As previously reported, the University of Georgia recently deployed new iris recognition scanners across its campus to facilitate entry to dining halls and the student rec center. The project has replaced the previous hand geometry scanners that UGA had used for years.

Now, in a new opinion piece in student publication, The Red & Black, the early signs are positive that the new iris biometric system will be a hit on campus. The piece acknowledges that there will be slight apprehensive with some students, but that the new scanners are a marked improvement over the previous hand scanners.

The piece goes on to cite specifically that the new iris scanners are not only faster than the previous hand scan, but are also more hygienic and easier to use than the previous system.

The author also makes note that the iris scanners, like with anything new, will require time and repetition for the students to grow acclimated to the new system. The system is set to be fully put to the test once students arrive back to campus int he coming weeks for the start of the fall semester.

Biometric entry is nothing new for the University of Georgia, where hand geometry scanners have long been used to increase efficiency on campus. Hand geometry was deployed as early as 2004 for dining hall access, and it wasn't until 2014, that the hand scanners were retired at residence hall entry points in favor of card and pin access.

As reported by the author, the reasoning behind phasing out hand geometry scanners was the need for greater speed and hygiene. It seems as though that same principle has been applied with the iris scanners.