Student Id Cards: A Secure Access To Rice University

Rice University issues ID cards to all students, faculty, staff, and other members of the Rice community. The process of obtaining a Rice University ID card varies depending on the individual's role at the university. For new students, the process involves electronically submitting a photo that meets specific requirements, including a light-colored background, eye-level camera angle, and clear visibility of the face and shoulders. The photo will be used for the duration of their time at Rice University. This guide will outline the steps to obtain a student ID card at Rice University, including the necessary requirements and procedures.

Photo requirements

To obtain a Rice University Student ID Card, you must electronically submit a photo that meets the following requirements:

• The photo must be in passport style.
• The photo must be taken with a uniform, light-colored background.
• Position the camera at eye level.
• Ensure the photo is well-lit, with no shadows.
• The photo must show your full face with eyes open and shoulders visible.
• If you wear glasses, your eyes must be visible.
• Do not wear a hat or sunglasses, or anything that might alter your appearance.
• Ensure the photo has correct contrast and brightness.
• Submit the highest-resolution photo possible, with a file size between 1 and 2 MB.
• The file must be in JPEG format.
• The photo resolution must be a minimum of 640x480 pixels.
• This photo will be your permanent Rice ID card picture throughout your time at Rice (unless a replacement ID is needed).

Please note that all photos are reviewed before approval, so ensure you carefully follow the above guidelines to avoid any delays in receiving your Rice University Student ID Card.

How to obtain a Rice University ID card

Rice University issues ID cards to all students, faculty, staff, and other members of the Rice community upon request from an authorized Rice representative. There are several types of ID cards, depending on your Rice affinity. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to obtain a Rice University ID card:

Step 1: Identify your Rice Affinity Category

The first step is to identify your specific category within the Rice community. The categories include students, faculty/staff, visitors/contractors, spouse/dependents, retirees, and community affiliates (such as Rec Center or Tennis). Please note that the process for obtaining an ID card varies for each category, and some categories may not be available for new submissions at certain times.

Step 2: Prepare the Required Documentation

To obtain a Rice University ID card, you must present a current US government-issued photo ID. This can include a passport (with a valid US Visa), a US driver's license, a state-issued ID card, a military card, or a permanent resident card. The identification must include your full name, date of birth, photo, and future expiration date. This validation step is a Rice University security requirement, and you will not be able to receive your Rice ID card without it. Ensure that the name on your University ID card matches your legal name as shown on the government-issued ID.

Step 3: Take a Photograph for the ID Card

For your Rice University ID card, you will need to provide a photograph that meets specific requirements. The photo should be in passport style, with a uniform, light-colored background, taken with the camera at eye level, and well-lit without shadows. The photo must show your full face with eyes open and shoulders visible, and if you wear eyeglasses, your eyes must be visible. Hats, sunglasses, or anything that alters your appearance should not be worn in the photo. Ensure that the photo has correct contrast and brightness and submit it in JPEG format with a file size not exceeding 2 MB.

Step 4: Submit your Photograph Electronically (for New Incoming Students)

If you are a new incoming student at Rice University, you will be required to electronically submit your photograph for use on your Student ID Card. The photo will be reviewed and approved before the ID card is prepared. This process ensures that your ID card is ready for distribution before your arrival on campus. Your appointed contact within your respective College will provide you with your Student ID Card during O-Week.

Step 5: Obtain your Rice University ID Card

Once your photograph has been approved and your documentation verified, you can obtain your Rice University ID card. The distribution process may vary depending on your specific category and affiliation with Rice University. For example, graduate students with visa status will visit the Rice University Police Department (RUPD) for processing, while other graduate students can email their requests. Undergraduate students can also email their requests for replacement cards to AccessControl@rice.edu, and their ID cards will be printed and brought to their College contacts.

It is important to note that there is no charge for the first ID card issued to students, staff, and faculty. However, a replacement fee of $15.00 is assessed for lost, damaged, or neglected ID cards, with certain exceptions, such as stolen cards or cards that have become unserviceable due to university duties or normal wear and tear.

Replacement cards

If your Rice University ID card is lost or defective, you must go to the University Police Department. If the ID is damaged and no longer works in the card readers on campus, it will be fixed free of charge. If your ID is lost or stolen, it can be replaced for a fee of $10. Lost or stolen cards should also be reported to Fondren Library.

Undergraduate students will need to email Access Control at AccessControl@rice.edu to request a replacement card. The ID card will then be printed and brought to a College contact twice a day, at 11 am and 3 pm.

Graduate students with visa status will need to visit the University Police Department for processing. All other graduate students should email Access Control at AccessControl@rice.edu with their request. The ID card will then be printed and brought to a Department-appointed contact as needed.

There is no charge for the first ID card issued to students. A charge of $15.00 is made to replace Rice ID cards that are lost, damaged, or otherwise rendered unusable through neglect. The exceptions to this are when the card has been stolen and a police report has been filed, when the card has become unusable in the performance of one's university duties, or when the card has suffered normal wear and tear. Payment can be made in the form of cash, check, or credit card.

Valid forms of ID

To obtain a Rice University ID card, all students, faculty, and staff are required to submit a current US government-issued photo ID. The name on the Rice University ID card must match the legal name on the government-issued ID. The following are acceptable forms of ID:

• US Passport or Visa
• US Driver's License
• US State-issued ID card
• US Military Card
• Permanent Resident Card
• Texas Driver's License
• Texas Identification Card issued by the State of Texas Department of Public Safety

Rice University also issues ID cards to visitors/contractors, spouses/dependents, retirees, and community affiliates. These individuals must also present a valid form of identification to obtain their Rice University ID card.

For new incoming students, in addition to providing valid identification, you will also be required to electronically submit a photo for use on your Rice University Student ID Card. The photo must be a passport-style photo with a uniform, light-colored background, taken with the camera at eye level, and with no hats, sunglasses, or anything that alters your appearance. The photo must show your full face with your eyes open and shoulders visible, and if you wear glasses, your eyes must be visible.

Uses of the Rice University ID card

The Rice University ID card is a crucial component of student life on campus, serving multiple purposes throughout a student's academic journey. Here are some of the key uses of the Rice University ID card:

• Identification and Verification: The primary function of the Rice University ID card is to serve as an official form of identification for students, faculty, and staff. It allows individuals to verify their affiliation with the university and provides basic information such as their name and photo. This can be useful when interacting with university staff, accessing campus facilities, or participating in university-related activities.
• Access to Campus Facilities and Services: The ID card grants students access to various campus facilities and services. This includes entering residence halls, libraries, computer labs, recreation centres, and other restricted areas. It also enables students to utilise their meal plans, borrow books from the library, and potentially access specialised equipment or resources within specific departments.
• Shuttle Service and Transportation: Rice University offers a comprehensive shuttle service to facilitate student transportation around campus and to nearby areas. Students can use their ID cards to board these shuttles, which operate on different routes and schedules to accommodate various travel needs. This includes the inner loop shuttle, the graduate route, the Rice Village shuttle, and the shopping shuttle, among others.
• Security and Safety: The ID card plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of students, staff, and the campus community. Students are encouraged to carry their ID cards at all times, and it can be used to verify their identity when interacting with University Police or security personnel. Additionally, the ID card can be linked to services like engraving valuables, registering bicycles, and reporting lost items, further enhancing personal security on campus.
• Proof of Enrollment: The Rice University ID card can serve as proof of enrollment for students. This can be useful when applying for certain benefits or services that require active student status. It may also be required when accessing certain academic resources or participating in events exclusive to Rice University students.

It is important to note that the Rice University ID card is a permanent form of identification throughout a student's time at the university. Students are expected to take care of their ID cards and promptly report any loss, theft, or damage to the University Police Department or the appropriate authorities.

Frequently asked questions