Mobile Credentials Launch at Belmont

Mobile Credentials are now available on both smartphones and smartwatches. (Posted on Instagram by @belmontu)

Belmont officially launched mobile credentials for Belmont students and faculty on June 1 to bring more sustainability, convenience and security to campus. 

“We’re making the student experience a lot more seamless and convenient because we don’t have to have the burden of physically carrying around a card,” said Shumaila Gilani, a 2026 graduate.

While mobile credentials are required for all incoming students and faculty, returning students and faculty will have the option to keep physical ID cards.

“If students choose to go mobile, their physical ID will become deactivated,” said Cady Tice, director of Bruin Card Services.

If students choose to keep their physical ID cards, the only change will be that anywhere a student previously swiped their card, such as on-campus dining locations or convenience stores, will now be tap only.

In addition, Belmont will create a Bruin Card Services office, located in the Belmont Central area of the Gabhart Student Center. Rather than bouncing between Campus Security, ResLife or Dining Services based on the issue, students can go the Bruin Card Services office for any and all card issues.

“It was not providing a seamless customer service experience for our students. So in the fall, I came on as the director of Bruin Card Services and we've been working really hard to establish this office as a one-stop shop for everything credential and card,” said Tice.

Belmont’s decision to use mobile credentials and to switch from swipe to tap technology is intended to provide more security and safety. Mobile credentials are truly more secure, explains Aaron Jerome, director of business operations.

Some students think that a mobile credential could be unsafe.

“I just don't like having all that information on that device... I feel like people have been able to hack into phones,” said sophomore Kasmira Moore.

However, Tice said students can put their minds at ease.

“Our wallet partners are very up to standard with security procedures. Our mobile phones, they are backed with passcodes, with biometric authentication. We also have the ability to remove a credential from a device remotely if it is lost,” said Tice.

The decision also reflects technological trends across higher education and broader trends across society.

“Students are using their mobile devices for concert tickets, for boarding passes,” said Tice. “We are using a technology that is outdated and is less secure.”

Written by Olivia Abernathy and Amber Rocker