Uncovering the Mystery: Where Are the Virtual Brown IDs Promised by the University Three Years Ago?

In April 2022, the University excitedly shared plans for a virtual version of Brown IDs. This digital ID would let students enter dining halls, access recreational facilities, and board the Brown Shuttle right from their smartphones. Fast forward almost three years, and the rollout is still postponed.

Don Rogers, the assistant chief information officer, mentioned that although the idea remains alive, several hurdles delayed its launch. Initial tests by the Office of Information Technology and Brown Dining Services showed that the technology wasn’t quite ready for the students’ needs. “The technology didn’t meet expectations,” Rogers explained, noting that using a virtual ID could actually slow down service lines.

Students wanted a seamless experience, like tapping a chip-enabled ID card, rather than having to open an app just to show a barcode. Testing revealed that the existing setup took longer to use and raised potential security concerns, as personal info could be displayed on a static barcode.

Sarah Latham, the executive vice president for finance and administration, underlined that any new services introduced must enhance student life. Moving forward with the virtual ID wouldn’t have met this criteria, she said.

The virtual ID was part of the University’s shift to a cloud-based platform called Atrium, launched to help students manage their accounts more easily. Although this platform has been successful in tracking Bear Bucks and meal plans, the virtual ID feature never got off the ground. Another plan related to Atrium was to introduce a mobile ordering feature at the Blue Room, which also remains on hold.

Student opinions are mixed. Christelyn Larkin ’26 expressed enthusiasm for the virtual ID, sharing her struggles with losing her physical ID and frustration over the fading magnetic strip. “It would be great to have it online because it doesn’t get old,” she said.

Theo Coben ’28 echoed her sentiments, suggesting that a virtual ID could also help with dorm access, cutting down on lost keys. However, some students, like Austine Zhang ’26, prefer having both a physical card and a virtual one, worrying about battery life issues.

While no timeline for the virtual ID has been set, Rogers hinted at ongoing updates. “We’re installing compatible hardware wherever possible,” he noted, as part of routine maintenance.

Overall, students are keen for improvements but cautious about completely transitioning to digital IDs. As technology evolves, it’s clear that schools must balance innovation with practicality to make students’ lives better.

For more information, you can check out insights from the University’s official communications or reliable tech sources discussing digital identification trends.



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