Why do I have to pick up a new U-PASS each semester?
The U-PASSes are issued on a per semester basis. Each semester your eligibility must be verified before a U-PASS can be issued.
When and where can I get my U-PASS?
Each semester distribution dates are scheduled and U-PASSes are distributed in the Student Services Building (located at 1200 W. Harrison, just south of the Racine Blue Line stop). Students who are eligible at the time that information is sent to the CTA are informed of distribution dates via mail. Every student is sent an e-mail with distribution dates prior to the distribution period.
What do I need to do to get my U-PASS?
Bring your i-card to the SSB West Atrium during the designated distribution times. Your eligibility will be verified at the check-in station located on the 2nd floor south of SSB. You will be directed to either a distribution table for preprinted U-PASSes, or to a photo station to have a U-PASS prepared for you on site. If you choose to not pick up your U-PASS during the specified distribution dates, you may claim your preprinted U-PASS at the U-PASS distribution site in the Photo ID Office, Room 1790 SSB. If your U-PASS was not preprinted, you may request that a late issuance U-PASS be ordered for you, either by making this request at the U-PASS distribution site located in the SSB Photo ID office or by making the request via e-mail. Late issuance U-PASSes typically take between 5 - 7 business days to process. U-PASSes are shipped to UIC. You will be notified via e-mail once your U-PASS arrives. Remember, the fee is nonrefundable.
Why was my U-PASS not preprinted?
In order for us to receive preprinted U-PASSes, we must provide the CTA with a list of students who are eligible to receive U-PASSes. Since UIC is the largest school participating in the U-PASS program, we must provide this list approximately 4 weeks in advance so that the U-PASSes can be prepared and delivered prior to the distribution period. If you are not registered for full time status at the time we provide the list to the CTA, your U-PASS will not be preprinted. Additionally, we send i-card photos of eligible students. If you did not have your i-card photo prior to the date we send the information, your U-PASS will not be preprinted.
Occasionally students who are registered on time and who have had their i-card photos on time do not have preprinted U-PASSes. This is usually due to a problem accessing the i-card photo.
I am registered for less than full time status, but plan on registering for more courses and becoming a full-time student. Can I pick up my U-PASS?
No. We must verify that you are registered for full-time status prior to issuing you a U-PASS. Students registered for less than full time status are not eligible to receive a U-PASS. You must pickup your U-PASS after you have registered for full time status.
Why can't I pick up my U-PASS without my i-card if I have other forms of identification?
We use the i-card to determine eligibility. At distribution, the bar code on your i-card is scanned to determine your eligibility for a U-PASS. All preprinted U-PASSes are also filed by the UIN number on the i-card. Since the CTA uses the UIN number on the i-card to determine eligibility for U-PASSes, students who must have photos taken and U-PASSes prepared at distribution must also provide their i-cards to avoid having their U-PASSes turned off after the tenth day of classes when we provide the CTA with an updated list of eligible students.
What if I lost my i-card?
First, go to the Photo ID Office in 1790 SSB with these three items: a $20 replacement fee, one government issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or State ID), and a copy of your current class schedule, which may be printed from the Student Access System (refer to the Timetable). Next, go to the SSB West Atrium for pickup as described above.
What if I can't pick up my U-PASS during the scheduled distribution times?
You will be able to claim your preprinted U-PASS at the U-PASS distribution site located in the Photo ID office, Room 1790 SSB between 9:00 a.m. and 4:45 p.m., Monday - Friday. You will need to bring your i-card. If your U-PASS was not preprinted for you a late issuance U-PASS will be ordered. A late issuance U-PASS requires approximately 5-7 business days to process. (Remember, the U-PASS fee is nonrefundable and required for full time students.)
Why do I have to wait for a late issuance U-PASS during late distribution if my U-PASS was not preprinted?
CTA only provides photo stations during the initial distribution period. If your U-PASS was not preprinted and you did not have a U-PASS prepared on site during distribution, we must place an order for a late issuance U-PASS. At the time you request a late issuance U-PASS, your i-card photo must be sent to the CTA. CTA will then request a U-PASS to be prepared for you by their contracted vendor. The vendor prepares the U-PASS, and then ships it back to UIC.