A group of colleges and universities are turning to a new, automated temperature screening technology that leverages facial recognition biometrics to ensure facility access for students who pass a daily health check. The combination biometric system is called PopEntry+ and a few institutions see potential for it to help ensure a safer return to campus life amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

A survey conducted by HID Global and security, public safety, operations, and business intelligence solutions provider, Genetec, has revealed that many college campuses could be operating with outdated access control systems. Moreover, the report suggests that many universities are eager to move on from these legacy access control systems and implement newer, more secure technologies.

In this installment of CR80News Chats, we discuss a return to campus this fall with Transact’s senior director of product management for security, Scott Dennison. Scott shares some of the tangible challenges he sees coming for campus card offices and the auxiliaries, notably crowd capacity control and the use of mobile technology to manage social distancing in highly trafficked areas.

Security products and solutions provider, Allegion has announced the launch of Schlage Mobile Access Solutions, a comprehensive, secure and flexible access control portfolio. Schlage’s Mobile Access portfolio encompasses a complete cloud-based ecosystem that enables the use of mobile credentials at openings across an entire property or campus.

HID Global is offering its higher education customers a new support program to help provide valuable information and guidance for campuses plotting technology migrations. The program will draw from HID experts to provide support and resources that address things like creating a connected student experience, credential issuance, tightening campus security, and prepping for mobile.

A host of universities in the state of Michigan are beginning to lay out plans for students to return safely to campus in time for the fall semester. Some of the early measures that Michigan colleges are discussing provide an early snapshot of what life on campus may look like for students.

While it’s unclear when schools will welcome back students, campuses need to be prepared for a new normal. Allegion’s Rob Lydic discusses two solutions to consider — contactless credentials and touchless access control hardware — and their ability to help reduce contact transmission and cut the number of surfaces that people touch on campus.