New ‘opt-in’ handheld scanner technology now available for students with unlimited and block meals

A new high-tech option is now available to students interested in accelerated entry to Syracuse University dining centers. In the last few weeks the university has installed Morpho hand scanners in almost all canteens to enable faster and contactless admission to meals. Use of this technology is completely voluntary and available to students with unlimited and block tariffs. Hundreds of students have already registered their hand scans with the Housing, Meal and ID Services Office and started using the system. Students wishing to enroll should visit 206 Steele Hall.

“Our students want a variety of restaurants that they can access as they please – be it between class or late in the evening after a night of study. This is one of many improvements we are planning to make the dining experience more enjoyable and efficient for our students, ”said Kris Klinger, senior associate vice president of auxiliary services.

Students with unlimited and block meal plans now have three options to visit the dining centers: 1) they can register their handprint and use the new system; 2) you can continue to use your SUID card; or 3) they can download the GET app to access the food centers.

In accordance with data security best practices, the Morpho system uses an encrypted mathematical representation of each student’s hand scan. Hand scans are encrypted during the entire acquisition and conversion process and then destroyed so that no biometric information remains with Morpho. In addition, Morpho operates on a secure private network that cannot be accessed over the Internet.

According to Chris Croad, chief information security officer, Morpho’s security and privacy practices meet the highest standards in the industry for information security.

“Our students are familiar with the latest gadgets or touchless devices and are usually the first to adopt new technology,” says Croad. “We now use face scans and fingerprints to unlock our many devices, so it’s no surprise that similar technologies are used to buy a coffee or pay for a meal.”

Other colleges have adopted this technology in recent years and have received positive feedback from their students. Some colleges, including the University of Alabama and Auburn University, have started issuing mobile IDs to their students, an indication that contactless technology is constantly evolving and expanding.

“The new scanners were a relatively easy way to upgrade the university’s technology,” says Klinger. “We will constantly look for ways to modernize and meet our students where they are.”

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private research university that promotes knowledge in all disciplines to advance breakthrough discovery and leadership. Our collection of 13 schools and colleges with over 200 customizable majors bridges the gap between education and action so students can take on the world. In and outside of the classroom, we connect people, perspectives and practices to solve interdisciplinary challenges with interdisciplinary approaches. Together we are a strong community that moves ideas, individuals and impacts beyond measure.