University ID graphic
University of Maryland ID cards can now be electronically deactivated if lost or stolen, the Office of the Registrar announced in an email Monday.
“It’s [simply] an added value, this isn’t coming from a spike in [lost or stolen IDs],” University Registrar Adrian Cornelius said. “Here in the Registrar’s office, we often think of ways we can add value to the services we provide for the students, faculty and staff.”
After an ID is deactivated, the card will no longer grant access to residential facilities or administrative buildings and offices and will not work for the time and attendance system. Dining plan points, Terrapin Express and University Recreation and Wellness services will also be suspended until a new physical ID card is issued. It
“Once that ID card is deactivated, it would prevent anyone from gaining access to it, whether it was lost or stolen, and using it for any purpose,” Cornelius said.
Some of the protections are more necessary than others, sophomore Lily Gates said.
“There was always more of a fear that people would use your ID to make charges, not really a concern of going into dorms,” the education major said.
There are links on Testudo and on the Office of the Registrar website for people to deactivate their cards, according to the email.
“If you lost your ID card on Friday evening, you would have to normally wait until Monday morning when we open our doors for you to be able to come and get a replacement ID card,” Cornelius said, “but now you don’t have to wait; you can immediately deactivate your ID card and not have to worry.”
To regain access to the services, students, faculty and staff have to get a new physical ID from the Office of the Registrar.
Sophomore statistics major Nick Iacono said while he does not expect to lose his ID, “it’s a great idea because it will definitely help people in the future.”
