Blackboard unveiled its new open-loop prepaid card program, Blackboard Pay, enabling institutions to disburse financial aid and student payroll to the campus ID card in a Title IV compliant manner.

In partnership with Discover and First Data, the Blackboard Pay program reduces the time and costs associated with the issuance of paper checks. It provides students and staff direct access to their funds and protects them from overdraft exposure and related fees. ▸

The CBORD Group announced that the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is using its CS Gold campus card solution in combination with NICE System’s NiceVision intelligent video solution in order to better manage access controls and other security operations across campus.

The university’s CS Gold card system integrates with NiceVision to instantly alert campus security operators of when and where a breach took place, automatically displaying live video from the scene. ▸

Vending machines at the University of Maryland aren’t getting as much business as vendors would like. But students say they would be more inclined to buy food from the vending machines if they were equipped to accept student ID cards for payment, according to the Diamondback Online, an independent student newspaper for the University.

At many schools, machines are equipped to accept student ID cards to make purchases. Students at the University of Maryland typically use the machines as a last resort, because on-campus shops not only have a larger variety of items, but also accept student ID cards for payment. ▸

Blackboard announced the availability of Release 3.6 of Blackboard Transact, and with it the introduction of a contactless campus system that aims to make the student experience both convenient and secure.

Utilizing Sony’s Felica technology, Blackboard Transact permits equipped cards and mobile phones to make payment and grant entry with a wave or a tap. Students can get into secure buildings and facilities, pay for books, meals and laundry and even access campus events. ▸

A new building at Ireland’s Cork Institute of Technology has been equipped with a wireless XS4 access control system by Salto, according to info4security.com.

As part of the system, Mifare contactless smart cards, which also double up as a photo ID, were issued. The smart ID cards build up on-card audit trails through normal use giving Cork Institute of Technology complete control over access. ▸

Students living on-campus at Chadron State College will now use a small device resembling a key fob to enter residence halls during night and early morning, says The Chadron Record.

The new security system includes new door and scanner hardware at each of the entrances, and video cameras and buzzers to screen visitors and residents with misplaced or inactive fobs. Students and others will still be required to show identification at the front desk upon entrance. ▸

The University of Iowa is converting all exterior doors on its more than 100 campus buildings from conventional key locks to electronic access systems, according to press-citizen.com.

Prior to the new electronic system, janitors were unlocking doors up to three hours ahead of schedule to have them all unlocked on time, creating many security concerns, say campus officials. ▸