WildCard Mobile ID continues to ease access, here’s what you need to know
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 19, 2024) — A simple tap.
That’s all it takes for University of Kentucky students to conveniently and securely access campus buildings, purchase meals and much more.
With the WildCard Mobile ID, launched last August, students can complete actions that would have previously required a physical card on campus — with just their iPhone, Apple Watch or Android.
Simply hold your device near a reader to enter residence halls, buy lunch, make purchases at campus stores and more.
As the Wildcard Mobile ID initiative continues to expand, UKNow spoke with Paul London, with Information Technology Services, and Rosa De La Rosa, with UK Smart Campus. From how to download your digital ID to examples of when and where it can be used across campus, learn everything you need to know in the Q&A session below.
UKNow: For those who don’t know, what is Wildcard Mobile ID?
De La Rosa: The WildCard Mobile ID is the digital version of the traditional ID card. It’s another opportunity to enhance the student experience at UK through technology — allowing students to utilize their devices to navigate campus life with more ease and security.
UKNow: Who is eligible for a WildCard Mobile ID? Is it available to the entire campus community?
De La Rosa: Students can set-up their WildCard Mobile ID now. The plan is to expand the digital ID to faculty and staff later this year, so stay tuned!
UKNow: How can students access their Wildcard Mobile ID — walk us through the process.
London: The process varies based on the device on which you will be using your WildCard Mobile ID.
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.
UKNow: Now, the campus community can complete actions that would have previously required a physical card on campus — with just their iPhone, Apple Watch or Android. Can you provide examples of how the Wildcard Mobile ID can be used?
London: Contactless technology represents a significant milestone in campus accessibility — revolutionizing the way students interact with our university.
Here are some examples of how a student can use their WildCard Mobile ID:
- Residence hall access
- Tap and go at all UK Dining locations
- To use the LexTran buses
- Verify student status at athletic events
- Check-out books at UK Libraries
- Access recreational facilities on campus
UKNow: The WildCard Mobile ID is another opportunity to enhance the student experience at UK through technology. Why was this initiative a priority and how does it ease access?
De La Rosa: With a simple tap, UK is embracing a new era of convenience, security, efficiency and enhanced student experiences.
UK can also issue WildCard Mobile IDs remotely.
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.
UKNow: Since most tasks previously required a physical ID, how does the Wildcard Mobile ID impact operations across campus?
London: The new technology we have implemented is compatible with physical IDs, so there is minimum impact on operations across campus.
In order to support the initiative, all areas and units can ensure their employees are aware the WildCard ID is available and should be accepted in the same way that a physical ID is.
Any questions can be answered by contacting the WildCard ID Office via email (idoffice@uky.edu), phone (859-257-1378) or in-person visit.
UKNow: The initiative continues to expand since its launch last fall. What are the long-term plans for Wildcard Mobile ID?
De La Rosa: We hope to expand this experience to the entire campus community and continue to find ways to integrate this technology — providing more accessibility and flexibility on campus.
To learn more, visit the WildCard ID Office website.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.
In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.