Frequently asked questions

General Questions

• What is an Ontario Tech Ucard?
  Our Ucard identifies you as an Ontario Tech student, faculty or staff member. The Ucard is now available digitally through our Ontario Tech mobile app, as well as a physical card for those requiring access to certain services on-campus.
• Who is eligible for a Ucard?

  New undergraduate/graduate students, faculty and staff are eligible to submit a photo and apply for their Ucard. Once approved, you will receive access to your digital Ucard through our Ontario Tech mobile app. If you require the physical card and have not already had one issued to you, please contact connect@ontariotechu.ca. 

  Returning students, faculty and staff can also access their digital Ucard. If you require a physical card to access on-campus areas and/or services, make sure you retain your previously issued ID card. Any services you would access with a physical Ucard are automatically linked to your account.

• How do I apply for my Ucard?

  New students, faculty and staff must submit their photo online and wait for further communication which will outline how to schedule a Google Meet session where you'll be asked present one piece of valid government-issued photo ID for verification. Once your photo is verified, you'll receive access to your Ontario Tech digital Ucard. 

  Returning students are no longer required to update their Ucard annually. You may access your digital Ucard through the Ontario Tech mobile app. Make sure you retain your previously issued physical Ucard if you require access to on-campus areas and/or services.

Digital Ucard

• How do I access my digital Ucard?

  All students, faculty and staff who have a verified photo on file, now have access to their digital Ucard through our Ontario Tech mobile app. If you have not yet downloaded the app, search for Ontario Tech Mobile in your device's app store.

  Once you've signed in to the app using your network credentials, select the Menu icon in the top right corner. Under Quick Links, select Digital ID.

• How secure is the digital Ucard?
  Rest assured, the same security measures are being followed when issuing the mobile credential as for physical cards. Government-issued photo ID is verified before releasing the digital Ucard to each cardholder. Furthermore, all users must sign in to the Ontario Tech mobile app using their secure network credentials in order to view/access the digital Ucard.
• Where can I use my digital Ucard?
  Your digital Ucard will contain your photo, ID number and barcode for use wherever the barcode is currently accepted.

Physical Ucards

• As a returning student do I need to update my Ucard?

  As a returning student you no longer need to update your Ucard annually. Your Ucard is now valid for the duration of your studies at Ontario Tech.

  Please note: The U-Pass is no longer part of the Ucard and will be offered in an alternative format. Students will receive further information prior to the start of classes.

• I've accessed my digital Ucard, however I require the physical card. How do I obtain this?
  While we do promote the use of your digital Ucard while studying remotely, we do realize that in some cases you may still require the physical card in order to access certain on-campus services. If you require the physical card and one has not been previously issued to you, please contact connect@ontariotechu.ca. If you have misplaced a previously issued card and you require a replacement, you may be eligible for a replacement card. (Note: A $25 replacement fee applies.)
• How should I take care of my plastic Ucard?

   Do:

  • Keep the magnetic stripe clean and scratch-free.
  • Store it safely in your wallet.
  • Treat your Ucard like a credit or debit card.

  Don't:

  • Apply stickers to your Ucard.
  • Bend it in any way.
  • Expose your Ucard to extreme heat or heat from a hairdryer.
  • Punch holes in it.
• What do I do if I have a physical Ucard and it's damaged, lost or stolen?
  If you have a plastic Ucard and it is damaged, lost or stolen, visit our replacement card page for your next steps.
• How much does it cost to replace a damaged, lost, or stolen Ucard?
  The replacement fee for a damaged, lost or stolen plastic Ucard is $25. Learn more about replacing your Ucard. 
• What will happen to my print credit or meal plan if my Ucard is damaged, lost or stolen?

  When a replacement card is issued, the funds will transfer over to your new Ucard.

  If you have a meal plan and your replacement card does not work on first use, please let the food service provider know as soon as possible. They may need to ensure that the funds have successfully transferred to the new card.

• What is a proximity access card?

  Proximity (prox) cards are a type of card used to grant access to specific rooms, or areas, on campus. If an individual requires such access, a request must be made through an authorized staff member and will be subject to an approval process.

  Beginning January 2020 for faculty/staff, and September 2020 for graduate students, newly issued Ucards have prox capability. This means that if you require access to prox-enabled rooms on-campus as deemed by your supervisor, you must follow the steps listed on the Office of Campus Infrastructure and Sustainability website to enable this feature on your card.

  If you have a Ucard without prox capability and you now require access to a prox-enabled room on-campus, you must follow the steps listed on the Office of Campus Infrastructure and Sustainability website to request access. Once approved, a new Ucard will be issued to you.

• I'm a faculty/staff member and my Ucard has expired. Does it need to be replaced?
  If your Ucard has expired, it doesn't need to be replaced. Instead, contact connect@ontariotechu.ca for further information.

U-Pass and Public Transit

• As a full-time student, how do I access the U-Pass?

  Please visit our U-Pass web page for more information on the U-Pass and other discount programs.