WildCard going mobile: What you need to know

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 14, 2023) — A simple tap.

That’s all it will take for the University of Kentucky community to conveniently and securely access campus buildings, purchase meals and much more.

With the WildCard Mobile ID, students can now complete actions that would have previously required a physical card on campus — with just their iPhone, Apple Watch or Android device. Simply hold your device near a reader to enter residence halls, buy lunch, make purchases at campus stores and more.

“The WildCard Mobile ID is another opportunity to enhance the student experience at UK through technology,” said Heath Price, associate vice president for partnerships at UK. “This will allow students to utilize their devices to navigate campus life with more ease and security.”

UK worked with industry-leading technology provider, CBORD, and global access and security provider, HID, to enable the contact-free access solution. CBORD Mobile ID is available through the GET app from the App Store or Google Play. Once downloaded, users can open the app and use their smartphones to begin adding their WildCard Mobile ID.

“We are thrilled to introduce the WildCard Mobile ID — taking our campus experience to the next level,” Rosa Crisantos, project lead with UK Auxilary Services, said. “The excitement surrounding this launch is palpable, as we empower our students with cutting-edge technology.”

Students who add their WildCard to Apple Wallet can enable "Express Mode," allowing them to use their student ID without having to unlock or even wake their device. They can simply tap and enter. If an iPhone needs to be charged, students can still use their device to access campus areas with automatic Power Reserve.

“Contactless technology represents a significant milestone in campus accessibility — revolutionizing the way students interact with our university,” Paul London, also a project lead with UK Information Technology Services (ITS), added. “With a simple tap, UK is embracing a new era of convenience, security, efficiency and enhanced student experiences.”

The move from physical cards to a WildCard Mobile ID allows for transactions that are safe, convenient and secure. UK can also issue WildCard Mobile IDs remotely.

“This WildCard Mobile ID not only allows every Wildcat to have the convenience of their student ID at any given time but also pushes our institution further than the rest,” Lizzy Hornung, student body president, said. “I’m absolutely blown away with how easy it is to use the WildCard Mobile ID with just a device. No more digging through my bag to find a physical card, forgetting it at home or accidentally dropping it in the rain — it’s all already in my hand.”

Additionally, if a student misplaces their iPhone or Apple Watch, they can use the “Find My” app to immediately lock their device and help locate it. Apple will not know when or where students are using their WildCard Mobile ID on iPhone and Apple Watch, including locations accessed, what they buy with it, where they buy it or how much they paid, and transaction history is never stored on Apple servers. 

“This opens many doors for students — both literally and figuratively,” Jason Marcus, student body vice president, added.

For now, students should still carry their physical ID cards. While the new, contactless technology will be part of a phased approach, some locations may require a physical card, in addition to the mobile ID. Additionally, the mobile ID cannot be used in medical campus buildings. 

The WildCard Mobile ID will be available to faculty and staff in the coming year. 

To learn more, visit the WildCard ID Office website.