Difference between revisions of "CUID"

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The '''CUID''' or '''Columbia University ID''' is the official ID card for Columbia students and faculty.
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[[Image:2012cucard.jpg|thumb|187px|The newest CUID, introduced in 2012]]
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[[Image:CUID.jpg|thumb|187px|The old new CUID]]
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[[Image:CUIDold.jpg|thumb|187px|Older CUID featuring [[Alma Mater]]]]
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[[Image:CUID1996.gif|thumb|187px|The first 'all-in-one' Columbia Card, from 1996<ref>[http://www.columbia.edu/cu/record/archives/vol21/vol21_iss15/record2115.14.html All-Purpose IDs to Offer One-Card Convenience - The Record 1- 2-2-96 -- Vol. 21, No. 15]</ref>]]
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The '''CUID''' or '''Columbia University ID''' (not to be confused with the Cornell University ID<ref>http://www.cuwiki.org/CUID_Card</ref>) is the official ID card for Columbia students and faculty. It prominently features the ugly mug shot you sent in over the summer before your freshmen year unless you lose it and ask for a new shot with the replacement card. However, [[Alma Mater]] gets more real estate on the card than your face. Saving grace?
  
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=Priveleges=
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In the summer of 2007 [[Student Services]] announced that they would be rolling out new secure ID cards during the fall semester. <ref>[http://media.www.columbiaspectator.com/media/storage/paper865/news/2007/08/01/News/Columbia.Rolls.Out.More.Secure.Ids-2928948.shtml Columbia Rolls out More Secure IDs - The Spectator 8-1-07]</ref> As of August 13, 2007, all new cards issued by the ID center are the new cards.
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==What it's good for==
 
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*Swiping into restricted access Columbia Buildings ([[Housing|Dorms]], [[Dodge Fitness Center|Dodge]], [[Libraries]], etc.
 
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*Swiping into [[John Jay Dining Hall]]
 
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*Swiping into [[Hewitt Dining Hall]]
 
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*Paying with Flex or Dining Dollars at [[Dining Services]] locations, the [[Bookstore]], and many [[Vending Machines]]
 
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*Getting into most of the major New York City museums for free via [[Passport to New York]]
 
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*Getting into Bobst Library at at NYU
 
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*Getting into all Columbia athletics events for free
 
  
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==What it's not good for==
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== Design ==
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*Getting into Barnard dormitories (unless you live in one, like Plimpton)
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The first all-in-one CUID issued in 1996 featured a now rarely used version of the [[Columbia Crown]]. A subsequent design prominently featured [[Alma Mater]]. CUIDs issued during the 2003-2004 term also featured the ever-present [[CU250]] branding crown on the ID. The design was discontinued at the end of that year. In 2007 the ID center switched designs again. Columbia University and affiliated institutions will be moving to identical ID design layouts, with each institution's card bearing a school-specific image on the left border of the card in addition to the school's name across the top.
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*Getting into academic buildings at night unless you have special access (except SIPA, which any student can swipe into)
 
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*Getting you laid.  
 
  
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=Programs=
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In [[2012]], yet another new design was introduced "[t]o make the University ID card consistent with the current visual identity."<ref>http://idcenter.columbia.edu/</ref>. The changed only applied to the [[Morningside]] (and [[Manhattanville]]) campuses—[[CUMC]], [[Barnard College]], [[Teachers College]], [[Union Theological Seminary]] and other affiliates were not affected.
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==Meal Plan==
 
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Columbia First Year students are required to enroll in the meal plan, which consists of 'meals' at John Jay (exchangeable with Hewitt- nothing required. just go there to eat instead.), and Dining Dollars for spending at all other [[Dining Services]] locations. At Columbia, the Kosher Meal plan is a seperate option. The Halal Meal Plan simply requires registering getting a sticker on your CUID in 118 Hartley.
 
  
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Most upperclassmen do not sign up for meals at John Jay, since it's significantly cheaper to eat out or even better, cook.
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== Stickers ==
  
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Conventional wisdom is "Most Points, Fewest Meals" because you can only eat 2 meals at John Jay a day, (Brunch and Dinner) and often you're going to want to eat from another location, often Ferris Booth or 212.
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Several CUID functions require that you have one of several stickers on your ID.  A valid term sticker is required for events like [[Passport to New York]] and entrance to the many museums in New York. Keep this term sticker up to date by getting a new one each term from the [[ID Center]] in 204 [[Kent Hall]]. If it peels off, go get a new one.
  
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==Dining Dollars==
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In addition, students living on campus will need a building sticker denoting their campus residence. This sticker allows guests to be signed in, and (in theory but never in practice) allows a resident to enter his or her building if the electronic swipe system is down.  Replacement stickers can be obtained at the [[Hospitality Desk]] in the lobby of [[Hartley Hall]].
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Dining Dollars are the 'points' you use to make purchases at all Dining Services locations other than John Jay (which I think accepts points- it just costs around 13 bucks, why would you do that?). For first year students, they are part of your meal plan, while upperclassmen can purchase them separately. Upperclassmen, and first years who run out of points, can add more points to their account at any time through [[SSOL]]. Dining Dollars do not expire, they roll over to the next semester until you graduate. Then they expire.
 
  
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Dining Services offers discounts to upperclassmen who purchases points and meals in bulk over the summer in advance of the year. A student once calculated that it's possible to buy enough points so that with discount, if you use those points just to eat at John Jay Dining Hall, it would be cheaper than to purchase the equivalent number of meals. And even then you'd have the flexibility of eating elsewhere.
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== Replacements ==
  
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An advantage of using Dining Dollars to make purchases instead of Flex is that there is no taxes on your dining dollars purchases.
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You can replace your ID by going to the [[ID Center]] on the lower level of [[Kent Hall]]. It's more easily accessed from [[College Walk]] than the upper campus level entrance of [[Kent Hall|Kent]].
  
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===First Year Points===
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Back when they had the old ID design, students would go on their 21st birthday to the [[ID Center]] and request an over-21 replacement ID and be issued a new ID for ''free'' with a bright red stripe where it says 'student.' There is no longer any evidence of age on the IDs.
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Technically speaking, first years 'First Year Points' with their meal plan. The major difference between First Year Points and Dining Dollars is that the FYP allotted with the meal plan you overpaid for do not roll over. For example, if you get the 500 point plan, you get 500 points for the Fall, and an additional 500 points for the spring. If you don't spend them all by the end of the Spring semester, they disappear forever. Consider just buying tons of water bottles and non-perishable groceries from JJ's Place in the Spring to make sure you get your money's worth somewhat. Throw a giant chips and soda party. Ship the stuff home. Whatever. If you have too many points at the end of the Semester, Iris (the JJ's Place cashier) will berate you.
 
  
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"Every month, I get $100 of dining dollars. When it comes up on the bill, my parents think it's some kind of standard charge."
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Also, you can get a free replacement if your ID gets worn out.
  
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==FlexAccount==
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Students returning to Columbia in a new program (e.g. coming back as a grad student) are expected to turn in their old ID Card or pay a $15 fee for their "replacement" new ID.
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Flex is dollar for dollar money on your CUID that you can use to make purchases at all dining locations, as well as at Vending Machines, the Bookstore, and pay to use the Laundry machines in your dorm. Flex money gets taxed at dining locations, but is fantastic for purchasing your books. Just put a bunch of money on your account through SSOL, buy your books, and the charge will show up on your Columbia Bill (which, most likely, your parents will pay.) It's an alternative to cash or Credit Cards if you don't have one.
 
  
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===FlexLife===
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== Payment functions ==
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At least since 1996, a year after Yale introduced a similar program for its students, Columbia students have been pushing for the ability to use Flex dollars at local businesses, especially restaurants. In 2003, [[Division of Student Affairs|Student Affairs]] even included a FlexLife poll in the [[Enrolled Students Survey]], with a question asking which locations students most desired to have flex at. Wayne Ting (C '06) made FlexLife a central part of his 2004 CCSC election platform, despite the fact that he was aware that FlexLife would not be coming to campus for years.
 
  
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This program has not been implemented largely because the CUID system uses the owner's Social Security number in its barcode and magnetic strip, a fact that was announced in the fall of 2004. This could allow malicious hackers to exploit any weaknesses in the system to harvest SSNs. As of 2004, Columbia was the only Ivy League University still using SSNs with it's ID cards. <ref>[http://media.www.columbiaspectator.com/media/storage/paper865/news/2004/09/21/News/Security.Hole.Means.Flex.Wont.Move.OffCampus.Yet-2033440.shtml Security Hole Means Flex Wont Move Off Campus Yet] The Spectator 9-21-04</ref>
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* Redeeming [[meal plans]] at [[John Jay Dining Hall]] and [[Hewitt Dining Hall]].
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* Paying with [[Dining Dollars]] at [[Dining Services]] [[:Category:On-campus dining locations|on-campus dining locations]] and [[vending machines]].
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* Paying with [[Flex]] or [[Dining Dollars]] at the [[Columbia University Bookstores]].
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* Paying for [[laundry]] in the laundry rooms of the [[Columbia College|CC]]/[[SEAS]] [[:Category:Columbia undergraduate residence halls|residence halls]].
  
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While security is the primary concern, others observers have suggested that the University had been reluctant to consider the program in the past as it would simply undercut sales by on-campus operators such as Dining Services.
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== Access privileges ==
  
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With the ID replacement project underway, a FlexLife program may be possible as early as 2008.
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* Your CUID used to function as an over-21 ID on campus.
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* Swiping into Columbia's restricted access buildings. Depending on your privileges, these may include [[:Category:Columbia undergraduate residence halls|CC/SEAS residence halls]], [[Dodge Physical Fitness Center]], and the [[:Category:Libraries|libraries]].
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* Signing friends into your own residence hall, but not any others.
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* Swiping into [[Lerner Hall]].
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* Swiping into [[IAB]], at any hour of day or night. This is convenient to access the many IAB [[vending machines]], or to take a shortcut to [[East Campus]] or [[Wien]] when you're walking south on [[Amsterdam Avenue]].
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* Getting into most of the major New York City museums for free via [[Passport to New York]].
 +
* Getting into Bobst Library at [[NYU]].
 +
* Getting into all Columbia [[Athletics Department|athletics]] events for free.
  
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=Secure Identity and Access Control Project=
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== What it's not good for ==
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In 2004 the University created a task force to explore an overhaul of the CUID system in order to protect private information of student, such as their Social Seurity numbers which are currently the primary ID numbers embedded in the system, and allow the flexibility to use the system for off-campus purchasing. The University had been aware of the security problem since 2003. With approval from the Trustees, the overhaul plan was announced in October of 2005 with a timeline calling for implementation by New Year's 2008. <ref>[http://media.www.columbiaspectator.com/media/storage/paper865/news/2005/10/31/News/New-University.Plan.Aims.To.Protect.Students.Ids-2029779.shtml New University Plan Aims To Protect Students' IDs - The Spectator 10-31-05] Shockingly, it appears that the University will make it's deadline, with complete overhaul expected by the end of 2007. The "Secure Identity and Access Control" project, a $6 million undertaking by [[Student Services]] (which oversees the [[ID Center]]), will replace SSNs with University-assigned randomized ID numbers.<ref>http://media.www.columbiaspectator.com/media/storage/paper865/news/2007/03/07/News/Cuids.To.Come.In.Late.07-2762085.shtml CUID's to Come in Late '07 - The Spectator 3-7-07] In addition, the cards will incorporate a magnetic wire allowing the University the option of replacing certain swipe boxes around campuses to 'proximity boxes.' The [[Columbia University Medical Center|Med Center]] is already taking steps to take advantage of this option. The Univeristy will be overhauling it's database system as well, allowing students to register guests online rather than in person. Once all 80,000 students, faculty, and staff have been issued new ID cards by the end of Fall 2007, the off-campus flex plan will be feasible, and possible as early as 2008.
 
  
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According to Lisa Hogarty, executive vice president of [[Student Services|student]] and administrative services, "What most universities have done is just taken the Social [Security number] off the card. Once we finish this project, Columbia will be best in class." Considering that Columbia was among the last Ivy schools to address the SSN-related security concerns, and that peer schools have had FlexLife type programs and proximity box based access systems, the statement sounds a bit like self-congratulatory back-slapping and begs the question, "Well what the hell took so long?"
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* Swiping into Barnard College dormitories, unless you live in one, like [[Plimpton]].
 +
* Getting into academic buildings, except [[IAB]], at night unless you have special access
 +
* Getting you [[sex|laid]].
  
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=Notes=
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== Secure Identity and Access Control Project ==
 +
 
 +
In [[2004]] the University created a task force to explore an overhaul of the CUID system in order to protect private information of students, such as their Social Security numbers which had once been the primary ID numbers embedded in the system, and allow the flexibility to use the system for off-campus purchasing. The University had been aware of the security problem since [[2003]].<ref>[http://media.www.columbiaspectator.com/media/storage/paper865/news/2004/09/21/News/Security.Hole.Means.Flex.Wont.Move.OffCampus.Yet-2033440.shtml Security Hole Means Flex Wont Move Off Campus Yet] The Spectator 9-21-04</ref>
 +
 
 +
With approval from the Trustees, the overhaul plan was announced in October of [[2005]] with a timeline calling for implementation by New Year's [[2008]]. <ref>[http://media.www.columbiaspectator.com/media/storage/paper865/news/2005/10/31/News/New-University.Plan.Aims.To.Protect.Students.Ids-2029779.shtml New University Plan Aims To Protect Students' IDs - The Spectator 10-31-05]</ref> Shockingly, the University made its deadline, with complete overhaul completed by the end of [[2007]]. The "Secure Identity and Access Control" project, a $6 million undertaking by [[Student Services]] (which oversees the [[ID Center]]), replaced SSNs with University-assigned randomized ID numbers.<ref>[http://media.www.columbiaspectator.com/media/storage/paper865/news/2007/03/07/News/Cuids.To.Come.In.Late.07-2762085.shtml CUID's to Come in Late '07 - The Spectator 3-7-07]</ref><ref>[http://www.columbiaspectator.com/2007/09/07/university-removes-social-security-numbers-id-cards University Removes Social Security Numbers From ID Cards], Columbia Spectator, 7 September 2007.</ref> In addition, the new cards incorporate a magnetic wire allowing the University the option of replacing swipe boxes around campuses to "proximity boxes," which allow cardholders to tap instead of swiping.
 +
 
 +
The University will be overhauling its database system as well, allowing students to register guests online rather than in person.
 +
 
 +
Once all 80,000 students, faculty, and staff were issued new ID cards, the off-campus [[Flex|flex]] plan became feasible.
 +
 
 +
According to Lisa Hogarty, in 2007 the executive vice president of [[Student Services|Student]] & Administrative Services, "What most universities have done is just taken the [[Social Security number]] off the card. Once we finish this project, Columbia will be best in class." Considering that Columbia was among the last Ivy schools to address the SSN-related security concerns, and that peer schools have had Flex type programs and proximity-box based access systems for years, the statement sounds a bit like self-congratulatory back-slapping and begs the question, "Well what the hell took so long?"
 +
 
 +
== References ==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
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[[Category:Student services]]
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== External links ==
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* [http://www.columbia.edu/cu/id/index.html ID Center website]
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* [http://www.columbia.edu/cu/id/docs/Card_Swipe_Access/index.html CUID Troubleshooting]
 +
 
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[[Category:CUID]]

Latest revision as of 14:12, 17 April 2015

The newest CUID, introduced in 2012
The old new CUID
Older CUID featuring Alma Mater
The first 'all-in-one' Columbia Card, from 1996[1]

The CUID or Columbia University ID (not to be confused with the Cornell University ID[2]) is the official ID card for Columbia students and faculty. It prominently features the ugly mug shot you sent in over the summer before your freshmen year unless you lose it and ask for a new shot with the replacement card. However, Alma Mater gets more real estate on the card than your face. Saving grace?

In the summer of 2007 Student Services announced that they would be rolling out new secure ID cards during the fall semester. [3] As of August 13, 2007, all new cards issued by the ID center are the new cards.

Design

The first all-in-one CUID issued in 1996 featured a now rarely used version of the Columbia Crown. A subsequent design prominently featured Alma Mater. CUIDs issued during the 2003-2004 term also featured the ever-present CU250 branding crown on the ID. The design was discontinued at the end of that year. In 2007 the ID center switched designs again. Columbia University and affiliated institutions will be moving to identical ID design layouts, with each institution's card bearing a school-specific image on the left border of the card in addition to the school's name across the top.

In 2012, yet another new design was introduced "[t]o make the University ID card consistent with the current visual identity."[4]. The changed only applied to the Morningside (and Manhattanville) campuses—CUMC, Barnard College, Teachers College, Union Theological Seminary and other affiliates were not affected.

Stickers

Several CUID functions require that you have one of several stickers on your ID. A valid term sticker is required for events like Passport to New York and entrance to the many museums in New York. Keep this term sticker up to date by getting a new one each term from the ID Center in 204 Kent Hall. If it peels off, go get a new one.

In addition, students living on campus will need a building sticker denoting their campus residence. This sticker allows guests to be signed in, and (in theory but never in practice) allows a resident to enter his or her building if the electronic swipe system is down. Replacement stickers can be obtained at the Hospitality Desk in the lobby of Hartley Hall.

Replacements

You can replace your ID by going to the ID Center on the lower level of Kent Hall. It's more easily accessed from College Walk than the upper campus level entrance of Kent.

Back when they had the old ID design, students would go on their 21st birthday to the ID Center and request an over-21 replacement ID and be issued a new ID for free with a bright red stripe where it says 'student.' There is no longer any evidence of age on the IDs.

Also, you can get a free replacement if your ID gets worn out.

Students returning to Columbia in a new program (e.g. coming back as a grad student) are expected to turn in their old ID Card or pay a $15 fee for their "replacement" new ID.

Payment functions

Access privileges

What it's not good for

  • Swiping into Barnard College dormitories, unless you live in one, like Plimpton.
  • Getting into academic buildings, except IAB, at night unless you have special access
  • Getting you laid.

Secure Identity and Access Control Project

In 2004 the University created a task force to explore an overhaul of the CUID system in order to protect private information of students, such as their Social Security numbers which had once been the primary ID numbers embedded in the system, and allow the flexibility to use the system for off-campus purchasing. The University had been aware of the security problem since 2003.[5]

With approval from the Trustees, the overhaul plan was announced in October of 2005 with a timeline calling for implementation by New Year's 2008. [6] Shockingly, the University made its deadline, with complete overhaul completed by the end of 2007. The "Secure Identity and Access Control" project, a $6 million undertaking by Student Services (which oversees the ID Center), replaced SSNs with University-assigned randomized ID numbers.[7][8] In addition, the new cards incorporate a magnetic wire allowing the University the option of replacing swipe boxes around campuses to "proximity boxes," which allow cardholders to tap instead of swiping.

The University will be overhauling its database system as well, allowing students to register guests online rather than in person.

Once all 80,000 students, faculty, and staff were issued new ID cards, the off-campus flex plan became feasible.

According to Lisa Hogarty, in 2007 the executive vice president of Student & Administrative Services, "What most universities have done is just taken the Social Security number off the card. Once we finish this project, Columbia will be best in class." Considering that Columbia was among the last Ivy schools to address the SSN-related security concerns, and that peer schools have had Flex type programs and proximity-box based access systems for years, the statement sounds a bit like self-congratulatory back-slapping and begs the question, "Well what the hell took so long?"

References

  1. ↑ All-Purpose IDs to Offer One-Card Convenience - The Record 1- 2-2-96 -- Vol. 21, No. 15
  2. ↑ http://www.cuwiki.org/CUID_Card
  3. ↑ Columbia Rolls out More Secure IDs - The Spectator 8-1-07
  4. ↑ http://idcenter.columbia.edu/
  5. ↑ Security Hole Means Flex Wont Move Off Campus Yet The Spectator 9-21-04
  6. ↑ New University Plan Aims To Protect Students' IDs - The Spectator 10-31-05
  7. ↑ CUID's to Come in Late '07 - The Spectator 3-7-07
  8. ↑ University Removes Social Security Numbers From ID Cards, Columbia Spectator, 7 September 2007.

External links

Retrieved from "https://www.wikicu.com/index.php?title=CUID&oldid=53772"