Frequently Asked Questions
The Card Services office is located in E120 (Student Commons building). Once your card(s) are ready, you will be notified by email with instructions to book a pick-up appointment.
Getting your cards
- I am a new full-time starting this upcoming term. 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 for the Spring 2024 Term. Do I need to renew my U-Pass card?
- How can I get a replacement U-Pass should mine become lost or stolen?
- I am no longer a full-time student. Is my U-Pass still valid? If not, what do I do?
- Are part-time students eligible for the U-Pass program?
- I’m a new student. How do I find my network username and password?
- When can I submit my photo for my card(s)?
New students requiring an AC Card and/or a U-Pass for the upcoming Term are required to submit a photo online. Card Services does not take photos in person.
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).
Note – If your network account credentials are not available on ACSIS, please contact the Registrar’s Office.
Once your photo is approved, you will receive an email to book a pick-up appointment.
To avoid delays in receiving your card, upload your photo today!
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 should 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 contact us.
U-Pass Renewal Information
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. 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.
You can obtain a replacement U-Pass through Card Services. Please note that the replacement fee for each U-Pass is $25.
Please contact us to request a replacement card.
Your U-Pass is only valid for the terms that you are registered as a full-time student and have paid your fees. If you are not a full-time student, your U-Pass is not valid. If you are not eligible for a U-Pass, you can obtain a Presto card and load money onto it.
No. Only students with full-time status are eligible for the U-Pass program.
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.
The AC Photo Portal uses the College’s assigned network username and password found on ACSIS.
If your ACSIS account is blank, contact the Registrar’s Office – it’s usually related to fees and/or registration status.
About the U-Pass
- How do I pay for the U-Pass?
- Is my U-Pass valid on Para Transpo?
- How does the U-Pass benefit students?
The cost of a U-Pass is $223.48 per term. A U-Pass Administrative Fee of $6 will be charged once per academic year. These fees are automatically included in student fees (ancillary fees) for students who are eligible for the U-Pass program, so there is no action required. Account balances can be viewed on ACSIS.
The U-Pass is valid on Para Transpo. Para Transpo service to rural zones requires a supplemental fare.
The U-Pass benefits students because it offers a significant discount on transit services in Ottawa and Gatineau. Many students who use OC Transpo and Société de transport de l’Outaouais (STO) purchase monthly student and monthly adult passes. The U-Pass provides a discount between 41 and 50 percent compared to student monthly passes, and a discount between 53 and 62 per cent compared to adult monthly passes. The U-Pass offers the added benefit of being valid on all routes, including express routes.
The U-Pass also helps reduce road congestion, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and results in a more sustainable community. For students that frequently drive or travel by another mode, the U-Pass provides an alternative mode of travel.