RICard FAQ

RICard is more than your official Rhode Island College Photo ID. You can use your RICard for a variety of purposes on campus. You don’t need to worry about carrying cash or credit cards, just your College ID.

• What is your RICard?
• What if I lose my RICard?
• What types of accounts can I have on my RICard?
• How do I make a purchase with my RICard?
• If I am authorized to access a building or office on campus – what do I need to know?
• What about my library card?
• How do I get it activated for the Recreation Center?
• How do I get it activated for Copy machines, Vending machines or the Campus Store?
• What if my RICard is damaged or outdated? Who do I report it to and how much does it cost to replace?
• What can I do to keep my RICard from jamming the scanner machines?
• What if I do not like my picture?

What is your RICard?

• Official Rhode Island College Photo ID
• Meal Card when you sign up for a meal plan with Donovan Dining Center
• Door key for entrance to your Residence Hall and other various locations
• Adams Library Card
• ID for entrance into the Recreation Center
• Debit card for photocopy and vending machine use (VEND account)
• Debit card for points use at Donovan, the cafe, the Campus Store, and Convenience Store (Campus Points account)

What if I lose my RICard?

It's important you call 456-8394 to report that your card is missing. You may report a missing card during normal business hours to prevent unauthorized use. The college assumes no responsibility for unauthorized use of a card before it is reported. The loss of the cash account on the RICard is the sole responsibility of the RICard holder and will not be refunded by Campus Card. Replacement cards are issued in person and with appropriate identification. A processing fee of $10.00 will be assessed for a new RICard.

What types of accounts can I have on my RICard?

RICard consists of 3 accounts: The meal plan account for use at Donovan Dining Center and the Café (DDC points), the Campus Points account for use at all locations where points are accepted, and the VEND Account for use in photo copiers and vending machines. The meal plan account and the Campus Points account are online accounts. A computerized system controls both on-line accounts. The primary benefit to the card holder is that your account remains intact in case of a lost card. Points can be added in any amount to either online account ($20.00 minimum). The VEND account, an offline account, uses a declining balance system, similar to that of a telephone calling card, with a maximum of $20.00 on a card. A lost card will result in a loss of your cash account. While dorm residents are required to participate in a meal plan account, commuter students can sign up for a meal plan account or add points for use at your discretion.
1 point = 1 cent

How do I make a purchase with my RICard?

The RICard should be treated the same as a credit card. When making a purchase at the Dining Center or Café just present your card to the cashier and respond with which type of account you have, board or points (DDC points) or Campus Points. When making a purchase at the Campus Store or Convenience Store, simply present your card to the cashier.
If you are using the photocopy or vending machines just insert your card into the reader with the magnetic stripes down and the thinner stripe to the right and follow the posted instructions.

If I am authorized to access a building or office on campus – what do I need to know?

You can have your RICard activated for access at the office of Residential life for dorm access, at User Support Services for classroom access or at Campus Card for any location. If you lose your RICard, you must contact Residential Life or Campus Card immediately to prevent unauthorized use.

What about my library card?

You must present your card to the Circulation Desk in Adams library to have it activated. The barcode on the front of your card allows you to use the resources available at Adams Library, at other member libraries of the HELIN consortium, and the vast online Helin resources. Please note that when you are using Helin resources online you will need to enter only the 14 digits on your card. Do not enter the A and B.
If you are experiencing problems with your library card, report the problem to the Circulation Desk in Adams Library with the understanding that you may need to come to Campus Card to have the problem fixed.

How do I get it activated for the Recreation Center?

Go to the Recreation Center and they will process your membership.

How do I get it activated for Copy machines, Vending machines or the Campus Store?

You can make deposits on your RICard at the campus card office. Specify to which account you would like to deposit money.

What if my RICard is damaged or outdated? Who do I report it to and how much does it cost to replace?

If your RICard is damaged due to normal wear and tear, bring the damaged card to Campus Card for a free replacement. Damage outside of normal wear and tear is subject to a $10.00 processing fee. Although your RICard may have a date on it, they do not expire. They are active for as long as you are an active student.

What can I do to keep my RICard from jamming the scanner machines?

Get a pouch for it (available at the Campus Store). Please do not punch a hole or alter the RICard in any way. Doing so might interfere with scanning devices and cause it to stick or damage machines—causing delays and inconvenience for you and other users.

What if I do not like my picture?

You can request a new picture and pay a processing fee of $10.00 for a new RICard.