Following a thorough review process, the University of Victoria, one of the top 20 universities in the world under the age of 50, has selected Blackboard Transact to provide a single, integrated, ID card solution for students campus-wide. Blackboard Transact is a leader in integrated campus commerce and security solutions, with integrated card technology implemented in hundreds of colleges and universities throughout North America.
The new “UVic” student electronic credential system will increase convenience and security by allowing cardholders to access their campus one-card account 24/7, from anywhere in the world, to review transaction activity, deposit money directly onto the card, or de-activate a lost card. The new system will also provide additional ease through cashless access to campus facilities and services such as the bookstore, dining venues, athletic and recreation facilities, and the library.
“An upgrade of this magnitude requires considerable planning and attention to detail, which is one of the reasons we selected Blackboard Transact. Their expertise in building and transitioning card programs ensures a seamless, successful implementation with little to no interruption in services,” said Jim Forbes, the university's director of campus services. “Students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni, retiree's and campus service providers are very excited about the number of amenities Blackboard Transact will provide to them now, and in future phases as well.”
Phase one of the system implementation will include installation of freestanding BC Transit kiosks around campus, allowing students to encode U-Pass bus privileges on their ID cards — without having to queue up at specific offices. Phase one will be complete in early 2014.
“BC Transit is pleased to partner with UVic and Blackboard Transact in phase one of this exciting technological upgrade,” said BC Transit Vice President and CIO Brian Anderson. “By making the process of obtaining a U-Pass more streamlined, we reinforce the message that BC Transit is the efficient and effective transportation choice for UVic students.”
Phases two and three will vastly expand the ID cards' capabilities by making them similar to a debit card that can be used at other designated UVic locations. According to Marilyn Cossaro, the university's Photo ID Centre coordinator, “The new UVic one card will help integrate the use of all of our campus services, including University of Victoria Students' Society (UVSS) and Graduate Students' Society (GSS) businesses as well as parking, laundry, vending and door access.
“We want to give our cardholders more flexibility and variety. They'll be able to use their UVic Photo ID cards to make purchases at all businesses on campus and thus not have to worry about running up a credit card debt or carrying cash. The possibilities are endless and in the future the card program could also be expanded to off-campus businesses within the surrounding community,” said Cossaro.
“With this kind of innovation and dedication to the complete student experience, it's no wonder that the University of Victoria is the top-ranked Canadian university under 50 years old,” said David Mar, president and general manager of Blackboard Transact. “We're honored to partner with the university in their efforts to meet and exceed the growing needs of their students and families, faculty and staff, alumni, and outside stakeholders.”