Editors Note: This article has been updated since publication to correct a punctuation and spelling error.
For the first time, Western Washington University is offering a mobile Western Card. This change coincides with Whatcom Transportation Authority’s decision to begin to move all bus passes to the UMO Mobility App in the next three years.
Prior to the change, students were required to have physically printed IDs via the Student Business Office. Now though, students can upload a photo through Transact for approval before adding their Western ID card to their phones.
Information from your card is stored in your phone and accessible regardless of battery life, said Jessie Phillips, manager of Western’s card office.
“The ease of that convenience is really great,” Phillips said.
Students can use their Western ID to gain access to dining halls across campus, the Wade King Recreation Center, the Lakewood Boathouse and Western’s Libraries, as well as to check out equipment from ATUS.
“I wish they implemented it sooner,” said Tyler Kalvert, a Western commuter and third-year student. “I didn’t even know about the [mobile Western Card] until I saw someone get on the bus using it.”
This change comes after half a decade of progress behind the scenes.
“We needed to move away from [physical cards] because it was outdated,” Phillips said. "We had over 80 meetings on campus with stakeholders and folks who use the card.”
As a part of this effort to move digital, a new program was started in collaboration with WTA this year that will require current freshmen and future students to download the UMO app if they plan to use the transit system, said Phillips.
Kalvert spoke on the struggles of losing her ID card in the past.
“If you lose your card and they need to reprint one, it’s inconvenient,” Kalvert said. “It made it really inaccessible to transport.”
Western and WTA have also introduced ‘Show & Go’ stops, allowing students to just show bus drivers their physical Western ID or digital student ID to get on the bus.
“Anything that makes it easier for anybody is a great option for promoting transit,” said Michelle Grandy, the program manager for Whatcom Smart Trips, a local program encouraging alternative transport forms.
For returning students, options have been provided for those hoping to continue using their physical cards.
“If you have a physical Western card and you don’t want a mobile Western Card, you can keep using your physical card,” Phillips said. “Some students are nostalgic about having a physical card and if they want one, they can get one, it’s $25 on your student account.”
It should be noted, however, that students are not allowed to use both a mobile Western Card and a physical card. Phillips said this choice was made to stop people from using state funds to commit fraud, such as allowing non-students to use their Western Card and gain access to amenities exclusive to students.
Expanding the functionality of students’ Western Cards is the next step for Western’s Card Office, said Phillips.
“The next big push will be access control, using your hard Western Card or your phone to get into dormitory buildings or lab rooms,” Phillips said.
Students interested in learning more about the functionality of their Western Cards can visit the Western Card webpage or visit the Student Business Office. Students can find more information on the functionality of UMO here.
“It’s much more sustainable,” Phillips said. “We’re excited about being able to provide that to our students.”
Joshua Riley (he/him/his) is a campus life reporter for The Front this quarter. He's a third-year Public Relations major and Communications minor. Outside of work, Joshua enjoys attending concerts, following new film and music releases and reading. You can contact him at rileyjoshua.thefront@gmail.com.
