FAQ
Once your card is approved, you will be notified by email with instructions on how to book a pick-up appointment in the Card Services office located in E120 (Student Commons Building).
AC Card FAQ
- I’m having trouble uploading my photo online. Any tips?
- My photo was approved. How do I book an appointment to pick my card up?
- I submitted a photo but am not sure if my photo was approved.
- My student number and PIN no longer work on the AC Cash portal, how do I log in?
- I can’t see my transaction history before April 4, 2023? What can I do to see it?
- How long does it take for money to be added to the AC Card for use?
- Can parents see their student’s balance on their AC Card when they attempt to add funds?
- Why might I need an AC Card? Can I wait to get my card?
- I just sent in a photo for my AC Card and noticed that my name is wrong in the system. What do I do?
- How do I find my network username and password?
- I am having trouble logging into my online account for the first time?
- What happens if my print balance has run out?
- What if I lose my AC Card or U-Pass and I need to get a replacement card?
- Where can I use my AC Card as payment?
For detailed instructions and tips on how to upload your photo, watch the video below.
If you continue to have issues, please contact us.
Instructions for booking a pick-up appointment can be found in the email you received notifying you that your photo was approved. Alternatively, you can book an appointment using our online booking calendar.
If you submitted your photo online, please allow 2 business days for our team to review your photo. This time may be longer at the beginning of each term. Once your photo has been approved, we will email you instructions on how to book an appointment to pick up your card(s). If it has been more than 5 business days, please contact us or visit us in room E120 on the Ottawa Campus.
AC Cash users must use their AC Network User Credentials (username and password) to login to the AC Cash portal.
If you would like a copy of your transaction history prior to Apr. 4, 2023, please Contact Us to receive an emailed copy. All transactions that take place after Apr. 4, 2023, are viewable on the AC Cash portal.
Money added to the AC Card is done immediately, there is no waiting period before funds become active.
No. AC Cash balances are confidential. Only the student can see their balance.
You are not required to get an AC Card, and can certainly wait to get a card! Card Services offers service year-round and you can get your AC Card at any time.
Some reasons you might need an AC Card right-away are:
- Residence – door access, laundry, meal plans
- To print at on-campus printers
- Access to certain labs
- Identification while on campus
Your name that is registered with the Registrar’s Office will be the name that is printed on your card. If you would like to change your name in the system, please contact us.
If the card preview looks like it has duplicated or combined your names, this is a server error with the preview function. Your card will be printed with your name properly displayed.
Your network username and password is available in ACSIS, on the left-hand side. You will need your network login in order to log into the AC photo system and upload your photo.
Students: Please note your default PIN is your date of birth in the following format yyyymmdd (e.g. 19801125).We strongly suggest you change your PIN to something unique upon your first log-in.
Employees: Simply use your network login and password.
Guests: If you have purchased a guest card, your PIN is located on the back of the card, underneath the scratch panel. Please scratch the panel to reveal the PIN.
Parents: In order to log-in to add money to your son or daughter’s account, you will require their student number and last name. The only way to obtain the student number is to ask your son or daughter. We cannot share this information directly with you.
You can add money to your AC Card to pay for printing if you don’t have a sufficient print balance or after your print balance has run out.
Reporting a lost or stolen card to Card Services immediately is important. If your AC Card is linked to a Meal Plan, it is important to report a lost or stolen card immediately to Food Services (613.727.4723 x7615) or login to Your Account and deactivate your card. They will automatically invalidate the card to prevent fraud.
Please Contact Us if you require a replacement card. Please note, there is a $25 fee to get a replacement card.
- Connections: The Campus Store
- The Print Shop (at Connections: The Campus Store)
- Health Services
- Algonquin Commons Theatre Box Office
- Food Services locations
- SA food locations
U-Pass FAQ
- I am a new full-time student. How do I get my AC Card and U-Pass?
- I’m a new full-time student, but I have not deferred/paid my fees yet. How do I get my AC Card/U-Pass?
- I’m a returning student, but I never received an AC Card/U-Pass, how do I get one?
- I am a returning student, do I need to renew my U-Pass?
- I am a returning student and already have an AC Card. Do I still submit a photo for my U-Pass?
- I am a returning student who didn’t attend classes last term. How do I renew my U-Pass?
- I’m a returning student who recently went from part-time to full-time, can I get a U-Pass?
- I’m a returning student, but I’m in a new program this term. What happens with my U-Pass?
- I have a blue U-Pass but I am currently in a Co-op term. Can I renew it?
- I have a question that isn’t answered above. Where can I get assistance?
- I tried to renew my U-Pass, but the machine light was red. What do I do?
To get your AC Card or a U-Pass for the upcoming term, please upload a photo online for your AC Card and U-Pass. If you are eligible for a U-Pass, the same photo will be used for both cards.
Note: You will need your network username and password to log in to the AC Photo site, which you can find in your ACSIS (Algonquin College Student Information System) account once your timetable is available. If your network account credentials are not available on ACSIS, please contact the Registrar’s Office.
Once your photo is approved and your cards are printed, you will receive an email with a link to book a pick-up appointment at the Ottawa Campus.
Cards can be picked up by appointment in the Card Services office located in E120, open Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
After you have deferred or paid your fees, you can upload a photo online for your AC Card and U-Pass. If you are eligible for a U-Pass, the same photo will be used for both cards.
Note: You will need your network username and password to log in to the AC Photo site, which you can find in your ACSIS (Algonquin College Student Information System) account once your timetable is available. These credentials are not available until fees are paid or deferred.
Once your photo is approved and your cards are printed, you will receive an email with a link to book a pick-up appointment at the Ottawa Campus.
Cards can be picked up by appointment in the Card Services office located in E120, open Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Returning students who never received an AC Card/U-Pass can submit a photo online. Once your photo has been approved, you will receive an email to book a pick-up appointment to get your cards.
If you are not sure, please email photoid@algonquincollege.com.
Spring U-Passes are valid as of May 1, 2024.
All returning full-time students who have paid or deferred fees and have a blue U-Pass from a previous term will need to renew your U-Pass at the tap machine starting April 10, 2024. The Renewal tap machine can be found outside of E120 (Parking Office) and in the first-floor atrium in the ACCE building.
Returning students who do not already have an AC Card and/or a blue U-Pass card will need to upload a photo online (we no longer take photos on campus) in order to get their card(s). Once your photo is approved, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to book a pick-up appointment at room E120 at the Ottawa Campus.
Your network username and password will allow you to log into the AC Photo portal and upload a photo. You can find your network username and password on ACSIS (Algonquin College Student Information System).
U-Passes are valid for the Spring Term beginning May 1, 2024.
No, if you are a returning student and already have an AC Card (student ID card), your AC Card photo is also on file for your U-Pass so you don’t need to submit a new one. Please book an appointment to pick up your U-Pass.
All returning full-time students who have paid or deferred fees and have a blue U-Pass from a previous term will need to renew your U-Pass at the tap machine starting April 18, 2024. Renewal tap machines can be found outside of E120 (Parking Office) and in the first floor atrium of the ACCE building.
Returning students who do not already have an AC Card and/or a blue U-Pass card will need to upload a photo online (we no longer take photos on campus) in order to get their card(s). Once your photo is approved, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to book a pick-up appointment at room E120 at the Ottawa Campus.
Your network username and password will allow you to log into the AC Photo portal and upload a photo. You can find your network username and password on ACSIS (Algonquin College Student Information System).
U-Passes are valid for the Spring Term beginning May 1, 2024.
Yes, you are now eligible for a U-Pass and your card will be printed using the existing photo we have on file (previously used for your AC Card). Students can book an appointment to pick up their U-Pass using the online appointment system.
Please upload your photo online if you have never had an AC Card.
All returning full-time students who have paid or deferred fees and have a blue U-Pass from a previous term will need to renew their blue U-Pass at a renewal tap machine.
A Blue renewal tap machine can be found outside of E120 (Parking Office) and in the first floor atrium of the ACCE building.
If you have a blue U-Pass from a previous academic year, you can tap to renew your card on our blue tap machine located at the Parking Office in E120 or the first floor atrium in the ACCE building. If your card taps green – it has been renewed and you can begin to use your U-Pass. If it taps red, please seek assistance from our Card Services staff in E120.
Yes, you can tap to renew your card at a blue tap machine. Renewal machines are located at the Parking Office in E120 and the the first floor of the ACCE building.
If your card taps green – it has been renewed and you can begin to use your U-Pass. If it taps red, please seek assistance from our Card Services staff in E120.
Please contact our Card Services team for support.
Card Services Office
E120 (1st Floor, Student Commons)
Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
If you are a returning student and tapped your existing U-Pass on one of our blue renewal machines and a red light was displayed, please visit us in E120 on the Ottawa Campus for assistance.