The MCard is the University of Michigan’s single-card program that combines many features including photo identification, library borrowing privileges, building access, meal plans and Blue Bucks access all on one card.
All of the university community is required to have a valid MCard. Over 110,000 student, faculty, staff, retiree and visitor MCards are active at the Ann Arbor campus. Some areas on campus require that the MCard be worn and visible at all times. Badge holders can be obtained at the MCard Issuing Station at the Michigan Union or the Hospital Key & ID Office if the cardholder is associated with Michigan Medicine. The MCard Issuing Station at the Michigan Union also provides incoming freshmen and new transfer students who live in University Housing with a badge holder (while supplies last).
The eight digit UMID number printed on the front of each MCard is the cardholder’s university ID number (e.g., student number, employee number). The UMID number remains with the person as an identifier whether the person is a student or an employee or combination of both.
MCard benefits
There are added benefits to carrying your MCard with you such as discounts for students and non-students at many merchants, companies and organizations. See the Discounts page for further information. Current students, faculty, and staff can take advantage of riding most fixed bus routes offered by the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Public Transportation – The Ride at no cost, by simply swiping their valid MCard.
MCards are also issued at Michigan Medicine and the Dearborn and Flint campuses. In general, cardholders are to obtain their first and replacement MCards at their respective areas. MCards at these locations may have different services, features, or access than MCards issued from Ann Arbor campus. The exceptions are when a Flint or Dearborn cardholder also requires:
- After hours or weekend access to Ann Arbor academic buildings
- Access to the Michigan Medicine campus.
In these situations, the person should obtain a card from an Ann Arbor MCard Issuing Station (or specifically the Key & ID Office for Michigan Medicine access). The Ann Arbor card will also work for access at Flint/Dearborn campuses.
Changes to status or name – leaving the university?
Students – Incorrect or changed names require cardholders to provide proof (driver’s license, marriage license, etc.) to the Registrar’s Office. About 30 minutes after that office makes the necessary changes, cardholders can generally take their old MCards to an MCard Issuing Station to obtain new corrected MCards. Also see Preferred Name.
Employees – Incorrect or changed names require cardholders to provide proof (driver’s license, marriage license, etc.) and complete the Campus Address or Personal Data Change form. Once the change has been completed an email notification will be sent to the requestor. Then, the cardholder can take their old MCard to an MCard Issuing Station to obtain a new corrected MCard. If you are unsure if the change has been made, email [email protected]. Also see Preferred Name.
Students who gain employment or volunteer at the University have the option to turn in their student MCards to an MCard Issuing Station (Michigan Medicine MCards only issued at the Key & ID Office) and obtain MCards which have their department listed and the word “STUDENT” printed on the back side of the card above the black magnetic stripe.
Employees who also become University students have the option to turn in their MCards to an MCard Issuing Station (Michigan Medicine MCards only issued at the Key & ID Office) and obtain MCards which have their department listed on the back side and the word “STUDENT” printed on the back side above the black magnetic stripe.
Employees who have multiple appointments can only have one appointing department name printed on their MCards.
Campus employees who change departments can bring their current MCard to a campus MCard Issuing Station on or after their official start date to receive a new MCard with the new department name on it. Michigan Medicine employees will need a Michigan Medicine MCard Request and Change form completed by their supervisor and their old MCard brought to the Key & ID Office for their new MCards. Employee MCards are valid up to 5 years from the date of issuance.
All expired MCards (except alumni MCards) are required to be turned in to an MCard Issuing Station in order to receive a new MCard (no charge). Non-employee/student expired MCards also must be turned in to avoid the $20 replacement fee; new non-employee/student MCard fees apply.
Students who experience a break in their academic career (e.g., a term or year off) should retain their MCards until their return unless the University specifically requires its return. Student MCards are valid for 5 years from the date of issuance.
Cardholders who will no longer be affiliated with the University are required to turn in their MCards to an MCard Issuing Station or, if employed, to department/unit management. Management should forward these MCards to any MCard Issuing Station (or the Key & ID Office for Michigan Medicine MCards) for confidential destruction.