The University of Wolverhampton hopes to cut enrolment waiting times and increase security by replacing traditional student cards with smart card technology.

The card will provide students with access to university buildings and specially designed readers allow staff to check confidential security details.

The card will improve students’ experiences when the academic year begins in September, says IT support manager Sarah Chaloner.

‘We joined the regional smart card scheme because we see the potential for our students and staff to use facilities with other authorities,’ she said.

‘The card also provides a platform for other applications so could have further uses in the future. It could also enable the university to monitor attendance, so that staff can identify if a student is having a problem.’

The regional smart card scheme is supported by the Black Country Consortium, which is tasked with shaping the region’s skills agenda.

‘Our smart card is revolutionising the way people gain secure access to a whole host of services,’ said consortium smart card manager Catherine McCloskey.

‘For the university’s 23,000 students, they will benefit from a single ID card with the potential to open doors to all aspects of university life.’

Students can log on to a web site and upload a photograph to be used on the card. The cards are designed to last for the duration of a student’s course and do not need to be replaced each year.