Monash University has become the first university in Australia to replace its physical student ID card with a new digital M-Pass so students can simply tap their smartphones to get around the campus.
The new digital M-Pass means students and staff can add their student identification card to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet.
Now any action that required the physical ID card can be achieved with a simple tap of their iPhone, Apple Watch or Android device.
M-Pass user NFC (near field communication) mobile credentials so Monash university students can access buildings and facilities including the library or gymnasium.
They can also use M-Pass with their devices to use shuttle bus services and even pay for printing and photocopying.
It is the first time the technology has been rolled out at an educational institution outside the US and Canada.
“Monash University prides itself on the early adoption and development of new, convenient technologies and strives to continuously improve student and staff experiences,” says Peter Marshall, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice-President at Monash University.
“We’re proud to be at the forefront of a modern, more efficient way for students and staff to engage with our campus facilities and services.”
With digital M-Pass, students and staff just need to hold their device near a reader that previously required carrying a physical card.
Those students who use an iPhone and Apple Watch can add their mobile M-Pass to Apple Wallet and enable Express Mode.
They can then access locations with just a tap of their device without the need to wake up or unlock the device.
And this move means Monash University is spared the time and expense of printing and distributing physical cards.
“Our students and staff are hungry for this type of easy, convenient technology that also offers greater flexibility, a more secure experience, and aligns to our aspirations to be net zero by reducing plastic waste,” says Josh Teichman, Director, Digital and Monash Connect at Monash University.
“It sets up Monash to innovate further across the campus ecosystem.”
