The Fordham University spokesperson Jennifer Petra said physical ID cards remain available for students who do not have access to a “compatible” mobile device. She confirmed that electronic ID cards are going to be the default for incoming first-year and transfer students. 

Last week, The Fordham Ram reported that physical ID cards were now only available upon request. However, in a recent email to The Fordham Ram, Petra said that students have to “qualify” to receive a physical ID card, highlighting that almost all of Fordham’s first-year students have received an electronic ID. 

“The electronic ID is the default for incoming students, and only a small number of students have requested to receive a physical ID,” Petra said in an email to The Fordham Ram. “Almost all of our 4700+ first-year graduate and undergraduate students have eIDs and have been utilizing them to access campus resources.” 

Petra said that students who do not have access to a mobile device must submit a form to request a physical ID card, and that each request is reviewed “thoroughly” before a physical ID can be issued. 

“Students who do not have a compatible mobile device can submit a request form online for a physical ID card,” Petra said in an email. “Each request is thoroughly reviewed, and anyone who qualifies will be contacted to schedule an appointment to pick up a physical card.”

Petra noted that a few students have reached out to Fordham’s IT Service Desk requesting help troubleshooting their electronic ID. She said that the IT staff has provided assistance for these students to resolve their issues. 

Petra encourages students to visit Fordham’s eID web page for more information and resources about utilizing Fordham’s electronic ID.