UCard (UMass ID) Basics

What is the UCard?

The UCard is the official UMass Amherst campus picture identification card. There is a student version for undergraduate, graduate, and continuing educations students. And there is a staff version for faculty, administration, and qualifying NENS (non-employee, non-student).

 

How do I qualify?

The following groups qualify for a UCard:

  • Active undergraduate students
  • Active graduate students
  • Active continuing educations students taking for-credit classes
  • Active faculty
  • Active administrative staff
  • Active, qualifying NENS (non-employee, non student)

 

What does it cost to get an initial UCard?

The initial cost for a UCard depends on your relationship to the University.

  • Undergraduate and Graduate Students: Traditional undergraduate and graduate students pay for their initial UCard as part of their entering fees. They do not pay anything at the time they receive their initial UCards.
  • Qualifying Continuing Education Students: Continuing education students do not pay for their initial UCard as part of their entering fees. They must pay $35 by cash or check, when receiving their initial UCards.
  • Faculty, Staff, and Qualifying NENS: UMass covers the cost of all employee and NENS UCards,. There are no costs to individual employees or NENS when they receive their initial staff UCards.

 

What other services are associated with the UCard?

The UCard is designed to be the "one card" on campus. In addition to being the official campus id, it also functions as:

 

How do I get my initial UCard?

To obtain your UCard you must visit the UCard office.  To learn more about how to get a UCard go here.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my UCard is lost or stolen?

You should suspend your card immediately, both your debit account and your residential door access (if applicable) by following these instructions. Afterwards you may obtain a replacement card.

What should I do if my UCard gets damaged?

If your UCard gets damaged you may obtain a replacement card by following these instructions.

Where can I find my UCard run number?

Older UCards have the 16-digit run number printed on the UCard itself. Staring in Summer 2010, this number is no longer printed on the card.

However you can look up your run number in SPIRE:

  • Log in to SPIRE
  • Click on My Personal Information
  • Click on UCard Information

What technologies are incorporated in the UCard?

The UCard currently uses the following three technologies:

  • barcode technology - your library number is printed as a barcode on your UCard. This technology is only used by the 5-College Library System
  • iClass "Smart Card" technology - your UCard contains a contactless smart chip and antenna. This technology is currently used everywhere the UCard is accepted with the exception of off-campus merchants.
  • magnetic stripe technology - your UCard has a magnetic stripe on the back of the card. This technology is currently used to access the majority of services associated with the card except vending, online door access, and some laundry readers.

Location & Hours

168 Whitmore Administration Bldg. (Map)
Monday - Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm
(Extended Hours & Holiday Exceptions)

Contact Information

Email: ucard@admin.umass.edu
Telephone: (413) 545-0197
FAX: (413) 577-0644

Mailing Address

UCard Office
P.O. Box 2364
Amherst, MA 01004-2364