Card, mobile credential, payment and security
The University of Georgia has begun the process of moving from legacy, proximity student ID cards to more secure contactless smart cards.
University officials stress that the move to contactless smart cards will give UGA the ability to improve security for students, faculty, and staff, provide greater flexibility and convenience to cardholders, and lay a stronger foundation to build in future card services and functionality.
The university began issuing the new contactless credentials during this summer’s freshman orientation. To date, the UGACard office has issued more than 10,000 cards to students and faculty across campus, with 6,500 going to incoming students.
The university's move to contactless is still a work in progress. UGA began the process of installing contactless card readers at campus residence halls in July, with the last of the residences being outfitted in late August and early September.
According to the UGACard website, the changeover officially took effect June 1, 2018 with the campus now issuing MIFARE DESFire EV2 contactless credentials to all new and incoming students. The contactless cards will also carry a price increase:
The conclusion of contactless card reader installations will effectively end all proximity card use on campus. Any student, faculty, or staff member at the University of Georgia can obtain the new contactless smart card at the UGA ID Card Office.
