Orientations
University of Michigan Health System Mcards
Mcard Photo Use Policy
Care of Mcards
Lost/Stolen Mcards
Mcard Photo Purchase Info   (Release of Mcard Digitized Image Form)
Changes or Leaving?

Orientations                                               Time-Saver Info for Ann Arbor Students

Generally, students will obtain their first Mcard free during their student orientation.  Mcard production may occur at the orientation site or at an ID Issuing Station.  Cardholders who are affiliated with the University Health System must obtain their Mcards at the Key & ID Office.  Students not a part of an orientation can obtain their Mcard if they are matriculated and term activated.  Please bring government photo ID (i.e., driver's license, state ID, passport) with you.  People wearing sunglasses, hats, caps, bandanas, etc. will be required to remove them before their photo is taken.

Students who have a previous non-student Mcard will be required to turn it in to obtain the student Mcard.  Students who still have a valid unexpired student Mcard can continue to use that card until it expires  Student Mcards are valid for five years.  Undergraduate and graduate Mcards both simply indicate STUDENT. 

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Care of Mcards

It is very important that Mcards be handled with care, similar to the way care is taken with driver's licenses or credit cards.  Mcards should last four to five years without failure.  It is advised that Mcards not be placed next to any embossed cards (e.g., ATM, Debit, or credit cards) as the raised characters can cause damage to the Mcard black magnetic stripe.  Mcards that are turned in to an ID Issuing Station because of normal wear and tear are replaced for free.  Cardholders could be charged the Mcard replacement fee if it is apparent that the cards were abused from such damage reasons in the red image above and others.  Examples of abused Mcards

The Mcard Center provides an initial free cardholder (limited supplies) to freshmen and new transfer students, who live in University Housing, to assist with the protection of Mcards.

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Changes or Leaving?

Incorrect or changed names on Mcards require the cardholders to provide proof (driver's license, marriage license, etc.) to the Registrar's Office.  About 20 to 30 minutes after that office makes the necessary changes, cardholders can generally take their old Mcards to an ID Issuing Station to obtain new corrected Mcards.  Also see Preferred Name.

Students who gain employment or volunteer at the University have the option to turn in their student Mcards to an ID Issuing Station (Health System Mcards only issued at the Key & ID Office) and obtain Mcards which have their department listed on the obverse and the word "STUDENT" printed on the reverse above the black magnetic stripe.

Students who experience a break in their academic career (e.g., a term or year off) should retain their Mcards as it is still their official University ID and as long as it is still valid.  Student Mcards are valid for 5 years from the date of issuance. 

Expired Mcards are required to be turned in to an ID Issuing Station in order to receive new Mcards for free.

Permanently leaving the University requires that the Mcard be turned into an ID Issuing Station or if employed to the department/unit supervisor. The supervisor will forward this Mcard to the Mcard Center.

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