ID cards (PolarExpress)

 

  for eAccount access

PolarExpress card sample

What is the UAF PolarExpress Card?

The PolarExpress card is the official UAF photo identification card used by students, staff, and faculty and serves as an electronic key to access many campus services and locations. The card includes your name, photograph, and UA identification number.  Your card holds your Bear Bucks and Munch Money (meal plan) accounts which you can deposit money to and use for purchases at all dining service locations across campus. You can find the full list of locations where you can use your Bear Bucks on campus below. Your card will only allow you to make purchases if there is money available in your Bear Bucks account.

The PolarExpress card is a permanent card, valid for two years after the holder's last affiliation with the university. All privileges expire upon departure from the university, except for Bear Bucks and Munch Money accounts. Holders who return to the university system within two years and no longer have their PolarExpress Card must purchase a replacement card.

 

 

How do I get a card, and how much does it cost?

You must currently be a registered student or an employee to receive a PolarExpress card. Your first card will always be free of charge. After you submit your request form, you will receive an email stating we have received your submission, and then another once your card has been printed and is ready for pick up.

Need a replacement card?

If you lose your card, immediately call (907) 474 - 7384 and let us know. If you call after business hours, please leave a voicemail and we will deactivate your card the following business day.

You can also deactivate your card immediately on Blackboard e-accounts. In all cases, your card will be deactivated until you get a replacement.

If you find your card, reactivate it on Blackboard e-accounts or email the Bursar's Office to have it reinstated. We cannot reinstate ID cards over the phone.

All lost, damaged, or stolen cards have a $10 replacement fee. If you are replacing the card due to a name change, be sure to notify the Office of the Registrar of your name change. We can only print out a card with your new name once the change has been made in the Banner database.

Never surrender your PolarExpress card to anyone as a deposit or collateral for any reason. However, your PolarExpress card remains the property of the University of Alaska Fairbanks and must be presented or surrendered upon demand by any authorized personnel.

Bear Bucks is an account linked to your PolarExpress card which allows you easy access to spending at a variety of campus locations. You deposit money into the account to be spent on a variety of goods and services on campus, including food, vending, copying, printing, school supplies, and computers and computer accessories. Bear Bucks can also be used to purchase textbooks online.You can deposit money into your Bear Bucks at any account management center, at the PolarExpress System POS devices listed below, and at the Office of the Bursar. We do not process refunds for any balances on your Bear Bucks account.

Online

Add Bear Bucks online anytime on Blackboard eAccounts!

Account management center locations

Store locations

By mail

Checks should include the name and student ID number and specify the funds are for Bear Bucks. Mail it to:

UAF Office of the Bursar
First floor Signers' Hall
P.O. Box 757640
Fairbanks, AK 99775

eAccounts

You can access your account balance and add money to your PolarExpress card through eAccounts, a secure way to check all your stored value accounts (Bearbucks, Munch Money, copy card, etc.), add money to your card, view your transaction history, deactivate a lost or stolen card, and more.

  Add Bear Bucks with eAccounts

You can use your Bear Bucks at the following on-campus locations:

  • Wood Center front counter
  • UAF Bookstore
  • The Pub (age restrictions apply)
  • Dining Services locations:
    • Wood Center
      • Dine 49
      • Arctic Java
      • Southern Tsunami (sushi)
    • West Ridge Cafe
    • Library Book and Brew (fall and spring semesters)
    • Campus Cache, including Subway (fall and spring semesters)
    • CTC Polar Perk
    • Museum cafe (summer)
  • Copy pool copiers
    • Rasmuson Library
    • Mather Library
    • Arctic Health Research Building
    • Wood Center
    • Duckering
    • Eielson
    • Gruening
    • Harper
    • O'Neill
    • Signers' Hall
  • Laser printers
    • Bunnell computer lab
    • 24-hour lab (Rasmuson Library)
    • Rasmuson Library print stations on 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th floors