Wiscard
Your Key to Campus Life

Wiscard Replacement Project

Project Overview

UW-Madison last updated the Wiscard in 2008. The current credential includes technologies (proximity, magnetic stripe, and barcode) that are no longer secure and allow the credential to easily be cloned. 

This project will replace the current Wiscard with more secure credentials that use near field communications (NFC). 

Key Objectives

  • Increase Security: Leverage the new NFC technology to reduce any misuse, fraud, or security risk of Wiscards. 
  • Facilitate Innovation: Adopt new digital technologies on campus for everyday functions. 
  • Promote Sustainability: Reduce the environmental impact of plastic ID cards. 
  • Enhance Campus Experience: Streamline access to buildings, events, and other campus services.  

Why New NFC Credentials Matter to You: 

  • Students: A more convenient and secure way to manage access to campus resources and services. 
  • Faculty & Staff: Easier access to campus facilities and streamlined processes for buildings, events, and other campus services. 
  • Campus Operations: Reduced administrative burden in the production, replacement, and maintenance of credentials. 
  • Security: Improved security with advanced encryption and centralized control over access and data management. 

Where are we now: 

This project officially kicked off in December 2024, however some work was completed prior to this time to begin preparing for this transition. As of June 2024, the UWPD team has successfully updated all door access points to support the new credential technology. The project team is currently focused on preparing the new credentials for testing with other campus service areas. Over the past year, a comprehensive outreach effort was conducted to identify and document key campus services, which will be contacted individually once testing begins. 

Project Milestones: 

  • Prepare Wiscard Credentials – In progress
  • Campus Service Readiness (Use Cases) – In progress
  • Marketing/Communications Campaign Readiness – In progress
  • Credential Pilot (Beta)
  • Marketing/Communications Pilot Adjustments
  • Readiness Checklist
  • Remaining card holders – phased approach over an 18-to-24-month period.

Stakeholder Roles & Responsibilities 

  • Student Affairs/Faculty Support: Provide feedback on usability and student/faculty needs to ensure the system is user-friendly. 
  • IT & Security: Oversee the technical development, data feed, service readiness, and ensuring the security and scalability of the NFC credential’s platform. 
  • Campus Facilities/Operations: Collaborate on integrating NFC credentials with existing campus services and building access points. 
  • Communications & Outreach: Help spread awareness about the project and ensure all stakeholders are informed of updates. 

What’s Next? 

  • Campus service areas will be contacted individually once the test credentials and new readers are prepared. The project team will work with your area to provide support when updating your services to accommodate the new credential. If you are not sure if you are one of those campus service areas, please email wiscard@union.wisc.edu.

FAQ’s 

  • What is the implementation date of the NFC credentials?

    The current target for the initial roll out of new credentials is still being determined, but is largely dependent on campus service readiness.

  • When will faculty, staff, and the remaining students be issued the new credential?

    It is expected it will take 18-24 months to completely replace all existing campus IDs.