Page 106 - Security Today, July/August 2020

Identity/Credentials
At the University of New England, access control is a piece of a larger puzzle helping to connect each per- son to the institution and campus. Every student, faculty and staff member receives an ID card, plus there’s a card option for community members who are interested in using our athletic facilities.
We partner with Transact to provide easy, convenient and credential-driven access to buildings, events and transportation. Stu- dents can also use their ID cards to access their meal plans, borrow materials from the library and use printing services.
As ID Card Systems Manager, I oversee access control and card services for the uni- versity’s Portland and Biddeford campuses, serving the needs of our students, faculty, staff and community members.
To best meet those needs, data is king. Instead of making guesses, we use access control data to make data-driven decisions to keep facilities secure, streamline processes and enhance the on-campus experience. A reliable credential program partner for IT and card management leaders is crucial. Partnering with Transact has allowed us to transform our ID cards into an ultra-conve- nient tool that gives us data-driven insights to better manage our campus.
Advocate for Access Control
The ID card services office is housed with- in the security department and we work closely with our IT and facilities depart- ments too. Management of many of the physical security tools is a collaboration with our security team to coincide with access control protocols, like surveillance systems, panic buttons and parking systems.
Collaborating with other departments is essential. Stakeholder buy-in can make or break a strategy. Working closely with our facilities and safety and security directors has helped grow our access control program and use it to strengthen physical security on campus.
Make Data-driven Decisions
Every campus is unique, and access con- trol initiatives should vary accordingly. For
"To best meet those needs, data is king. Instead of making guesses, we use access control data to make data-driven decisions to keep facilities secure, streamline processes and enhance the on-campus experience."
YAMASA/Shutterstock.com
30 campuslifesecurity.com | JULY/AUGUST 2020
By Kevin Paul Taschereau
Making Data-informed Decisions
Access control is key driver for campus building entry
example, the Portland campus is located in a populous, urban area, and has a lot of people coming and going throughout the day. The Biddeford campus, on the other hand, is situ- ated in a more rural, coastal location.
Safety, building access and transportation are important considerations for both loca- tions. But, our access control is not one-size-
fits-all. Instead, the university considers the needs of each community campus, using the data that’s providing insights to adapt our initiatives as needed.
Here are some examples of how the school leverages ID cards across campus.
Safety. When one thinks of access control, security often comes to mind first. The Bid-