Aston and Potomac Residence Halls’ Tap Readers Ready for Use

Residents can open doors with their GWorld card or CBORD mobile app; installation is underway or close to completion in six other housing units.

December 3, 2019

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Using the tap reader to access Potomac Hall. (William Atkins/GW Today)

As of Dec. 3, George Washington University students living in the Aston and Potomac residence halls will be able to use tap readers to open their doors, meaning they can open their rooms using either a GWorld card or the CBORD Mobile ID app. 

The app will only work on one device at a time, and it does not open the building’s front door. Students who have forgotten their GWorld card can also borrow a loaner card that will open their building’s front doors from the Key Depot (2025 F St.). Students should remember that if they lose their GWorld card, they should report the loss immediately. 

The Mobile ID app is available for both iOS and Android. Students will need their GW NetID and password to log in. Mobile ID is meant primarily as a backup for forgotten GWorld cards and should not be relied upon as the primary means of accessing a room. Mobile ID also may take up to five seconds to open a door. 

As of Dec. 2, 56 percent of planned tap readers have been installed. Tap readers in South Hall will be operative later this week. Installation also is underway in Clark Hall, Hensley Hall, Madison Hall, Mitchell Hall and the Greek townhouses. 

“GW is grateful for the partnership with, and cooperation of our residents during this process improving the security of their residence halls,” said David Dent, associate vice president of Facilities Planning, Construction and Management. “Staff have been working seven days a week to implement these updates, and the flexibility of the residents has been very helpful.”

Questions about non-functioning tap readers should be addressed to [email protected]. Aston residents also may reach out to property manager Mike Okoh at [email protected].