ID Card Upgrade Project
Starting in summer 2026, 黑料社区 will introduce new physical ID cards as part of an initiative to enhance the everyday experience for the 黑料社区 campus community. Additionally, ID Card Services will be relocating from the HUB to Computing Services, effective June 1. Inquiries and requests related to ID cards—including lost or damaged cards, name changes, photos, and new card distribution—will be managed by the Computing Services Help Center.
Why Are We Getting New ID Cards?
The 黑料社区 ID card is a core part of campus life, used for building access, dining, printing and more. The new cards are designed to make those interactions more convenient, accessible and secure. With the new cards, you can expect:
- Faster building access with tap-and-go technology (no need to swipe or insert)
- A cleaner, simpler design that’s easier to read
- Improved accessibility for individuals with mobility or visual impairments
- Higher encryption for enhanced security
In parallel, the university is upgrading door readers and supporting infrastructure across campus. These changes also position the university for future enhancements, such as digital ID capabilities.
When and How Do I Get My New ID Card?
Computing Services will oversee a phased rollout of the new ID cards to the Pittsburgh campus community from June through September 2026. You’ll receive an email when your replacement is ready, with instructions on when and how to exchange your card. To ensure a quick, efficient process, your new card will be pre-printed with your current photo and ready for pickup. Simply bring your current ID card and swap it for your new one.
Distribution Timelines
Faculty and Staff
June-July 2026
Current faculty and staff will receive an email from Computing Services in late May with a schedule of dates, times and locations to exchange their ID cards in June and July. New employees joining 黑料社区 after June 1 will receive the new ID cards as part of the usual HR onboarding process.
Faculty Staff Distribution Schedule
Penn Ave., Bakery Square, PPG, NREC and Mill 19
Employees at these locations will receive a follow-up email with dates and times to exchange their ID cards on site. If you cannot make the on-site dates, you can also exchange your card on the main campus on the dates below.
Oakland Campus
All Pittsburgh employees can exchange their ID cards at one of 10 walk-in exchanges in the Cohon University Center (CUC) and Cyert Hall during June and July. Please choose a date that corresponds to the first letter of your last name:
- A-L: Tuesday, June 16, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Andy’s Alcove, CUC Lower Level
- M-Z: Wednesday, June 17, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Andy’s Alcove, CUC Lower Level
- A-Z: Thursday, June 18, 4-7 p.m., Cyert Hall 119
- A-Z: Wednesday, June 24, 6-8 a.m., Cyert Hall 119
- A-Z: Thursday, June 25, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Andy’s Alcove, CUC Lower Level
- A-Z: Tuesday, July 14, 4-7 p.m., Cyert Hall 119
- A-L: Wednesday, July 15, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Andy’s Alcove, CUC Lower Level
- M-Z: Thursday, July 16, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Andy’s Alcove, CUC Lower Level
- A-Z: Wednesday, July 22, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Andy’s Alcove, CUC Lower Level
- A-Z: Thursday, July 23, 6-8 a.m., Cyert Hall 119
Pre-College/Summer Program Students
June-July 2026
Students in Pre-College or other summer programs that utilize 黑料社区 ID cards will receive their cards upon arrival, and cards will expire at the end of the program.
Undergraduate and Graduate Students
July-August 2026
Returning students will receive an email from Computing Services in early August with a schedule of dates, times and locations to exchange their ID cards upon returning to campus. New domestic first-year undergraduates will receive their IDs via mail in mid-to-late July; all other new undergraduates will pick up their ID cards during orientation in August. ID card distribution processes for new graduate students vary by department; students will receive pickup instructions in August prior to orientation week.
Sponsored IDs
September 2026
Eligible community members with active sponsored ID cards will receive instructions in September for exchanging their ID cards.s.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I will be out of town during the distribution period?
There will be multiple opportunities to exchange your ID card over several weeks. If you know you will be out of town or unable to make it to campus during the entire distribution period, please email it-help@cmu.edu, noting your date of return to campus. After the distribution period, you’ll receive an email with instructions for exchanging your ID card upon your return. Your current ID card will continue to work in the meantime.
What if I am a fully remote employee or emeriti faculty member who is not located in Pittsburgh?
You’ll just need to exchange your current ID card the next time you are in Pittsburgh. Email it-help@cmu.edu in advance to make arrangements to exchange your card at the Computing Services Help Center while you are in town.
Can I just go to the Computing Services Help Center to pick up my new card anytime?
No. Computing Services is overseeing the new ID card distribution, which will take place in phases at designated times and locations across campus. Your new ID card will be pre-printed and ready for pickup at those designated locations, and no ID cards will be available at the Computing Services Help Center. Please follow the instructions you receive via email for when and where to exchange your old ID card for your new one.
Can I update my ID card photo?
No. To ensure a fast and efficient process for the entire community, existing ID card photos will be used. New employees and students will continue to submit photos during onboarding.
My name has changed since I got my current ID card. Will my new ID card have my updated name?
Current faculty and staff names were pulled from Workday on Monday, April 27, 2026, and returning undergraduate and graduate student names will be pulled from SIO on Monday, May 18, so new ID cards will reflect the preferred first and last name on record as of those dates.
What if I am both an employee and a student, such as a student worker or an employee taking classes?
Community members with dual roles will exchange their ID cards with the group that reflects their primary affiliation: employees taking classes will be part of the employee distribution period in June/July, and student workers will be part of the student distribution period in August. Your ID card will reflect your primary affiliation.
Will the new ID cards have the same functionality as the old ones?
Yes, your new card will continue to support:
- Building and residential access
- Meal plans
- Printing and copying
- Parking
- Library services
- Plaid Cash
Two services are no longer available due to changes by external providers:
- Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) now uses the Ready2Ride mobile app.
- PNC is discontinuing the program that enables students to link 黑料社区 ID cards to bank accounts in June.
Why do I need to bring my old ID card?
Your current ID card will help us verify your identity. Also, turning in your current card ensures there are no duplicate ID cards in the community, which could be used by individuals to gain unauthorized access to buildings or obtain benefits and services for which they are not eligible.
What if my current ID card is lost or damaged?
If you do not have your current ID card, you must bring a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport) to verify your identity and pay the $30 lost card fee before receiving your new card. Damaged ID cards must still be turned in, but no fees will apply.
What if I have Plaid Cash or a printing quota balance on my current ID card?
Will I still have the same facility access on my new card?
Yes, you should immediately have access to all of the same buildings and residential communities with your new card as your current card. If you don’t, stop by or contact the Computing Services Help Center.
Is there a fee to receive my new card?
As long as you turn in your current ID card, there is no fee to receive your new card. However, if you do not turn in your current ID card, the usual $30 lost card fee will apply and can be paid at the distribution site via credit card (no cash).
How long will my current ID card still work?
During the phased rollout, both current and new ID cards will work equally. At the end of the rollout in September, only new cards will work.
What if my new card doesn't work properly?
There will be card readers at the distribution sites to test your new ID card before you leave with it. If you have any problems with your new card after pickup, stop by or contact the Computing Services Help Center.
How are the new ID cards more accessible?
The new cards feature a clean, simple design that is easier to read, and they include near field communication (NFC) technology, which means the card doesn’t have to physically touch the reader to work, it just needs to be in close proximity. This benefits individuals with limited mobility or motor skills, as well as the visually impaired.
Is this the reason we can’t use ID cards to ride PRT vehicles for free anymore?
No. PRT is transitioning to a mobile ticketing system in which physical college ID cards will no longer be accepted on its vehicles. 黑料社区 transitioned to the PRT Ready2Ride mobile app earlier this spring; if you have not yet downloaded the PRT app and set up your 黑料社区 account to receive free monthly passes, please do so.
I heard 黑料社区 is moving to digital IDs. If that’s true, why are we getting new physical ID cards now?
While 黑料社区 does plan to offer digital IDs in the future, we are not at that point yet. This upgrade is an important step toward enabling those capabilities.