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 available digitally through our Ontario Tech Mobile app, as well as a physical card for those requiring access to certain services on-campus.

  For more information, visit our Ontario Tech Ucard web page. 

• How do I apply for my Ucard?

  New students, faculty and staff must submit their photo through the online photo submission portal, along with copy of a valid government issued photo ID for verification. Once your photo submission is approved, you'll receive access to your Ontario Tech digital Ucard. 

  NOTE: Photo submission reviews can take 3-5 business days to be completed. You will receive an email to your ontariotechu.net email account with the decision and further information.

  Returning students with a physical Ucard do not need to update their card annually. Your digital Ucard is accessible 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.

• 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. NOTE: Physical cards will only be issued to those with specific requirements outside of the digital Ucard (i.e. Nursing student badges for placements, meal plan access, proximity (prox) access to rooms, etc.). If a physical card is still requested, a $10 administrative fee will apply. 

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

• Can I use my Ucard as identification in exams?

  Yes, students can use their physical or digital Ontario Tech Ucard photo ID, or a valid government-issued photo ID that is in English at each final examination.

  NOTE: Make sure you have an approved photo on file prior to attending your examination. Digital Ucards without a corresponding photo will not be accepted as a valid form of student ID.
  

  For more information on our examination policies, please visit our Procedures for Final Examination Administration and Final Examination Chief Proctor Directives web pages. 

Digital Ucard

• How do I access my digital Ucard?

  All students, faculty and staff who have an approved photo on file 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.

  To access your digital Ucard:

  1. Sign into the Ontario Tech Mobile app using your network credentials.
  2. Select the Menu icon.
  3. Under Quick Links, select Digital ID.

  Note: If you have not yet submitted your photo for use with your digital Ucard, your digital Ucard is considered invalid. Upload your photo now for approval. 

• How secure is the digital Ucard?

  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 into the Ontario Tech Mobile app using their secure network credentials in order to view/access their digital Ucard.

• Where can I use my digital Ucard?

  Your digital Ucard contains your photo, ID number and barcode, and can be used wherever the barcode is currently accepted.

  For a full list of locations and services that can be accessed with your digital Ucard, visit our Where to use your Ucard web page.

Physical Ucards

• As a returning student with a previously issued physical Ucard, do I need to update my Ucard?

  As a returning student you do not need to update your physical Ucard annually. Your Ucard is valid for the duration of your studies at Ontario Tech. You can also access you digital Ucard through our Ontario Tech Mobile app.

  Please note: The U-Pass is no longer part of the Ucard and is now issued digitally through the PRESTO E-Tickets app.

• 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, we do realize that in some cases you may still require the physical card. Physical cards will be issued to those with specific requirements outside of the digital Ucard (i.e. Nursing student badges for placements, meal plan access, proximity (prox) access to rooms, etc.).

  If you don't fall within the groups that are issued a physical Ucard, you may still obtain one for a $10 administrative fee. Please contact connect@ontariotechu.ca for further assistance.

  If you have misplaced a previously issued card and you require a replacement, you may request a replacement card. Note: A $25 replacement fee will apply.

• 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.
  • Cut or 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 web page for your next steps.
• How much does it cost to replace a damaged, lost, or stolen Ucard?
  The Ucard replacement fee is $25. The fee applies for damaged, lost, stolen cards, or if a new card is required for another reason. 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 physical 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 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 physical Ucard has expired, it does not need to be replaced. You may retain and continue to use your previously issued Ucard. For further information, please contact connect@ontariotechu.ca.
• I'm a previous student and now employed at the university. Do I need a new Ucard?

  Individuals with a previously issued physical Ucard do not need to obtain a new card to reflect status changes. You may retain and continue using your physical Ucard for access needs, or access the digital Ucard which will reflect official status changes.

  The physical Ucard is issued for the main purpose of proximity access to rooms. This access can be enabled on the existing card regarless of the status listed on the card, upon the processing of the appropriate request as outlined in the Office of Campus Infrastructure and Sustainability web page. If a new card is required due to loss, theft, damage, or for any other reason, a $25 replacement fee will apply.

  Previous students now employed at Ontario Tech University, whose last active term at the institution was:

  • Within one year: Would use the previously issued physical Ucard for proximity access (if applicable). If a replacement Ucard is required, a $25 replacement fee will apply.
  • Over one year: Would use the previously issued physical Ucard for proximity access (if applicable). If a replacement Ucard is required, one will be provided at no cost.

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.