Frequently asked questions

General questions

• Who is eligible for a Ucard?
  All new students, faculty and staff, as well as visiting scholars, are eligible to submit a photo and receive their Ucard.
• How do I apply for my Ucard?
  • New students, faculty and staff must submit their photo through the online photo submission portal, along with a 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. 
  • 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. Please retain your previously issued physical Ucard if you require access to on-campus areas and/or services.
  • If you are a visiting scholar, the International Office will request your Ucard set-up on your behalf.

  NOTE: Photo submissions will be reviewed within 1-2 business days, but may take longer during peak periods. You will receive an email to your ontariotechu.net email account with the decision and further information.
• Can I use my Ucard as identification in exams?
  1. Yes, students can use their physical or digital Ontario Tech Ucard, or a valid government-issued photo ID that is in English at each final exam.
  2. NOTE: Make sure you have an approved photo on file prior to attending your exam. Digital Ucards without a corresponding photo will not be accepted as a valid form of student ID.
     
  3. 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?

  Once your photo has been approved, you can access your digital Ucard through our Ontario Tech Mobile app:

  1. Download the app and sign in using your network credentials. Ensure you choose the ADFS sign-in option, if prompted.
  2. Check to see that you are under the correct Persona (i.e. Student, Faculty and staff, Alumni or Visitor).
  3. Click on the Ucard tile on the homepage.
  4. Your photo will automatically appear.

  Note: If you have not submitted your photo for use with your digital Ucard, it is considered invalid.

  Upload your photo now 

• How secure is the digital Ucard?
  1. The same security measures are being followed when issuing the mobile credential as for physical cards.
  2. Government-issued photo ID in English is verified before releasing the digital Ucard to each cardholder.
  3. Furthermore, all users must sign in to 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?
  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 Ucard

• I'm a returning student. Do I need to update my previously issued physical Ucard?
  1. 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.
  2. Your digital Ucard will always contain the current academic year and you can access it through our Ontario Tech Mobile app.
• I've accessed my digital Ucard; however, I need a physical card. How can I get one?
  1. While we do promote the use of your digital Ucard, we realize that you may still require the physical card in some cases.
  2. Physical cards will be issued to those who require proximity (prox) access to rooms and nursing badges for placements.
  3. If you don't fall within these groups, you can still get a non-mandatory physical card for a $10 administrative fee. Please email ucard@ontariotechu.ca for further assistance.
• I need a proximity card to access specific rooms or areas on campus. How would I request one?
  • The request must be made through an authorized staff member and will be subject to an approval process.
  • If you require access to prox-enabled rooms on-campus, you must submit a request to the Office of Campus Infrastructure and Sustainability to enable this feature on your existing card.
  • If you have a Ucard without prox capability and now require access to a prox-enabled room on campus, you must submit a request to the Office of Campus Infrastructure and Sustainability. Once approved, a new Ucard will be issued to you.
• How should I take care of my plastic card?

   Do:

  1. Keep the magnetic stripe clean and scratch-free.
  2. Store it safely in your wallet.
  3. 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 my physical Ucard has been damaged, lost or stolen?
  If you have a physical Ucard and it is damaged, lost or stolen, visit our Replacing your Ucard web page for your next steps.
• How much does it cost to replace a card?
  • Physical Ucard replacement fee: $25
  • Nursing badge replacement fee: $2
  • The replacement fee applies for damaged, lost, stolen cards, or if a new card is required for another reason.
• What will happen to my meal plan if my physical Ucard is damaged, lost or stolen?
  • Please visit our Replacing your Ucard web page for instructions on reporting your damaged, lost or stolen card. 
  • You can access your meal plan using your digital Ucard.
  • If you opt for a replacement card, the funds will transfer over to your new Ucard. If your replacement card does not work with your meal plan on first use, please email leeann.hurst@compass-canada.com as soon as possible. They may need to ensure that the funds have successfully transferred to the new card.
• 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.
• 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 continue using your existing physical Ucard for access needs, or use the digital Ucard which will reflect official status changes.

  The physical Ucard is issued for the main purpose of proximity access to rooms and this access can be enabled on your existing card regardless of the status listed on the card. If you require proximity access to rooms on-campus, please submit a request to the Office of Campus Infrastructure and Sustainability.

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

  • Within one year: Would use their previously issued physical Ucard for proximity access (if applicable). If a replacement Ucard is required due to loss, theft, damage, or for any other reason, a $25 replacement fee will apply.
  • Over one year: Would use their 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.