Digital student and staff ID cards now available
Just in time for semester 2, the University has announced that opt-in digital ID cards are now available for all enrolled students and current staff (including affiliates that are in our HR system, Workday). Once an ID card is added to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, users can simply tap their phone or Apple Watch for building access, printing and copying, or book borrowing.
Full details, instructions and FAQs on the University website
The current physical ID cards are still available and active. However, these new digital cards will reduce the wait time for physical cards to be issued in the Student Centre and reduce our reliance on plastic. Most new users can begin using their digital student and staff ID card on their phone in minutes – a UniKey and an approved photo is all that's required.
Existing cardholders can set up their digital ID card any time using the Transact eAccounts app, which is available from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store (Android).
The University has partnered with industry leaders Gallagher Security and Transact Campus to rollout this program, which utilises highly secure, near field communication (NFC) enabled technology. In addition to building access and book borrowing, users can view their SydPay balance and pay for printing, scanning and copying, as well as laundry in student residencies using their digital ID.
The University of Sydney is the first university in New South Wales to offer this technology on campus. “We’re delighted to offer our students and staff a highly secure, convenient, and familiar digital University of Sydney ID card,” said Sandie Matthews, Chief Information Officer, “students have told us that their plastic student ID card is one of the few remaining they need to carry around. They use digital bank cards, boarding passes, and concert tickets on their phones.”
The Library has worked with Information and Communications Technology (ICT) during the development of this program, and we’re pleased that students will now have an improved ‘tap and go’ experience. Philip Kent, University Librarian, said “I was delighted to be part of the early pilot for the new digital cards, that make it easier for students to access our Library spaces and services. As ever, the Library was pleased to collaborate with ICT to make the campus experience even better.”
Across the Library, digital ID cards can be used for:
- accessing Library buildings
- printing, scanning and copying
- checking out books with the self-service kiosk
- borrowing a laptop from a vending machine