials at any time, day or night, without stepping foot in the building or waiting in line.
Users reserve materials through the library’s online catalog and select their preferred pickup location. Library staff then delivers the reserved materials to the lockers.
Next, the patron receives an automated notification that the pick-up is ready. At the locker, they scan their library ID card, and the locker containing their materials opens.
"We are always looking for innovative ways to serve our community better," says Jenny Bakos, Executive Director of WCFL. "With the expansion of our smart locker system, we are extending our reach beyond traditional operating hours, ensuring that everyone has access to the resources they need, whenever they need them."
WCFL’s smart lockers feature touchscreen interfaces, secure compartments, and real-time notifications. The library says the initiative aligns with their strategy to leverage technology to enhance service delivery and accommodate the needs of busy individuals and families.
Common applications for smart lockers in higher ed include food pickup; mail and parcel delivery; lab equipment borrowing; and course and library materials checkout.
These lockers are typically positioned at or near the service initiation point, such as the library or dining hall. Though rare, in certain cases like parcel delivery, lockers may be extended to residence halls or central gathering points.
Parcel pickup could be extended into the community at off-campus residence buildings and other locations frequented by students.
The interesting point from WCFL’s use is that they evaluated their customer needs. They saw where and when they wanted service, and it was not always between 9 am and 6 pm at a building across town.
They took lockers to shopping centers and thus took their services to their patrons.
How could this concept be extended to higher ed?
In each scenario, the campus card or mobile credential could be the key to opening the locker.
Making products and services more accessible increases sales and makes for happier customers. Of course, the ROI on the lockers must be considered as well as the staffing cost to deliver product to the field. Modern consumers, however, have demonstrated willingness to pay for convenience, so there are many ways to make a smart locker program profitable.
The current state of campus access control was the focus of a joint panel discussion with members of the Northeast Colleges and Universities Security Association (NECUSA) and NACCU. Topics surrounded reporting structures, obstacles, investments, lockdowns, and plans for access control on campus.
Panelists included leading institutions in the Northeast:
John Ogle, NACCU’s Membership Experience and Education Director, moderated the event. Panelists provided their perspective on the topics below. Ideas from one of the speakers is highlighted following each topic.
The full session is time well spent, but the time codes for each topic are provided below if you want to skip to specific topics.
Meghan Rosenberg, Associate Director of OneCard & Parking Management Services, Babson College, Wellesley, MA
Our office falls directly under Public Safety, so I'm a direct report to the Chief of Police. We use C-Cure for our access control system, and we currently have magstripe and prox credentials.
All of our residential buildings are card access, and we are in the process of adding card readers to all exterior doors on our administrative buildings as well. We're hoping to wrap that up by January 2026. We are hoping also to transition to mobile credentials within the next two years.
Patricia Groeber, Associate Director of Public Safety, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), Troy, NY
Access control falls fully under public safety along with the monitoring of alarm systems – so we make the access control decisions. We work closely with our card office who does the issuing of cards, but we do all the programming and decision making on that front.
Our fiscal plan assists us with repairs, and while we consult student life and the building coordinators for basic decision making and policy setting, we have a pretty strict control of all systems. No one else can alter access.
We use a contractor to manage major projects. It handles our access control panels, our readers, and other infrastructure when we go into big building projects.
Stephen Donnelly, Manager of ID & Access Control, Yale University, New Haven, CT
We've had access control for a long time, and upgrades have come incrementally. So we have a mixed bag of modern and older technology in terms of readers on the walls, which is probably the most expensive part of all this.
Instead of Yale owning the building they're leasing out large office buildings. Synchronizing how the access works across systems is a challenge.
In terms of challenges with access control, I'd say a lot of our challenges internally come from conferences and events as well visitors, and managing how they get access and what the rules are for that.
The other big thing I'm dealing with is the trend toward using leased properties. Instead of Yale owning the building they're leasing out large office buildings. There's a different building management company and synchronizing how the access works across systems is a challenge.
I'm dealing with three different buildings coming online right now in that situation and it's something I don't hear a lot of people talk about.
Tim Munro, Director of Campus Safety, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY
I'll say we've only practiced lockdowns. We haven't had to do it yet, but we can, in theory, lock down every building with an access system on it, which is 90% of our campus right now.
Our plan right now is to lock the exterior doors only. We have the ability to lock the interior doors if they have access control on them, but we are electing not to do that right now.
We can do that relatively quickly. We've practiced it a bunch of times. The campus safety officer on the desk has the authority to institute a lockdown. No requirement of getting approval. That's written into our procedures, which I was very thankful to have.
Cesar Robles, Director of Technology for Campus Safety, Mercy University, Dobbs Ferry, NY
We are an open campus. We know that we can't prevent everyone from coming on campus, so at least let's focus on the individuals that are coming in with vehicles.
We go back to the system and pull the license plates and then continue the investigation with our surveillance system to identify the individual.
We implemented video at the gate, and it’s worked tremendously for us. For every vehicle that comes on campus, the license plates are scanned, access is provided with those scans.
We have cameras at the gate house, so any issues that we had we were able to solve. We could go right back to the system and pull the license plates and then continue the investigation with our surveillance system to find out who that person was. It's been a tremendous help.
We have a project going on right now in one of our dorms where we're adding turnstiles, because although we had readers on the doors, we had people piggybacking when someone swipes in.
To access the recorded version of the discussion, click on the image at the top of this page.
This is an example of the unique educational opportunities provided to NACCU members. Please consider becoming a member of the only association dedicated to serving professionals who manage campus identification programs on higher education campuses.
With an enrollment of more than 3,200 students, Northeast Mississippi Community College (NEMCC) faced significant challenges with its outdated card and physical security systems. The door access solution had reached end-of-life, and their manual card production process was time-consuming and inefficient.
Students had to wait in long lines for manual ID processing, taking photos, and printing their TigerOne cards.
NEMCC wanted to integrate the ID and door access systems to remove friction for students entering campus buildings while reducing administrative burdens. They sought an integrated, cloud-enabled solution.
“We were looking for something that was robust in terms of what it could do, but also something that we could implement over time,” says Chris Murphy, NEMCC’s Vice President of Finance.
As an existing client of Transact Integrated Payments, they evaluated the company’s other solutions and found they could be an ideal fit.
NEMCC adopted Transact IDX, Transact Door Access Control and Security, and Transact Online Photo Submission.
We were looking for something that was robust in terms of what it could do, but also something that we could implement over time.
These solutions helped improve efficiency and create a contactless, mobile-friendly campus experience. The transition to a cloud-based system reduced the workload for the small IT staff, eliminating the need for manual maintenance and hardware support.
“Before Transact IDX, the main pain point was in our housing office where they generated the ID cards,” says Mark Nichols, Director of Information Technology, NEMCC. “The old system was forcing students to come in to take photos.”
Today, students upload their ID photos anytime and from anywhere.
The business office also benefited from the upgrade. Previously, students had to visit the office to check their Tiger Bucks flex account balances. Now, they view their balances and add funds directly from their mobile devices.
NEMCC is preparing to launch mobile credentials, making it one of the first institutions in Mississippi and one of the first community colleges to introduce the NFC-enabled mobile IDs.
According to Murphy, the college leadership was inspired by a video case study of another institution successfully using this technology. This prompted them to pursue the upgrade.
The launch is planned 2025 at which time students will be able to store their TigerOne ID in their digital wallets. At the same time, administrators will gain enhanced tools to track and control access, reinforcing campus security.
Overall, Nichols says the adoption of Transact solutions has led to a more efficient, modernized student ID system. It has enhanced security, improved administrative workflows, and provided students with a seamless, contactless ID experience.
