The digital student ID card of Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences

Since August, students at Magdeburg Stendal University of Applied Sciences have been able to use the digital student ID in their UniNow app. UniNow accompanies the university on its way to a digital campus. André Nollmann reports on the collaboration and implementation of the digital ID card.

Digitalization is one of the core processes of the 21st century and permeates all social areas. Associated requirements are also influencing universities, which are dealing with diverse concepts and strategies for the further development of teaching. UniNow has set itself the task of supporting colleges and universities with various offerings. One of these offerings, in addition to the UniNow app, is a digital student ID card.

In August, the UniNow digital student ID was introduced at Magdeburg Stendal University of Applied Sciences. It combines all the functions of the old paper student ID in a digital version on a smartphone. In addition to identification in everyday university life and during leisure time, students can also benefit from a variety of other functions. In addition, the ID card is also used as a library card and is valid as a European Student Identifier (ESI) for Erasmus+. The special feature here is that the student ID card is used at two university locations. Thanks to a cooperation with the Magdeburg public transport company, the digital student ID can also be used as a semester ticket. The semester ticket for the location in Stendal is planned for the coming year.

In our interview, André Nollmann, project coordinator for digitization, tells us about the implementation of the digital student ID and the advantages it has brought for the university. The ID card means a significant reduction in costs as well as low maintenance and administration costs. The old paper student ID card had to be reprinted and mailed every semester - which equates to a significantly higher use of resources than using the digital student ID card. Students benefit from the integrated semester ticket and can conveniently identify themselves as students anytime and anywhere using their cell phones. Since the cell phone is usually with them either way, there is no need to search for the student ID.