January 5, 2024 – Sheridan College’s mobile OneCard program was in the spotlight at the National Association of College Auxiliary Services (NACAS) C3X Conference & Expo. The event showcased how Sheridan, in collaboration with global payments company TouchNet, seamlessly transitioned from concept to implementation.
In August 2022, Sheridan achieved a milestone by becoming the first Canadian college to introduce the TouchNet OneCard Campus ID in Apple Wallet. This innovative move allowed full-time students to leverage their iPhones and Apple Watches for classroom access, purchases, and more. The service expanded to Android users before the Fall 2023 term.
Adding the OneCard to a smartphone provides full-time Sheridan students with a secure and convenient way to access various campus services. With the integration of TouchNet Campus ID and the 360u app, students can effortlessly tap their devices to enter classrooms or make payments.
Aesha Brown, Sheridan’s Associate Director of Business Services Projects and OneCard, emphasized the program’s alignment with the college’s strategic plan. Brown highlighted the institution’s commitment to embedding the OneCard into every aspect of student life, using people-centric technology.
A panel of Sheridan students enthusiastically shared their experiences with the new mobile OneCard. Anita Guimaraes, a fourth-year Animation student, praised the convenience and accessibility, emphasizing the cost-effectiveness compared to traditional plastic IDs. Sharmeen Taheri, a recent Child and Youth Care program graduate, applauded the move towards digital advancements, stating, “This is the next step to improving all our colleges.”
Sheridan’s pioneering efforts did not go unnoticed. The project received an Honourable Mention from the Canadian Association of University Business Officers’ Quality and Productivity Awards Program in early 2023, recognizing Sheridan as the first Canadian college to launch a fully-functional mobile student ID program.
TouchNet’s President, Adam McDonald, expressed excitement about bringing this innovative technology to Sheridan and other Canadian institutions: “Mobile-first solutions help meet student expectations for a frictionless campus experience, as well as deliver greater flexibility and insights to help campus leaders and administrators run a smoother, safer, and more effective campus.”
Sheridan College continues to lead the way in higher education technology, providing students with a seamless, secure, and efficient campus experience. The success of the mobile OneCard program reinforces Sheridan’s commitment to innovation and its strategic vision for a people-centric campus.
