St. Edward’s University, like many other institutions, uses student ID cards for physical access to campus buildings as well as to make purchases on campus. These functions are in place as a safety measure and St. Edward’s is making sure to stress this to its students.

Whether because of property theft, personal security or facility damage, the university has identified its student and alumni recreation centers as spaces that require more stringent security protocols. Additionally, the classes that are taught in these buildings differ from traditional classes and pose security challenges.

As reported by Hilltop Views, students taking classes in the rec center will occasionally be late because they forgot their ID card. In addition to access to the rec centers, St. Edward’s students need their IDs to enter dorms and 24-hour computer labs – some of which have an external doors that require swipe access.

Despite a relatively reasonable replacement fee of $10 for a lost or damaged card, the student ID carries a great deal of value and it’s for this reason that the Hilltopper Card office stresses the importance for students to carry their IDs with them at all times.

The Hilltopper ID card is not only a key and a form of identification, but a means to purchase food at dining halls and vending machines on campus as well.