The FSUCard Center began as an extension of the Card Application Technology Center (CATC) in 1985 when initiated the development of the FSUCard at Florida State University (FSU). FSU was the first university to implement a photo ID card with a multi-application integrated circuit chip. CATC was the first to develop and demonstrate many of the innovations that characterize the future of university campus "one-cards" utilizing administrative, academic, financial, and informational services. FSU is also a founding member of the National Association of Campus Card Users (NACCU), the non-profit organization for the campus card industry.
Highlights of the early days of the program from 1998-1999 are:
• Implemented private label debit card with banking functionality.
• Linked ID card to PLUS and HONOR ATM networks.
• Allowed ID card to operate in Point Of Sale (POS) network.
• Promoted ABA and ISO standards for university ID cards.
• Established linkage between ID card and Demand Deposit Account.
• Implemented long-distance calling card on back of ID card.
• Opened campus-branch bank as part of ID card office.
• Designed and implemented re-carding system for on-site issuance of university ID cards with banking requirement.
• Implemented internal design for utilization of ACH entries to ID card.
• Transferred student financial aid directly to ID card account.
• Implementation of photo class rosters as PC application.
• Implemented multi-application chip card as new student ID card.
• Implementation of Web based photo class rosters replacing PC based application.
With a change of directors, administration, and funding, the CATC contract was phased out and the FSUCard Program became managed directly by FSU. In 2010, the chip cards from the 1990s was upgraded to FELICA chips and the design was changed. The entire campus was re-carded, which coincided with Blackboard, card production software, central university database, and equipment upgrades. The university community did not embrace the use of the FELICA chip, with most services choosing to use the less expensive equipment to read the magnetic strip. FELICA was phased out in 2013 and with another change in administration and funding, the focus of the FSUCard Program has evolved. In 2014, a centralized customer service project was started. The existing facility underwent a major renovation, connecting it to the FSUBookstore and creating a centralized student service center housing FSUCard, Transportation and Parking, and Dining Services. In 2017 the FSUCard front desk began to provide customer service for certain services under auxiliary services. The FSUCard Program Manager also started serving on the Professional Development Committee at NACCU, presenting at conferences and writing first of their kind documents for the organization. In 2020 alongside the university wide launch of the Salesforce system, the FSUCard front desk began providing front line customer service for all auxiliary services areas and online photo submission was launched. In 2021, NACCU published the Complete Guide to Identity Management, written by the FSUCard Program Manager.