When Plymouth State University began to issue new student and faculty IDs last June, it began cycling out the university’s older, less secure credentials.

Security was, in fact, the primary reason for the switch as the old IDs could be copied and printed from home by simply tampering with last two digits of the card’s security code. As PSU’s The Clock reports, the new IDs feature a code making them far more difficult to copy or forge.

The new IDs also come with an expiration date and a computer chip unique to each individual student ID number. The real challenge, however, begins April 4 when all old IDs will be deactivated, forcing students to make the jump to the newer model.

The university has encouraged its 3,500 students to schedule a time between 11:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to report to the student union building where Plymouth’s Print Shop is located. Students will report in alphabetical groups according to last name, in an effort to prevent any last second frenzy.

Students will need to exchange their current ID for the new Panther Pass ID and provide secondary photo identification in order to receive the new credential.

The new system has been met with some reistance from students, however, with many are expressing dissatisfaction with the $25 ID replacement cost – old IDs are replaced for free. But according to university officials, lowering the cost of the new IDs is not an option as they carry a price tag of $5 per card, as compared to 5 cents for the older model.

For the extra money, Plymouth intends to add functionality it student credential that its students haven’t previously enjoyed.

This will enable for contactless key card access to buildings, dorms and other PSU events. Plymouth also plans to implement the use of FlexCash at downtown locations, enabling students to go to local shops and pay using their IDs.