The people have voted, the printer is running and the new Lobo cards are ready for students to pick up.
The University is printing new ID cards for students and staff in the spring semester, said Carolyn Hartley, manager of ID services.
The Lobo card office is printing new cards for returning students. Those who are enrolled in summer school can pick up their new card in the SUB anytime during normal business hours. Students and staff who go to replace their old card must bring it with them in order to get their new card. As of Friday, the Lobo card office reported having printed half of the cards for students registered for the fall semester.
The new design is a red card with a black lobo paw in the corner. Students and staff voted on the card. The biggest advantage to the new card is that students’ social security numbers are no longer visible when the card is swiped.
“I really like that the social security number is taken off,” student Alyssa Gallagh said. “It’s a big security issue.”
Gallagh is a work-study student employee in the SUB for the transportation department. She said a large volume of students have come to her desk with the new cards and requested bus passes.
“It’s been really busy,” she said.
Besides eliminating the social security number, the new Lobo cards will make it easier for staff to identify students’ needs because the black strip in the back of the card will immediately show the banner ID number, said Dave Herzel, Access Services operations manager.
“The strip in back will work everywhere around campus,” he said. “That was an issue with the old cards. It is important because it will make it easier for students to acquire services.” Anyone with the old cards will notice that the card will not work at most places around campus, Hartley said.
“You can only use the old cards at Johnson Center,” she said. “Anyone who wants to print or check out books needs to get a new card.”
Most students will not realize they need a new card until they find out their old one does not work, said Kathleen Garcia, a staff member at Zimmerman library.
“Some people get attached to their card,” she said. “They get frustrated at the process and most don’t understand why the new card is in place, students especially.”
Mark Reynolds, IT services director, said the adjustment is necessary to meet the long-term needs of students.
“People come and go at UNM,” he said. “This is very proactive. We need to do this.”
