The face behind new student IDs
Viterbo University kicked off the new school year with new student IDs. Both incoming freshman and returning students can acquire new IDs that can be used as a form of valid photo ID during voter registration. The force behind the change is Kirsten Gabriel, the university’s Director of Student Life and Orientation.
The university was aware that voter IDs could not be used at the polls, but Gabriel was surprised to learn that other institutions had ones that could.
“I was very surprised to find out about that,” she explained, “as I wasn’t aware that was something that could be done.” Gabriel then made it a point to learn more and see what could be done to bring such IDs to Viterbo students.
The director gives much credit to both the physical plant and to Student Government, who helped with this project. The physical plant helped set up the new template and new printing mechanisms for the IDs. Gabriel wanted to be sure to thank the people at physical plant for all the hard work they did to help.
“I am also very grateful to student government for underwriting the cost of the new IDs. They were a great partner in that effort, and without their funding and support, it wouldn’t have been possible,” she explained.
The new IDs aren’t too different from the old ones, but the changes that were made allow them to be used at the polls. The main change was the addition of the dates in the lower corner, showing when the ID was issued and when the voter usability would expire. All a student has to do is sign their name.
Gabriel wanted to highlight that the reason all this time, effort and collaboration went into this project is the importance of active citizenship. “There are few things that are more important, in terms of what we teach our students, than to lead a life of active and engaged citizenship where people are engaging and voting in their democracy.”
She emphasized Viterbo University’s commitment to civic engagement and the continuing effort to remove barriers to voting for students.