After more than 20 years, the DukeCard system is getting a facelift.
The new DukeCard system will allow facility administrators to control access to their doors rather than having to go through the DukeCard office. The updated system is designed to provide consistency throughout the University and ensure the safety of community members.
“We have an overarching security strategic plan and we look constantly at ways to enhance and improve the safety of the entire community,” said Vice President of Administration Kyle Cavanaugh.
He added that the upgrade will not require students or current faculty to get new Duke IDs.
The DukeCard system—which was first instituted in 1985—controls access to more than 1,200 doors, including academic and administrative buildings, residence halls and athletic facilities.
The DukeCard office provides more than 44,000 new and replacement ID cards per year to students, employees, contractors and others members of the community.
"The new system was developed in alignment with the campus master plan for safety and security as well as governing principles and policies, including the university’s buildings and facilities access policy," said Debbie DeYulia, director of customer and technology support at the Office of Information Technology.
DukeCard staff members are working with departments to phase in the new access system. The system is set to be put in place over the next couple of months, and should be completed by the end of 2014.
Facility administrators will use two tools to control access to their building's doors: Grouper and Blackboard Transact. Grouper will allow them to grant access to individual cardholders in their buildings, and Blackboard Transact will allow administrators to change how the doors in their buildings behave—either requiring a swipe to access or unlocked for all to enter.
The upgrade will not affect how current DukeCard holders use their cards to swipe into doors, purchase food or use laundry facilities.
“The new technology will allow us to improve and control access and position us for the future to take advantage of further emerging technologies, so this is a terrific development for the entire campus,” Cavanaugh said.
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