Different Starting Points, Same End Goal

How Campuses Can Adopt Mobile Credentials

• By Jeff Koziol
• 11/20/25

We’ve seen how rapidly smartphones have shifted our everyday interactions—from staying in touch with friends and family, to shopping and paying for daily purchases, to accessing controlled spaces. When was the last time you had a physical ticket for a concert or event?

Younger, digital-native generations have grown up with technology and have come to expect it as part of their daily interactions. A study by PYMNTS found that 79% of Gen Z consumers are avid digital wallet users. To meet this demand, higher education campuses can enhance student experience by implementing mobile credentials to streamline building access, on-campus payments, and access to other amenities. This enables students to connect to their campuses through the technology they use most: their mobile devices.

On the operational side, mobile credentials give administrators real-time control over access management, with the ability to issue, update, and revoke access permissions as needed. This is especially helpful on freshmen move-in days to eliminate or reduce the long lines and wait times that usually happen when lots of new students are coming to campus. Not only do they offer stronger security compared to physical student ID cards, but they are also less likely to be lost or forgotten since they are tied to the user’s phone. Students may share their campus IDs with their guests for building access and meal plans; if lost or misplaced, they’ll sometimes go as long as they possibly can to avoid incurring a replacement card fee. Students are much less likely to share or lose their phones.

Beyond day-to-day use, mobile credentials can help administrators secure campus buildings and restrict access in emergency situations. Technology, paired with strong emergency strategies, supports overall student and faculty safety.

Credentials are a viable solution for campuses of all sizes and profiles. The right solutions and strategies help meet schools where they are on their technological journey and provide the right level of support.

A Tale of Two Schools: Assessing Your Starting Point

Recently, Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) and Denison College partnered with Transact + CBORD and Allegion to implement mobile credential technology across their campuses. This collaboration highlights both institutions’ commitment to leveraging innovation to improve campus life.

The implementation of Mobile Student ID in Apple Wallet® and Google Wallet™ allows students to access facilities, residence halls, and campus amenities using their phones, eliminating the need for traditional ID cards. The new mobile credentials seamlessly integrate with each school’s established secure and configurable access control system, CS Access.

Although FIT and Denison College had the same end goal of implementing mobile credentials, they started at different points.

Upgrading Infrastructure to Meet Mobile Demands

For campuses that are early in their technology roadmap, it’s important to assess the existing technology and infrastructure and align on the project’s goals. From there, teams can identify the necessary upgrades and solutions needed. 

At FIT, the shift to mobile credentials required upgrading an established Allegion hardware infrastructure, which included Schlage MT readers. The process involved replacing only the reader modules on existing Schlage AD-400 wireless locks, streamlining the transition.

When selecting an access control solution, look for options that are interoperable and can be upgraded for future enhancements. This will help extend the life of your investment. Most importantly, verify that the solutions are peer-reviewed, tested, and certified.  

A Seamless Transition from Cards to Mobile Credentials

For campuses that have already invested in mobile or contactless card enabled technology, the switch from physical cards to mobile credentials is easier.

For example, Denison College, which installed its Allegion hardware infrastructure in 2021 with Schlage MTB readers and LE/NDE mobile enabled wireless locks, was already prepared to support mobile credentials, enabling a seamless and efficient transition.

Despite differences in their starting points, FIT’s need to update legacy infrastructure and Denison’s recent adoption of modern more secure hardware, the shift to mobile credentials at both institutions is a direct response to student feedback and the growing need to align campus services with the needs of today’s students. By reducing the reliance on physical ID cards and enabling secure access through mobile devices, FIT and Denison College are setting a new standard for campus security, connectivity, and convenience.

Supporting Adoption and Ongoing Enhancements

To ensure a smooth rollout, train administrators on how to use the technology and update any existing processes accordingly. Host hands-on training sessions and address potential FAQs to equip your team with the knowledge and resources they need to help users. A pilot phase allows your team to iron out any kinks and can help foster broader adoption.

From the student side, create a strategic communications plan to build excitement and increase awareness. Provide easy-to-follow downloadable instructions and resources to help troubleshoot so that students can start using their mobile credentials as soon as possible. Collect feedback from administrators, faculty, and students on an ongoing basis to capture any questions and uncover new use cases.

By adopting digital IDs, schools like FIT and Denison are doing more than modernizing their hardware and credentials; they're showing an earnest commitment to student success. Digital IDs have been proven to remove barriers, foster a greater sense of belonging, and meet digital expectations. Regardless of where your campus is on its access control journey, the right partners and strategies can help you become mobile-first and enhance the student experience.