Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Frequently Asked Questions

About the MIT Card and the Card Office:

What are the office hours for the MIT Card Office?
How do I get access to parking?
What if my MIT Card doesn't work?
Who should I contact if I have a question about my TechCASH Plan?
If I have not yet registered for the current term, am I eligible for a Student ID Card?
Has the MIT Card really made my campus life safer?
What should I do if I move to a different dorm?
What happens to my dorm access if I move off-campus during the summer?
If I change dorms during the summer, will I have access to two dorms?
Will I have access to my dorm if I graduate but am living in the dorm over the summer?
I'm a Lincoln Laboratory employee. How do I obtain an ID card?
Can my spouse/partner get an MIT ID Card if I am a student or employee?
Who should I contact if I have questions, suggestions or complaints concerning the MIT ID Card?
If I lose my card, can anyone use my library privileges?
Can I remove my image from the system?
What can I do if I don't want to have my picture taken?
Who makes the policies concerning the MIT Card?
How do I add a service to my MIT Card?
Who can get a copy of my image?
Am I being tracked?

About TechCASH:

What is TechCASH?
How does it work?
How do I get an account?
How do I add funds to my account?
Do I have to pay the fee to make a deposit?
Are credit card deposits charged as a cash advance?
Where can I send (bring) cash or a check to make a TechCASH deposit?
How much money should I put on TechCASH?
What happens if my TechCASH balance gets too low?
What happens to my balance if I don’t spend it all?
How can I monitor my student’s TechCASH account?
I receive scholarship/financial aid funds. Can I apply these funds to TechCASH?
What happens if I lose my MIT ID Card?

What are the office hours for the MIT Card Office?
The MIT Card Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM -4:30 PM.

How do I get access to parking?
If you already have the MIT card, you will be able to have the card activated when you process your application at the Parking and Transportation Office (W20-021).

What if my MIT Card doesn't work?
If it is a new card, it will not work until 20-30 minutes after you first receive it. If you have tried the card several times, please come by the basement of the Stratton Student Center (W20-021) or call x3-3475 to receive assistance.

Who should I contact if I have a question about my TechCASH Plan?
Please visit the TechCASH website or call the Card Services office at x3-0364. They will be glad to answer any questions you might have.

If I have not yet registered for the current term, am I eligible to receive an MIT Student ID Card?
If you are a student trying to obtain an ID card prior to Registration Day, then we will verify your eligibility status with the Registrar. The Registrar will be the final authority as to whether or not a card will be issued.

Has the card really made my campus life safer?
Campus Police has documentation that the card technology has reduced campus crime by 30%.

What should I do if I move to a different dorm?
Please notify your House Manager of the impending move and he/she will notify the Card Office of your new residence so your access can be changed.

What happens to my dorm access if I move off-campus during the summer?
If you move off-campus, your card will not be active for dorm access.

If I change dorms during the summer, will I have access to two dorms?
No. Security concerns dictate that you will only have access to the dormitory in which you are officially living for the summer. If you need to get your mail from your old dorm, the desk worker is able to let you in or you can ask to have it forwarded.

Will I have access to my dorm if I graduate but am living in the dorm over the summer?
If you have made the necessary arrangements with your House Manager, you will have access to your dorm until you move out.

I'm a Lincoln Laboratory employee. How do I obtain an ID card?
An MIT Lincoln Laboratory identification card is issued to employees by the Security Office at Lincoln Laboratory. The card bears a picture of the employee and is to be used for identification on official business outside the Laboratory. Please contact the Lincoln Lab Security Office at 781-981-2002 for further information.

Can my spouse/partner get an MIT ID Card if I am a student or employee?
Spouses and partners of MIT students and employees may request an MIT Spouse/Partner ID Card by visiting the MIT Card Office (W20-021). Please provide the following information when requesting a card:

1. A valid picture ID (a driver's license, passport, etc.)

2. Your spouse/partner's MIT Student ID or MIT Employee ID

3. Legal proof of relationship (Marriage certificate, or Joint checking account showing both names, or Lease showing both names, or Current utility bill showing both names)

The MIT Spouse/Partner ID Card can be assigned dormitory and parking privileges if proof of necessity is supplied.

Please note that the MIT Card Office does not issue spouse/partner ID's to spouses/partners of Retirees or Alumni.

Who should I contact if I have questions, suggestions or complaints concerning the MIT ID Card?
Please send e-mail to the MIT Card Office or call x3-3475.

If I lose my card, can anyone use my library privileges?
Until a new card is issued, the old card is valid, but you should be protected as long as the Library staff checks the photo on the ID card.

Can I remove my image from the system?
Yes. Please stop by the MIT Card Office to complete a signed request form to to remove your image from our system.

What can I do if I don't want to have my picture taken?
The Card Office handles such requests on a case-to-case basis. Please inquire at our Office or call us at x3-3475.

Who makes the policies concerning the MIT Card?
A committee consisting of representatives of the MIT community has recently been established to debate and determine policy.

How do I add a service to my MIT Card?
Anyone can make a request concerning card services. Please inquire at our Office or call us at x3-3475.

About TechCASH:

What is TechCASH?
TechCASH is the declining balance spending program provided by MIT for the use of students, employees and affiliates. It is the most convenient way to purchase goods and services throughout campus, including; dining halls, bookstores, convenience stores, laundry, vending and CopyTech centers.

How does it work?
TechCASH customers use their MIT ID Card to make purchases on campus. Mostly, TechCASH works like a debit card. Funds are loaded into a TechCASH account, and then purchases are deducted from the balance in the account. However, employee TechCASH accounts do not required funding as purchases are deducted from their next pay period pay check.
How do I get an account?
All incoming freshmen will have a TechCASH account created for them and ready for use by August 1 st. All other students and affiliates can open

TechCASH accounts on-line at:
http://web.mit.edu/mitcard/techcash/openaccount.html

Employee TechCASH account forms are available on-line at: http://web.mit.edu/mitcard/payroll%20deduction%20form.pdf

The original signed employee form needs to be submitted to the TechCASH Office (W20-021) for processing.

You will receive an email when the account has been opened and ready to use.

How do I add funds to my account?
Students and affiliates can add funds to their account instantly, at anytime. Students can charge their student account (the bill from MIT for tuition, housing, medical, etc.) or use a credit card ($25 minimum deposit). Affiliates can deposit funds instantly by using a credit card ($25 minimum). These deposits are made using the TechCASH on-line account management feature: http://web.mit.edu/mitcard/techcash/onlinemgmt.html.

All TechCASH deposits made on-line incur a convenience fee of $1.50 per deposit. Funds are available instantly.

Do I have to pay the fee to make a deposit?
No. Students that wish to avoid paying the on-line convenience fee can make a deposit at the MIT Card Services office in the basement of the Statton Student Center (W20-021), Monday through Friday 8:30AM-4:30PM.

Are credit card deposits charged as a cash advance?
No. TechCASH deposits made by credit card are classified as a purchase.

Where can I send (bring) cash or a check to make a TechCASH deposit?
The TechCASH Office does not handle cash, checks or manual credit card transactions. If you make a deposit to TechCASH by making a charge to your Student Account, MIT’s Student Financial Services will bill you for the TechCASH deposit in addition to any other charges you incur (tuition, housing, medical, etc.). Please see Student Financial Services for acceptable payment methods.

How much money should I put on TechCASH?
This depends on how you will utilize TechCASH. Someone who uses TechCASH everyday to purchase all meals, textbooks, snacks, etc, could spend over $2,000 per semester. On the other hand, someone that just uses TechCASH for laundry and other occasional purchases could spend $400 per semester. Since deposits can be made at anytime, it is suggested that a moderate deposit is made at the beginning of each semester. After time, customers will get an idea of how they are utilizing TechCASH and make future deposits accordingly.

What happens if my TechCASH balance gets too low?
It is very important to monitor your TechCASH balance. Your balance will be displayed at every TechCASH reader after each transaction. If your balance happens to run low or to zero, you will need to add more funds as transactions that will bring your balance to below zero will not be allowed. Funds can be added instantly in real-time using the on-line account management feature at anytime day or night.

What happens to my balance if I don’t spend it all?
If you close your TechCASH account, the balance will be refunded to you in full. Otherwise, your TechCASH balance will roll over from semester to semester and year to year. If for some reason, there is no activity on your account for 120 days, we will assume you would like to cancel your account. In this case, balances greater than $10 will be refunded in full, otherwise we will not send a refund.

How can I monitor my student’s TechCASH account?
We do not offer the ability for anyone other than the student to view purchasing activity or account balance of TechCASH accounts. The Account Management feature is certificate protected, and only those computers that have a valid MIT certificate will be able to access TechCASH account information.

I receive scholarship/financial aid funds. Can I apply these funds to TechCASH?
Yes. When a charge to the student account is made for a TechCASH deposit, this amount will be posted to your Student Account. If there is available scholarship/financial aid funds, the TechCASH charge will be paid off. Otherwise, you will have a balance due to MIT and Student Financial Services will send you an electronic invoice via MITPAY.

What happens if I lose my MIT ID Card?
As soon as you realize your ID card is missing, you can instantly suspend the TechCASH feature of your card by using the on-line account management tool: http://web.mit.edu/mitcard/techcash/onlinemgmt.html.

If you find your ID card later, you can reactivate your TechCASH instantly on-line by using the account management tool as well.

Replacement ID cards can be obtained at the MIT Card Office in the basement of the Stratton Student Center (W20-021) Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm .






				Frequently Asked Questions About the MIT Card and the Card Office: What are the office hours for the MIT Card Office? How do I get access to parking? What if my MIT Card doesn't work? Who should I contact if I have a question about my TechCASH Plan? If I have not yet registered for the current term, am I eligible for a Student ID Card? Has the MIT Card really made my campus life safer? What should I do if I move to a different dorm? What happens to my dorm access if I move off-campus during the summer? If I change dorms during the summer, will I have access to two dorms? Will I have access to my dorm if I graduate but am living in the dorm over the summer? I'm a Lincoln Laboratory employee. How do I obtain an ID card? Can my spouse/partner get an MIT ID Card if I am a student or employee? Who should I contact if I have questions, suggestions or complaints concerning the MIT ID Card? If I lose my card, can anyone use my library privileges? Can I remove my image from the system? What can I do if I don't want to have my picture taken? Who makes the policies concerning the MIT Card? How do I add a service to my MIT Card? Who can get a copy of my image? Am I being tracked? About TechCASH: What is TechCASH? How does it work? How do I get an account? How do I add funds to my account? Do I have to pay the fee to make a deposit? Are credit card deposits charged as a cash advance? Where can I send (bring) cash or a check to make a TechCASH deposit? How much money should I put on TechCASH? What happens if my TechCASH balance gets too low? What happens to my balance if I don’t spend it all? How can I monitor my student’s TechCASH account? I receive scholarship/financial aid funds. Can I apply these funds to TechCASH? What happens if I lose my MIT ID Card? What are the office hours for the MIT Card Office? The MIT Card Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM -4:30 PM. How do I get access to parking? If you already have the MIT card, you will be able to have the card activated when you process your application at the Parking and Transportation Office (W20-021). What if my MIT Card doesn't work? If it is a new card, it will not work until 20-30 minutes after you first receive it. If you have tried the card several times, please come by the basement of the Stratton Student Center (W20-021) or call x3-3475 to receive assistance. Who should I contact if I have a question about my TechCASH Plan? Please visit the TechCASH website or call the Card Services office at x3-0364. They will be glad to answer any questions you might have. If I have not yet registered for the current term, am I eligible to receive an MIT Student ID Card? If you are a student trying to obtain an ID card prior to Registration Day, then we will verify your eligibility status with the Registrar. The Registrar will be the final authority as to whether or not a card will be issued. Has the card really made my campus life safer? Campus Police has documentation that the card technology has reduced campus crime by 30%. What should I do if I move to a different dorm? Please notify your House Manager of the impending move and he/she will notify the Card Office of your new residence so your access can be changed. What happens to my dorm access if I move off-campus during the summer? If you move off-campus, your card will not be active for dorm access. If I change dorms during the summer, will I have access to two dorms? No. Security concerns dictate that you will only have access to the dormitory in which you are officially living for the summer. If you need to get your mail from your old dorm, the desk worker is able to let you in or you can ask to have it forwarded. Will I have access to my dorm if I graduate but am living in the dorm over the summer? If you have made the necessary arrangements with your House Manager, you will have access to your dorm until you move out. I'm a Lincoln Laboratory employee. How do I obtain an ID card? An MIT Lincoln Laboratory identification card is issued to employees by the Security Office at Lincoln Laboratory. The card bears a picture of the employee and is to be used for identification on official business outside the Laboratory. Please contact the Lincoln Lab Security Office at 781-981-2002 for further information. Can my spouse/partner get an MIT ID Card if I am a student or employee? Spouses and partners of MIT students and employees may request an MIT Spouse/Partner ID Card by visiting the MIT Card Office (W20-021). Please provide the following information when requesting a card: 1. A valid picture ID (a driver's license, passport, etc.) 2. Your spouse/partner's MIT Student ID or MIT Employee ID 3. Legal proof of relationship (Marriage certificate, or Joint checking account showing both names, or Lease showing both names, or Current utility bill showing both names) The MIT Spouse/Partner ID Card can be assigned dormitory and parking privileges if proof of necessity is supplied. Please note that the MIT Card Office does not issue spouse/partner ID's to spouses/partners of Retirees or Alumni. Who should I contact if I have questions, suggestions or complaints concerning the MIT ID Card? Please send e-mail to the MIT Card Office or call x3-3475. If I lose my card, can anyone use my library privileges? Until a new card is issued, the old card is valid, but you should be protected as long as the Library staff checks the photo on the ID card. Can I remove my image from the system? Yes. Please stop by the MIT Card Office to complete a signed request form to to remove your image from our system. What can I do if I don't want to have my picture taken? The Card Office handles such requests on a case-to-case basis. Please inquire at our Office or call us at x3-3475. Who makes the policies concerning the MIT Card? A committee consisting of representatives of the MIT community has recently been established to debate and determine policy. How do I add a service to my MIT Card? Anyone can make a request concerning card services. Please inquire at our Office or call us at x3-3475. About TechCASH: What is TechCASH? TechCASH is the declining balance spending program provided by MIT for the use of students, employees and affiliates. It is the most convenient way to purchase goods and services throughout campus, including; dining halls, bookstores, convenience stores, laundry, vending and CopyTech centers. How does it work? TechCASH customers use their MIT ID Card to make purchases on campus. Mostly, TechCASH works like a debit card. Funds are loaded into a TechCASH account, and then purchases are deducted from the balance in the account. However, employee TechCASH accounts do not required funding as purchases are deducted from their next pay period pay check. How do I get an account? All incoming freshmen will have a TechCASH account created for them and ready for use by August 1 st. All other students and affiliates can open TechCASH accounts on-line at: http://web.mit.edu/mitcard/techcash/openaccount.html Employee TechCASH account forms are available on-line at: http://web.mit.edu/mitcard/payroll%20deduction%20form.pdf The original signed employee form needs to be submitted to the TechCASH Office (W20-021) for processing. You will receive an email when the account has been opened and ready to use. How do I add funds to my account? Students and affiliates can add funds to their account instantly, at anytime. Students can charge their student account (the bill from MIT for tuition, housing, medical, etc.) or use a credit card ($25 minimum deposit). Affiliates can deposit funds instantly by using a credit card ($25 minimum). These deposits are made using the TechCASH on-line account management feature: http://web.mit.edu/mitcard/techcash/onlinemgmt.html. All TechCASH deposits made on-line incur a convenience fee of $1.50 per deposit. Funds are available instantly. Do I have to pay the fee to make a deposit? No. Students that wish to avoid paying the on-line convenience fee can make a deposit at the MIT Card Services office in the basement of the Statton Student Center (W20-021), Monday through Friday 8:30AM-4:30PM. Are credit card deposits charged as a cash advance? No. TechCASH deposits made by credit card are classified as a purchase. Where can I send (bring) cash or a check to make a TechCASH deposit? The TechCASH Office does not handle cash, checks or manual credit card transactions. If you make a deposit to TechCASH by making a charge to your Student Account, MIT’s Student Financial Services will bill you for the TechCASH deposit in addition to any other charges you incur (tuition, housing, medical, etc.). Please see Student Financial Services for acceptable payment methods. How much money should I put on TechCASH? This depends on how you will utilize TechCASH. Someone who uses TechCASH everyday to purchase all meals, textbooks, snacks, etc, could spend over $2,000 per semester. On the other hand, someone that just uses TechCASH for laundry and other occasional purchases could spend $400 per semester. Since deposits can be made at anytime, it is suggested that a moderate deposit is made at the beginning of each semester. After time, customers will get an idea of how they are utilizing TechCASH and make future deposits accordingly. What happens if my TechCASH balance gets too low? It is very important to monitor your TechCASH balance. Your balance will be displayed at every TechCASH reader after each transaction. If your balance happens to run low or to zero, you will need to add more funds as transactions that will bring your balance to below zero will not be allowed. Funds can be added instantly in real-time using the on-line account management feature at anytime day or night. What happens to my balance if I don’t spend it all? If you close your TechCASH account, the balance will be refunded to you in full. Otherwise, your TechCASH balance will roll over from semester to semester and year to year. If for some reason, there is no activity on your account for 120 days, we will assume you would like to cancel your account. In this case, balances greater than $10 will be refunded in full, otherwise we will not send a refund. How can I monitor my student’s TechCASH account? We do not offer the ability for anyone other than the student to view purchasing activity or account balance of TechCASH accounts. The Account Management feature is certificate protected, and only those computers that have a valid MIT certificate will be able to access TechCASH account information. I receive scholarship/financial aid funds. Can I apply these funds to TechCASH? Yes. When a charge to the student account is made for a TechCASH deposit, this amount will be posted to your Student Account. If there is available scholarship/financial aid funds, the TechCASH charge will be paid off. Otherwise, you will have a balance due to MIT and Student Financial Services will send you an electronic invoice via MITPAY. What happens if I lose my MIT ID Card? As soon as you realize your ID card is missing, you can instantly suspend the TechCASH feature of your card by using the on-line account management tool: http://web.mit.edu/mitcard/techcash/onlinemgmt.html. If you find your ID card later, you can reactivate your TechCASH instantly on-line by using the account management tool as well. Replacement ID cards can be obtained at the MIT Card Office in the basement of the Stratton Student Center (W20-021) Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm .