What's a fob and why doesn't mine work?

What is a fob?

Main Entry: fob
Function: noun
Etymology: perhaps akin to German dial. Fuppe pocket.
Date: 1630

1 : watch pocket
2 : a short strap, ribbon, or chain attached especially to a pocket watch
3 : an ornament attached to a fob chain

Why doesn't mine work?

Due to some unfortunate technological inevitabilities we have to reissue fobs to everyone here at Snow Lion. We will be doing so in conjunction with our community meeting this Friday. Your current fob will stop working at this time. Here’s what to do:

1) Come to the meeting and turn in your current fob for a new fob.

2) If you cannot attend the meeting and would still like to be able to come home you need to either make arrangements with me to exchange you fob after 5pm on Friday or contact Sean who is the RA on duty on Friday after 8pm.

3) If you have lost your fob please bring $30 to pay for replacement keys since you will not be able to exchange your current fob. You will be assessed this charge at the end of the semester if your keys do not magically reconstitute themselves so you might as well get it taken care of at this opportunity.

We want you to come home we really do, and we’re sorry for any inconvenience. If you have any questions or concerns please let me know and I’ll do my best to work with you. Your safety is our business, sorry for the cheesy corporate tagline.

Although it would be somewhat humorous and largely cruel or unfair to lock everyone out of the building who doesn’t attend the meeting this is not our goal. The purpose of the email is to let people know in advance to avoid any such situations and to be as flexible as possible with those who need an alternative way of getting their fob replaced.