Identification Cards (Chicago Card)
New Chicago Card FAQ
The new Chicago Card coming shortly to the University offers new features and functionality. The card's redesign and its new features are part of an effort by NSIT and the University to streamline University systems while making access to the campus' various resources faster and easier for all members of the University community. This document answers frequently asked questions about the card.
- First off, what does the new card look like?
- What are the new features of the card?
- So what is RFID technology?
- Are there security problems associated with RFID.
- Could the University use the card to track people--to "watch" them move about campus?
- If the card is used to let people into buildings, what about entry logs?
- Who advocated for changing the University ID card?
- When will the card be issued?
- When will campus recarding take place?
- Will there be more communication about the new Chicago Card?
- First off, what does the new card look like?
The front of the new card contains the University emblem, a large picture and name space, and space for a decorative picture. Note that the card is vertical to make it simple to read when hanging from a lanyard. Numbers and other information reside on the back of the card.
- What are the new features of the card?
Easier access:
The chief new feature is that the new card contains an RFID (radio frequency identifier). In the near future, the primary use of this new capability will be to improve access controls to University buildings. The feature is currently used by the Dean of Students in the University office to allow students with disabilities to open doors and use elevators. The technology does not require the cardholder to swipe the card through a reader. Instead, the cardholder holds the card within some proximity of a reader. The distance is ordinarily measured in inches. This technology is similar to that in the newest Chicago Transit Authorities fare cards, where the card is held up to a reader.
- So what is RFID technology?
RFID technology has been in use for some time. With the type of RFID we will be using, the card contains an antenna, which is energized when placed in a particular kind of magnetic field. Once activated, it then emits a weak, coded radio signal, which is detected by the reader. This is the reason that the card has to be in contact with, or very close to, the reader in order be read. RFID is an improvement over magnetic stripe technology because less physical contact between card and reader reduces wear and tear on the card. Check here for a description of RFID technology: http://searchnetworking.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid7_gci805987,00.htm
- I've heard about security problems with RFID. Some people talk about "rogue readers" and cite privacy dangers that could arise from tracking RFID cards. Does the card contain sensitive data and can that data be stolen?
The RFID feature of the Chicago Card does not store identifying information useful to persons outside the University. For example, it does *not* store the social security number. At present the plan is to include only the number assigned to the card itself on the RFID chip. The card number is *not* the ISO number, student ID, ChicagoID, or SSN. It is simply a computer-generated number that belongs to that particular card. Because the information is not useful outside of the University, rogue readers are highly unlikely. Also, because cardholders must bring their cards within inches of a reader in order for them to be read, users will almost certainly be aware of attempts to read their cards.
- Could the University use the card to track people--to "watch" them move about campus?
The user must place the card near a reader for it to be read. This eliminates the ability of anyone to watch someone moving about by means of the card.
- If the card is used to let people into buildings, who will keep logs of who comes in, how long will the logs be kept, and with whom will they be shared?
In keeping with the generally decentralized nature of the University, different entryways operate under different policies. The new card will not necessitate changing the access policies that are now in effect.
- Who advocated for changing the University ID card?
The existing ID Card has been in place for well over 10 years and does not have the functionality that card holders and service providers such as Facilities, Athletics, Parking, Dining, Community Affairs, etc. want to utilize. The new ID Card is intended to provide the platform for new services, which will evolve over time.
The new card is also part of the University's efforts to heighten security around campus by ensuring proper access to its buildings.
In addition, our peer institutions, such as other research universities, are moving in this direction.
- When will the card be issued?
A pilot rollout is scheduled for NSIT at the end of April. With the Spring Quarter, newly enrolled students will receive the new card, and all replacement cards will be new cards.
- When will campus recarding take place?
Recarding is tentatively scheduled to begin August 15. At present, there is no date set by which everyone will have been recarded. It is possible that a spacious location will have extra carding stations beginning after Labor Day.
- Will there be more communication about the new Chicago Card?
Yes! We will announce the card in a variety of meetings. We also plan flyers and ads in the campus newspapers. We hope to familiarize everyone with the card by the time it starts being widely used on campus.
Once new readers are installed, the new card will allow faster movement through entry gates because the proximity readers have a higher "first read" reliability. The current Chicago identification card uses a magnetic stripe to hold and transmit data. This requires swipe readers. The readers sometimes require multiple swipes to get a good read. If the magnetic stripe reader is for an outside door, the elements, cold, dust, humidity or rain, can prevent the swipe reader from reading the card. The new card allows for readers with enclosed electronics.
Data:
The new card also features data improvements. For example, the ChicagoID, a new identifier that will serve as a University identifier (see http://nsit.uchicago.edu/services/chicagoid/) is printed on the back. In the future, the University will use the ChicagoID instead of the social security number wherever possible. In addition, the card ISO number, library barcode, and student ID are printed on the back to make the card front less cluttered.
Last updated: 4/9/08