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   from the issue of April 1, 2004

     
 
Questions about new NCards addressed

 UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS

A new UNL “NCard” identification card will require all students, staff and faculty to have their pictures retaken before all existing cards expire Aug. 1. Because some inaccurate reports have mischaracterized the features of the new card, the Scarlet checked with the NCard office to get answers to some frequently asked questions.



 


 
When will faculty and staff need to get pictures retaken for new NCards?

Pictures for faculty and staff will be taken from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. now through April 16 in the third-floor Student Involvement office of the Nebraska East Union; and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 3-21 in the Colonial Room of the Nebraska Union for those on City Campus. New cards will be mailed to campus addresses.

If I don’t use my current campus identification card often, do I still need to get a new card?

Yes. Existing cards expire Aug. 1, so all faculty and staff must get new cards.

Why are NCards being changed?

First, to protect against identity theft, cards need to be reissued to eliminate Social Security numbers from the magnetic stripe and barcode. Second, technology has changed and the cards must be updated to add needed functions, such as features that will allow building access. Third, UNL students and off-campus merchants have asked for additional NCard financial features.
What’s different about the new NCard?

In addition to the original features as a photo ID and on-campus-only purchasing card, the new card incorporates new security features that protect against identity theft and work with new technology being installed in campus buildings. Additionally, users now have the option of linking to a Wells Fargo checking account that allows use as a PIN-based debit card for on-campus and off-campus purchases. If the debit card feature is chosen, Wells Fargo provides free services such as electronic bill paying, unlimited check writing and free ATM transactions.

Do I have to get an account with Wells Fargo with my new NCard?

No. Whether to link the NCard to a Wells Fargo account is a decision totally up to the individual.

Are the accounts debit accounts or credit accounts?

This is not a credit card. If you select to add the Wells Fargo account feature and have your card activated at a Wells Fargo Bank, the NCard will become a PIN-based debit card. This will require a balance in a Wells Fargo checking account to cover any purchases. You may also choose to apply for an NCard charge account to pay for on-campus purchases through payroll deduction.

Won’t this process cost the university a lot of money?

No. As part of the contract, Wells Fargo is reimbursing UNL for the cost of materials. New cards are issued at no charge to UNL faculty, staff and students.

Why was Wells Fargo chosen to handle the banking features?

Expanding the NCard to allow off-campus purchases legally required a partnership with a financial institution. Wells Fargo was chosen through a competitive bidding process. The bank will pay UNL royalties of a minimum of $3.7 million over the eight-year contract.

What will the money be used for?

The money will fund an as of yet undetermined special project to benefit the campus. Because they are not permanent, the funds cannot be used to support ongoing academic programs.

Source: UNL NCard Office


GO TO: ISSUE OF APRIL 1

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Online Teaching Institute runs May 10 to June 16
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