About ID Cards

All day students, matriculated Continuing Studies students and all full and part-time staff and faculty members should have an ID card. The card allows access to parking lots, buildings and labs and can be used to purchase meals at Aramark dining halls. It is also your official University ID and must be surrendered to University personnel upon request. You must come to the Office to get an ID card since we need to take your photograph.

Beginning Fall 2009, the University will issue UCards in place of traditional ID cards.

How to use your ID card

The cards in use at UMass Lowell are called Prox (or proximity) Cards. They contain a small radio frequency chip that sends out an ID number when triggered by a radio signal generated by the card readers. The radio frequency receiver is easily damaged. DO NOT fold or bend the card or punch a hole in it. DO NOT cut the card down to fit in a holder.

While the readers can read the Prox Card from up to three inches away, objects such as a wallet, purse, handbag or card holder can interfere with the readers, as well as the weather. Please remove your card from any of the above objects and press the card against the reader to assure good contact.

If the reader is able to detect your card, you will hear a beep and a small LED on the reader will turn green to indicate that you have access to that door or gate. If the LED turns yellow, it means your card was read but you have not been granted access to the area.