Benedictine University students, faculty and staff can now transform their physical Benedictine University BCard (the official university ID card) into a mobile ID. Using their smart phone or wearable device’s mobile wallet, students can conveniently, safely and securely access campus buildings, purchase meals and more.
With its launch of a mobile ID on Nov. 18, 2021, Benedictine University is the first institution of higher learning in the state of Illinois to make this technology available to its students, faculty and staff. Transact Campus, the leader in innovative payments and credential solutions for a connected campus, provides the fintech technology that will power the near field communication (NFC) enabled mobile IDs for Benedictine University.
With mobile IDs, students can complete any action that would have previously required a physical ID card — both on and off campus — with just their smart phones and wearable devices. Students simply place their device near a reader to enter residence halls and other campus buildings, access meal plans and make purchases at campus dining retail locations.
The move from physical ID cards to the contactless BCard on smart devices allows for transactions that are safe, convenient and highly secure. Students can avoid touching readers or handing their ID cards to another person. Benedictine University can also issue the BCard remotely without the need to see students in-person or print and ship physical cards, creating a safer, more cost-effective, and more environmentally friendly process.
To set up their BCard, students, faculty and staff must download the Transact eAccounts app, authenticate with their university credentials, and then add their BCard to their mobile wallet.
“Bringing this type of mobile technology to the Benedictine University community is a real game-changer for our students, faculty and staff,” said Charles Gregory, president, Benedictine University. “They can now interact with our services in a way that is more secure, convenient and totally frictionless.”
The Benedictine BCard on smart phones and wearable devices is protected by two-factor authentication to ensure only the student can access their own account. This verifies that users are actually who they say they are in order to ensure the highest level of protection for all user interactions with this service.
“The new mobile credential technology serves as a highly visible example to show prospective students that Benedictine is committed to utilizing the most innovative technology to meet and serve their needs,” said Chad Treisch, chief operations officer, Benedictine University.
Benedictine University is an inclusive academic community dedicated to teaching and learning, scholarship and service, truth and justice, as inspired by the Catholic intellectual tradition, the social teaching of the Church and the principles of wisdom in the Rule of St. Benedict. The university has nearly 3,000 undergraduate students and more than 2,000 graduate students.
“The mobile BCard is super convenient. I always have my phone so not having to worry about whether or not you have your ID card on you is so nice!”, said Hannah Griffith, Benedictine undergraduate student.
“Congratulations to Benedictine University for leading Illinois and being first to implement this innovative solution that will simplify the experience for students, faculty and administrators alike,” said Danny Johnson, regional vice president, Transact.
