Staff identity cards – carrying more than just your ID
16 Jan 2013
Since new staff ID cards with an inbuilt chip were introduced just over a year ago, they have paved the way for the development of proximity readers for doorway access, which are gradually replacing the older swipe card readers across campus.
The new cards are also being used as ‘top up’ pre-payment cards for FoodOnCampus outlets. The Food in Advance scheme allows you to top up your University ID card with money to spend on food and drink in various cafes, restaurants and coffee shops. There is no set-up fee and you will receive 10% off every purchase.
A member of staff who uses FoodInAdvance says: “It’s handy if you are moving around University and want to pick up a coffee; there is no need to carry cash around with you. Your card is secure: till operators check your picture each time you make a purchase and your card will be cancelled if it's lost or stolen.”
For quick and easy sign-up, visit:
Another great improvement is the move to card proximity readers in doorways and car parks across campus. You simply tap your card against the proximity reader for access, which is much quicker than having to swipe it in and out. In conjunction with the Directorate of Estates and Facilities, there will be continued roll-out of the proximity readers across campus in due course.
Estates are also using the cards to enter restricted access spaces (such as risers, switch rooms etc); a separate application is placed on selected cards to give exclusive access to these areas.
The functionality of adding further applications is still being explored, but the cards have the capacity to hold up to 28 different applications, which could eventually allow them to be used for other purposes, such as vending or transport.