McNeese State University is taking another step toward modernizing campus life with the introduction of the Virtual Cowboy Card, a digital version of the traditional student ID that lives on students’ phones.
Students can access the Virtual Cowboy Card by logging into MyMcNeese, clicking the “Get Cowboy Card” link on the homepage, opening the menu in the top-right corner, and selecting “Virtual ID.”
McNeese Chief Information Officer Chad Thibodeaux said the digital ID is accepted across campus for residence hall access, library services, and campus payment systems, including vending machines and retail purchases.
Junior Wilfred Robert-Fajimi said he has used his digital ID frequently since the program launched earlier this semester, especially in the school cafeteria, campus market, and recreation center.
“A virtual ID allows students to still have access to services even if they forget their physical card,” Robert-Fajimi said “It automatically takes care of that problem.”
Stephanie Lewis, marketing coordinator for McNeese Dining Services, said the virtual ID is usable at all dining locations and has already proven helpful for students who have forgotten their physical IDs or whose IDs were too damaged.
“Since it’s digital, the barcode doesn’t get scratched,” Lewis said. “It actually works better.”
While physical Cowboy Cards are still available, the virtual ID now serves as the primary form of student identification.
McNeese Police Chief William Scheufens and Lt. Erin Willis said the virtual ID improves campus security. Officers are trained to recognize a valid, live ID and can tell the difference between the real thing and a screenshot, making verification quicker and more reliable, especially during emergencies or after-hours situations, they said. They advise students not to share screenshots, login information, or access to their phones.
To maintain security, the Virtual Cowboy Card only displays limited information, such as the student’s name, and uses a randomly generated barcode that does not contain personal data.
In the event a phone is lost or stolen, access to the virtual ID can be disabled quickly through the university system.
Robert-Fajimi said he would still like the option of a physical ID because some students prefer it.
