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Overview
The Office of Information Technology is rolling out new contactless VandalCards. This article details the cards' new features, how to distinguish them from older VandalCards, how they can be used, as well as who will be receiving these cards and at what point during our multi-phase rollout.
Contactless cards are smart cards that utilize DESFire technology for increased convenience and security for accessing campus buildings while reducing wear and tear compared to previous cards. Additionally, they feature a magnetic stripe to ensure backwards compatibility with existing infrastructure. This type of technology is similar to other technologies known as 'Tap' or 'Proximity', which wirelessly connect to the device and provide credential information to identify the user.
Contactless cards feature an updated VandalCard design which is distinctive from older designs. To help reduce replacement costs of these cards, affiliation information and expiration dates are not printed directly on the card. They do not need to be replaced if your title or other affiliation changes.
The magnetic stripe works the same as existing cards using a three track magnetic stripe. However, as they are a type of contactless card, they can be used with compatible card readers by tapping them against the reader. Note that those readers are currently in the process of being rolled out and are not present on all buildings.
All new cards presently being issued are of the contactless type. Individuals needing access buildings with the new readers are being contacted and instructed to get new cards as needed.