Welcome to the Cougar Family!
We are excited to have you joining us this semester.
There are a few things you should do before attending New Student Orientation.
- Review your personal information on the self-service portal. If you have a preferred name you would like to appear on your Cougar Card you can update it by logging into AccessUH, then click MyUH Self Services. You will be able to add a name and set it as your preferred name in the Personal Details section. Your preferred name will be the default name on your Cougar Card.
- Review the photo requirements for your photo before completing the submission.
- Upload your photo by going to AccessUH and selecting the Cougar Card Connect portal. Please allow 2-3 business days (Monday-Friday) for your photo to be reviewed.
- Uploading your photo before orientation will help you be ready to activate your mobile Cougar Card once it has launched.
- Keep an eye on your CougarNet email, instructions to activate your mobile Cougar Card will be sent once it's available.
Remember you are required to have your Cougar Card for move-in!
Yes, if you will be living on campus and participating in move-in, you will be able to activate your mobile Cougar Card at any time once it has launched.
Activation will only take a few minutes, however, we recommend doing it before your move-in day in case you need any troubleshooting assistance.
Just remember to upload your photo as soon as possible so you're ready to go when mobile launches!
Welcome to our on-campus housing!
You can absolutely get your mobile Cougar Card! Keep in mind that your previous physical Cougar Card will deactivate as soon as you activate your mobile Cougar Card. So you won't be able to use it again.
You will use your Cougar Card for check-in, on-campus dining, and access to your resident hall. Your Cougar Card is a vital part of your campus life, it provides access to some special events, MD Anderson Library, Campus Recreation and Wellness Center, computer and printing labs, academic and administrative buildings, and on-campus dining locations.
The mobile Cougar Card offers a more convenient, faster and more secure way to access your Cougar Card.
Welcome back Coog!
If you've lost your Cougar Card, you can activate your mobile Cougar Card with no replacement fees. The mobile Cougar Card offers a more secure, faster and seamless experience.
If you would still like to get a physical Cougar Card, you will need to schedule an appointment to pick up your replacement through CougarQ in AccessUH. There is a $20.00 replacement fee for the physical Cougar Card that must be paid in office. Once you arrive for your appointment you will need to pay the replacement fee. We accept all major credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay and ShastaBUCKS. Cougar Card Services does not accept cash.
If you lose your Cougar Card during the semester and it’s after Cougar Card office hours, you still have options!
- Visit the front desk at your residential hall to get a Guest Card that will give you access to your room or building.
- Make the switch to the mobile Cougar Card with no replacement fees. Your physical Cougar Card will be deactivated when you activate your mobile.
- Visit the UHPD office to request a Temporary After-Hours Cougar Card. You will need a valid form of identification and to sign an agreement form. UHPD will verify that you are a current student and issue a temporary card. All UHPD temporary cards must be returned to the Cougar Card office the following business day. If you fail to return the temporary card you will have to pay a $20.00 fee for the temporary card.
Obtaining a guest card from your residence hall or a UHPD temporary card are both temporary solutions only. You will still be responsible for getting a permanent replacement for your lost Cougar Card, physical or mobile. There is a $20.00 replacement fee for physical Cougar Card replacements that must be paid at the time of pickup. We accept all major credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay and ShastaBUCKS. Cougar Card Services does not accept cash.
Switching to the mobile Cougar Card will be a permanent solution since the mobile Cougar Card does not expire.
At this time current students are not required to swith to the mobile Cougar Card. There are a few things to keep in mind before making the choice:
- Easier access to your Cougar Card.
- No need to carry a physical card.
- No lost card replacement fees.
- Enhanced security through device biometrics.
- Supports faster, contactless access to buildings, dining, and services.
For residential students, if access is not active after 15 minutes, you may need to contact the front desk of your residence hall to check your access and re-encode access if necessary.
If your Cougar Card has suddenly stopped working for your residence hall or room, the first thing you should do is contact the front desk at your residence hall. They will need to check that your access is still active and that the building reader is functional. Cougar Card Services does not assign or remove building or room access.
Or you could activate your mobile Cougar Card as a permanent solution. Once you activate your mobile Cougar Card, your physical card will be deactivated.
If want to get a physical replacement card, you can schedule an appointment or join the virtual line through AccessUH in the CougarQ portal. Select the damaged card option when prompted. You must bring your damaged card with you to the office. Once you arrive at the office, we will check the smart chip and magnetic stripe on your card for any issues. If either function has stopped working due to normal wear and tear, you will be able to.
If your physical card has stopped working on the weekend or after office hours, your residence hall will be able to provide you with a temporary card or you can also visit UHPD and be issued a temporary card.