New Wiscard fulfills ID, debit, access, meal plan functions

The new Wiscard sports a new look and will simplify matters for students, faculty and staff by performing four functions in one card: It will serve as a campus photo ID, offer secure building access, and work as a debit and meal plan card.

Current UW–Madison ID card services remain the same. It contains the bar code that allows the holder to check out library books and the magnetic stripe to access recreational sports buildings, and it still includes the Campus Cash debit feature and Housing food or Union meal plans.

Changes with the new Wiscard include:

• a new name (Wiscard), logo and card design.
• a new name for the Union South photo ID office; it’s now the Wiscard Office.
• The access cards will be no longer made by the UW Police Department; they will be made at the Wiscard Office in Union South. Current access cards will continue to operate until their five-year limit expires. Then the holder will need to go to the Wiscard Office to obtain a new ID.
• Lost cards will cost $25.
• The new card is equipped to become a door access card for campus buildings.
• Unless contacted by your building manager, cardholders do not need to get a card right away since the door access key will still work.
• There is no charge to get a new card when surrendering the current one. However, the Wiscard Office requests that cardholders refrain from requesting new cards during the summer due to the volume associated with new students obtaining cards during Student Orientation, Advising and Registration (SOAR).

For more information on the new Wiscard program, call 262-3258 or e-mail wiscard_id@union.wisc.edu.