U Card Policy

U Card Policy Statement

For this policy, a U Card is defined as the physical card, the data and photo printed on the card, and/or the data encoded on the card.

U Cards must NOT be collected upon termination of employment.
U Cards must not be retained and used as collateral for departmental services.
Only one U Card may be in the card-holder's posession at any time.

Unauthorized use of a U Card warrants immediate confiscation, deactivation and/or disciplinary action:

The identification, service entitlements and facility access associated with each individually-issued U Card are never transferable, and so, U Cards should not be lent to another individual for any purpose. In the event a U Card is lent to another individual, the individual whose identity is represented on the U Card assumes all financial and/or criminal liability for the card's misuse.

Fraudulent use of a U Card may include, but is not limited to:

the misrepresentation, or attempted misrepresentation, of identity via the issuance of a U Card
the misrepresentation, or attempted misrepresentation, of identity via the use* of a U Card
the provision of a U Card to another individual for any purpose
the duplication, or attempted duplication, of a U Card, the data or photo printed on the card, and/or the data encoded on the card
the alteration or defacement, or attempted alteration or defacement, of a U Card

*any function to which the U Card is used as the key for access (i.e. services, facilities, etc.)

When fraudulent use of a U Card is detected by the U Card Office or a service provider*:

The U Card must be confiscated.
Contact the University Police (phone: 4-COPS or 911) if the U Card is being used for illegal purposes. Examples included, but are not limited to, attempting to obtain goods or services illegally or to issue a check or receive cash illegally.
Service providers must immediately contact the U Card Office so the card can be deactivated.
- Service providers must have their own procedures regarding what, if any, attempt will be made to determine the identification of the individual attempting to fraudulently use the card. If known, the individual's name must be immediately forwarded to the U Card Office along with the confiscated U Card.
- Service providers may impose their own service restrictions on fraudulent card users.
Upon confiscation, or receipt of confiscated U Card, the U Card Office will conduct an investigation appropriate to the circumstances of the misuse, with the possible involvement of Student Judicial Affairs, University Police, TCF Bank, C-COM, and/or other appropriate offices.

*A service provider is the controller of the service or facility to which the U Card serves as the key for access.

Acceptable photos:

U Card photos must be an unobstructed, front view of the full face that is a representation of the true appearance of the individual. Photo must be taken in normal street attire without a hat or dark glasses. No facial or hand gestures or foreign objects are to be included in the photo.

For security purposes, a new photo will be taken each time an individual replaces their U Card.

Terms and Conditions:

Lost or stolen U Cards should be reported to the U Card Office immediately.
Gopher GOLD, the cash value deposited on a card's bottom magnetic stripe, is not cash refundable even if the card is lost, stolen or damaged.
U Cards must be properly cared for, as a replacement fee will be assessed for replacement (lost, stolen or damaged) U Cards.
Departments may choose to pay for an employee's replacement card. The employee should request a memo on department letterhead stating the name of the employee to receive the U Card, the department's CUFS number and the appropriate signature. Please refer to University policy if your department receives sponsored funds.

Disclaimer:

The U Card Office is not liable for financial loss or criminal repercussions associated with lost, stolen, damaged or fraudulently used U Cards.

Confidentiality Statement:

Personal information is kept secure and confidential at the U Card Office. Outside parties are not privileged to personal or account information unless express consent is granted or the University of Minnesota must comply with legal or government agencies.