ACU Card

The ACU Card is a student/staff card that provides confirmation of your status as a student or staff member of the University. It is also used within ACU Libraries for borrowing, photocopying and printing.

Your ACU Card uses smart chip based identification technology, recognised by card readers on each campus that link to a secure database which records your transactions.

Pre-order your ACU Card

In your first year, ACU Cards are available from Orientation Week onwards. If you have accepted your offer and completed your enrolment you may pre-order your ACU Card. Pre-ordering your card means you will avoid lengthy queues during Orientation Week.

** Please note that "happy snaps" are not appropriate and are not acceptable. Only passport-style photos [head & shoulders, taken against a plain, light-coloured, indoor background – preferably a light-painted wall] will be accepted.

• From your ACU student email account*, email a colour photo** in JPG format to futurestudents@acu.edu.au. Ensure you include:
• • your full name
  • student number
  • course
  • campus
  • full time / part time

• Once your ACU Card has been created you will be notified via your ACU email account when your card can be collected from the Student Centre. You will need to present your photo identification when collecting your ACU Card.

*Requests from non-ACU email addresses will not be accepted.

If you are a remote, distance, online or intensive mode student, you should follow the same process above and the Student Centre will mail the ACU Card to your mailing address as recorded in Student Connect. (This option is only available to remote, distance, online or intensive mode students).

You may also attend a Student Centre in person to have your photo taken and ACU Card printed on the spot. ACU Cards are available from Orientation Week onwards. For more details, check the Orientation Guide for times and locations.

Cashless operation in ACU Library

ACU Libraries are cashless. This means that you will need to add credit to your ACU Card to purchase services and/or pay fines.

Adding credit to your ACU Card

Every ACU Library has an EFTPOS machine where you can use your EFTPOS or Credit Card to transfer funds to your ACU Card.

Library borrowing with your ACU Card

When borrowing books from the library, staff will scan the unique barcode on the front of your ACU Card.

Bank charges associated with adding credit to your ACU Card

The library machines are EFTPOS (Electronic Funds Transfer Point of Sale); they are not ATMs. This means that you are performing a merchant transaction, similar to paying for goods or services in a shop. Therefore the transaction is not charged as a cash advance even when using your credit card.

Rates of fees vary across banks. This normally depends on the type of account you have. The bank usually allows a certain number of free electronic transactions before charging a fee. Speak to your bank if you are unsure or have any concerns.

Replacement ACU Cards

ACU Cards are issued free of charge to all students. Cards are valid for a maximum of five years, depending on the duration of your course. However, if your card expires while you are still enrolled, it will be replaced free of charge.

If your card is lost or damaged, you will be required to purchase a replacement card at a cost of $20.00 (if your card is stolen, and you provide a Police Report, your card will be replaced free of charge).

Replacement cards for staff will be charged back to the relevant organisational cost code.

Maintenance and security of your ACU Card

Your ACU Card should be treated like cash or a credit card; keep it secure and do not give it to anyone else to use on your behalf.

To ensure problem free use of your card, please ensure that you:

• DO NOT bend or fold
• DO NOT subject it to heat (e.g. car dashboard)
• DO NOT puncture the card

PIN Protect your ACU Card

You can place a PIN on your card at any EFTPOS machine in the library. PINs are encouraged to ensure security of the funds on your card. ACU will not take any responsibility for any funds lost from cards that are not PIN protected.

Conditions of use of your ACU Card

You must carry your ACU Card with you as it's your identification while you are on campus.

A member of University staff or security personnel can demand to see your card at any time. You must also produce your ACU Card for entry to and conduct of your examinations and when borrowing from the library.

You may not transfer your ACU card to any other person. Similarly, you may not lend your card to others for any purpose.