New UNIcard instead of Legi and employee ID

For some time now, students have been requesting a “Legi” made of plastic instead of paper, as feedback has shown that an ID card with a credit card look causes fewer acceptance problems. Especially students who have completed a stay abroad confirm this impression. Employees primarily use the current ID as a library card, for payment at the university hospital canteen and to identify themselves as a university employee. A separate card has so far served as a copy card.

With the new UNIcard, a multifunctional ID will be introduced in early 2019, replacing the current student ID, the employee ID and the copy card – i.e., merging all these functions into a single card, which will be put into operation in the first quarter of 2019.

Can be used as a key card

With the cashless application, UNIcard holders will be able to manage an amount of money paid into their own account. From the end of March 2019, it will be possible to pay cashless not only for copies but also for beverages and food at the University canteens.

Increasingly, the main entrances to university buildings are being equipped with electronic locks. By assigning individual profiles to the ID, authorized persons can enter the buildings with their UNIcard outside of opening hours and without additional keys. The current application as a library card will be retained. Further applications are currently considered for the future.

Regular update

UNIcard holders must regularly update the card at the available stations around campus: students at least once per semester; employees at least once a year. An information strip (TRW Stripe) on the front of the card is used to re-label the current validity details. The design of the UNIcard is largely the same for students and staff, creating a high recognition value.

The UNIcard will be issued and sent out to students and staff in December 2018. In the case of double functions – e.g., doctoral student/assistant – only one card is issued. After activation at a validating station, students will be able to use the UNIcard in the autumn semester 2018 parallel to their old ID. For staff, the UNIcard will replace the current ID on 1 January 2019. University employees will continue to be able to use the old employee ID as a payment card for restaurants at the University Hospital Basel.

For the introduction and handling of the UNIcard, continuously updated information is available at unicard.unibas.ch