Ethan Rodriguez
A student uses their new mobile OneCard to unlock a door. NIU introduced mobile OneCards on Monday. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)
DeKALB – NIU has launched its new digital OneCard, giving students, faculty and staff a more convenient way to access campus services.
The new system allows users to store their OneCards on mobile devices, enabling tap-and-go access to buildings, meal swipes and other campus resources.
NIU Bursar Miesha Daley and NIU cashier and OneCard Manager Mindy Goldstick discussed the benefits of the new mobile OneCards.
“With the OneCard being mobile, it allows for easier accessibility for the student,” Daley said. “That’s a huge benefit, instead of the students, faculty and staff having to search through their bag or purse for their ID card. It’s also economically friendly as well.”
Goldstick added that sustainability was a key factor in the transition.
“We are trying to go green a lot more on campus, and this is just another component of that element,” Goldstick said.
The shift to digital also helps students save money. Lost physical OneCards previously cost $20 to replace, but mobile cards can be deactivated and reactivated instantly through a student’s phone, eliminating the fee.
One student, who had lost eight physical OneCards, was especially excited about the update.
“You just saved me another $20! You just made my day,” they said, according to Goldstick.
Additionally, NIU is leading the way as the first state university in Illinois to fully implement mobile credentials.
“If you go and Google it, there’s not many Illinois schools that are [implementing mobile cards], there’s one high school and we’re the third college that’s brought it into Illinois,” Daley said. “We hope it’ll drive students to see that and come here.”
Returning NIU students can choose between having a mobile or physical OneCard. Incoming students are encouraged to use the mobile option, but exceptions are available for those without compatible devices or personal reasons.
Despite being only a few days into the launch, the digital OneCard has already been widely embraced.
“We’re three days in, and as of 11 o’clock, we had over 2,600 people join. It’s growing,” Goldstick said.
The card is compatible with Apple devices (iPhone 8 or later, iOS 15+) and various Android models. Students can set up their digital OneCard by visiting the NIU OneCard office or accessing resources on the university’s website. Support is available for those needing assistance. For more information, visit the NIU OneCard website or email the OneCard office at onecard.niu.edu.