F.A.T.S. Knows!
There are lots of reasons why your card might not perform as you'd like. Here are some of the most common. If this doesn't answer your questions, come see us in the Office of the Registrar, E1012.
It won't open the door to the student homework lab.
It could be something simple like, try swiping more quickly or more slowly. It could be as simple as, you're trying to swipe your card backwards. First thing to do? Get your card checked in E1012. If the magnetic stripe reads, you might want to try the door again. If the magnetic stripe doesn't read, and if the card hasn't been abused, we'll replace the card at no charge.
It won't open the door to the lab for my class.
Access to classroom labs is arranged through your division. If your magnetic stripe doesn't work, it could be that you haven't been granted access to that room. Check with your divisional office or E1012.
It won't open my residence door.
That's right. You need your residence card to access your residence door.
My card broke along the black stripe.
If your card has worn out due to ordinary wear and tear, and there's no other damage, come to E1012 and we'll replace it for free. If it's been abused and has broken, you'll be charged $25 for a replacement.
It's broken right across the black stripe.
If your card has been abused — holes punched in it, warping, pieces broken off, you'll be charged $25 for a replacement.
It won't read at one of the food service vendors, but it will read in others.
Talk to the helpful people at the Book Store.
It won't read at any of the food service vendors.
Have you had your meal plan or food plan activated at the Book Store? If you have a new or a replacement card, your meal plan or food plan won't work until your card is activated.
Are you keeping two cards together? If two cards rub together, it can damage the coding on the magnetic stripe.
Have you been eating French fries while you handled your card? It could be your card needs cleaning (and so do your fingers!).
I've lost my campus card./ My campus card was stolen.
You'll need to pay $25 for a replacement card.
I've lost my bus pass.
Talk to the helpful people in the Student Union office. The replacement cost is $25.
I lost my card, and got it replaced, and now I've found the old one.
Cut up the old one and throw it away. Once your replacement card is printed, the access on the old card, including your meal plan, gets changed to your new card (although you should still check with the Book Store to be sure your meal plan is activated). You don't get a refund for your $25.
Questions about your card? Ask us at the Office of the Registrar, E1012.
Office of the Registrar
… We're working for you.
This column is a Student Success Initiative sponsored by Counselling and Student Life Services, Financial Aid and the Office of the Registrar.
