Baylor ITS and DPS Enhance Access with New “Tap and Go” Baylor Digital ID

On January 7, BaylorITS and the Department of Public Safety launched the new Baylor Digital ID that enables students living in Baylor’s on-campus residential halls to unlock their rooms, enter dining halls, make retail dining purchases, check out library materials, and access other campus services with the tap of a personal mobile device.

“We are excited to bring the access and services of the Baylor ID Card to mobile devices through the Baylor Digital ID,” said Keegan Rogers, Director of Infrastructure Services. “We are starting the launch with our on-campus residents and will expand to additional students, faculty, and staff as equipment is upgraded in buildings across the Baylor campus.”

Students whose accounts are activated can add their Baylor Digital ID to the Wallet app on their iPhone and Android devices following the instructions at dps.web.baylor.edu/idcards. Once the Baylor Digital ID is initialized, students can place their mobile device near one of the newer readers that have been installed on-campus. A green light on the device indicates that the student may enter or that the transaction is complete.

In November 2023, BaylorITS initiated a Baylor Digital ID pilot program with Community Leaders in on-campus residential facilities. Of the 163 students contacted to participate in the program, 110 initialized their Baylor Digital ID and used it where readers were available around campus. 25% of those who participated used an Apple Watch to “tap and go.” Only three participants required support during the pilot.

The Baylor Digital ID imagines a future where students, faculty, and staff will no longer need to carry a physical Baylor ID Card around campus. However, until BaylorITS can update all campus readers, they counsel that everyone should continue to carry a physical Baylor ID Card. As new readers are installed students, faculty, and staff will be notified that they can activate their Baylor Digital ID. Those who do not wish to initialize their Baylor Digital ID on their mobile device will need to get a new Baylor ID Card through the Department of Public Safety.

“The implementation of the Baylor Digital ID builds on our long-standing relationship with the Baylor Department of Public Safety, CBORD and our partnership with Allegion,” said Jon Allen, Associate Vice President, Chief Information Officer, and Chief Information Security Officer for Baylor University. “The combination of usability, convenience, and security with this solution will enhance the Baylor campus experience for students, faculty, and staff.”

BaylorITS worked with CBORD, its long-standing secure access partner, to develop, test, and implement the Baylor Digital ID.

“This alliance with Baylor University signifies our commitment to technological advancement,” said Dan Park, president and CEO at CBORD. “By embracing secure, contactless credentialing, we enhance the student experience and underscore the importance of staying at the forefront of campus technology. Baylor's approach aligns seamlessly with our vision at CBORD, where we strive to empower institutions with cutting-edge solutions for a more innovative future."

Baylor’s HelpDesk+ provides support for students, faculty, and staff who experience issues initializing or using their Baylor Digital ID. HelpDesk+ is located on the Garden Level of Baylor’s Moody Memorial Library, available by phone at (254) 710-3457 or by email at helpdesk@baylor.edu.