Help Center

Building Access

I can't access my classroom building

Current students and staff in good standing with the University are automatically granted door…

I can't access my residence hall/dorm

Housing & Residential Life maintains door access and security protocols for University owned…

I can't access my work location

Current students and staff in good standing with the University are automatically granted door…

I can't access the Law School

Law school building access and printing is on a separate system and must be requested manually. To…

I can't access the University's tunnel system (the Gopher Way)

Current students and staff in good standing with the University are automatically granted door…

I can't figure out who to contact for building access

Each building may have more than one contact person granting access. It is important to speak with…

I got a replacement U Card, and cannot access my normal buildings

New U Cards take up to 4 hours from the time of printing to become active across campus. Parking…

Security ID Badge Discontinuation

As of July 1st, 2014 the Security ID Badge (SID Badge) Policy and supporting Badge Management…

Where can I view a building's open hours?

University buildings generally have University or Public Hours, or a combination of both. …

Gopher GOLD

Can I withdraw money from Gopher GOLD?

No, you may not. The only time you money may be withdrawn from your Gopher GOLD account is if you…

Does Gopher GOLD rollover each semester/year?

YES! The Gopher GOLD value will stay on your U Card as long as you actively use your account.…

Gopher GOLD vs. Dining Dollars

Gopher GOLD and Dining Dollars accounts both live on the U Card, but there are some distinct…

How do I close/refund my Gopher GOLD account?

A Gopher GOLD account will be closed only after the cardholder submits a Request to Close Gopher…

How do I know if I have a Gopher GOLD account?

If you have a U Card and are enrolled in the University as a student (undergraduate, graduate,…

How do I print on Campus?

Gopher GOLD is the only way to pay for printing across campus. Deposit to Gopher GOLD View…

How much money should I add to Gopher GOLD?

It depends on what you/your student will be using Gopher GOLD for. We recommend a starting balance…

What fees does Gopher GOLD have?

Gopher GOLD does not have usage fees except when: Depositing online ($2.50 convenience fee). The…

What happens to my Gopher GOLD account when I graduate or leave the University?

We recommend you spend your Gopher GOLD balance prior to graduating or leaving the University. You…

Identity

Can I get a copy of my U Card photo?

Yes! The U Card office is able to provide your U Card photo to you. These photos can be great to…

Can I get my U Card early?

No. The U Card Office does not mail or provide U Cards to individuals prior to the beginning of…

Do I ever need to return my U Card?

No, please hold on to your U Card and store it in a safe place where you will be able to find it.…

How do I change the name on my U Card?

The below information is applicable to all UMN campuses.Getting an updated U CardOnce you have…

I don't know what to bring with me to get my U Card

If you are receiving your first U Card, you will need to bring an approved primary form of photo ID…

Sponsored account creation guide

Sponsored accounts are one tool University departments may use to grant door access to non-…

What does the U Card Office do with my information?

The U Card Office only uses and accesses your information when it is required to provide services…

Will my U Card ever expire?

No, your U Card will never expire. The services on the card may be taken away if you leave the…

Parking & Transportation

How do I use the Universal/Employee Transit Pass?

Activation instructionsYou will receive an email once your pass is ready to activate.Tap your U…

Is the Universal/Employee Transit Pass on my U Card?

Yes! The Universal Transit Pass (UTP) and Employee Transit Pass are available on your U Card as…

My U Card is not scanning for my parking contract

Contact Parking and Transportation Services to ensure your contract is currently active and that…

Photo Uploads

A guide to uploading your U Card photo

Those eligible for a U Card are able to upload a photo in advance of picking up their card.…

I am a CIS or Transfer Student, and the uploader is asking for a fee

If you are a past CIS student or you are a transfer student transferring from a University of…

I submitted my photo but have not heard back yet

If you previously submitted your photo and you do not know if your photo has been accepted or…

My photo is in an unsupported format

Sometimes the image file format your picture is in may be unsupported by our uploading tool. We…

Why was my photo denied?

Photos for the U Card must meet certain requirements. When these are not met, you will receive an…

Physical Card

Can I reactivate a U Card?

Unfortunately, once a card has been deactivated it can never be reactivated for security purposes.

Can someone pick up my U Card on my behalf?

No, the U Card holder must be physically present to receive their U Card. View ID Requirements…

Can you mail my U Card to me?

No. The U Card user must be physically present and present an approved form of ID to receive a U…

Facilities Management U Card replacement process

The U Card Office and Facilities Management (FM) have a service agreement in place to provide…

How do I sign up for/use my meal plan or Dining Dollars?

Meal Plans and Dining Dollars are managed through M Food Co. Visit their website for additional…

I am a previous CIS or PSEO student, do I need a new U Card?

CIS Students If you were previously a CIS student, you will need to receive a new U Card at…

My U Card is visibly damaged and doesn't work

If your U Card has visible damage to it, it is best to bring it to the U Card Office to have it…

My U Card keeps getting damaged

Wallet damage is the number one reason people have to get replacement U Cards. Keeping your U Card…

My U Card was lost or stolen

The best thing to do is deactivate your U Card, so that whoever may be in possession of it has no…

What accounts are on my U Card?

You can learn more about the different accounts on your U Card on our "Accounts" page. If you are…

What discounts can I get with my U Card?

Many university and public services in and around campus offer discounts to students, staff, and…

What information does my U Card carry?

The U Card has a network of wiring, chips, and magnets in it that come together to connect to your…

Why is there a replacement fee?

U Cards actually cost more than the replacement fee to produce, but we subsidize that cost. Inside…

U Card Office

How can I send feedback to the U Card Office?

The U Card Office takes feedback from stakeholders seriously. The type of your feedback affects how…

Is the U Card Office accessible?

Yes. Both the Coffman Memorial Union location and St. Paul Student Center location are fully…

Parking at the U Card Office

Coffman Disability and Short-term Parking The 1,900 space East River Road Garage provides both…

What is the U Card Office's refund policy?

Replacement U Cards The U Card Office does not provide refunds for replacement cards unless it was…

What is the U Card Office's relationship with Huntington Bank?

The relationship with Huntington Bank in connection with U Cards does not require that students,…