Kristy Hoerig

Texas State University is trying to keep track of attendance this school year using a pilot program. Kristy Hoerig tells us more in this Bobcat Update.

The University's Information Technology Division has installed monitors and swiping systems in the Alkek Teaching Theater as well as the L-B-J Student Center.

Using the program, students are supposed to swipe their I-D cards when entering or leaving classrooms at those locations.

If students don't have their I-D cards, they can instead enter their identification numbers on a keypad.

SB: I would think that it would be easy to have someone else swipe in for you but I don't have any classes that require us to do that.

As an extra precaution, pictures are taken when students enter a classroom to prevent manipulation of the system.

Other methods of tracking attendance are sign-in sheets, or, in some cases, the use of a transponder device.

Media Technician Ken Smith says tracking students will benefit the university.

SB: I see that as positive. The only drawback is crowds going in and out.

Many students agree that a downside of the system is that they are often rushed to get to class on time.

One goal of the system is to transfer the collected data to TRACS, so that students and faculty members are aware of attendance records.

For Bobcat Update, I'm Kristy Hoerig.