University Policies and Procedures Manual (previously Business Policies and Procedures Manual)
CougarCard
UPPM 10.08
For more information contact:
CougarCard Center
509-335-2273
Contents
1.0 Identification
The CougarCard provides identification for Washington State University students, employees, and other affiliated persons for numerous University functions and transactions. The full name printed on the CougarCard includes the cardholder’s preferred or chosen first and middle names and official last name as they appear in the University’s central systems. If the cardholder has not entered preferred or chosen first and middle names in the University’s central systems, the name printed on the CougarCard includes the cardholder’s official first, middle, and last names as they appear in the University’s central systems. (See UPPM 90.75.)
Note: Due to federal banking regulations, legal names are required on CougarCard Plus cards.
The CougarCard Center reserves the right, at their sole discretion, to decline to print cards with inappropriate preferred or chosen names. Such names include but are not limited to:
- Names using offensive, foul, or inappropriate language.
- Names submitted to avoid legal obligations.
- Names submitted to create misrepresentation.
In the event the CougarCard Center deems a preferred or chosen name to be inappropriate to print on a CougarCard, the legal first, middle, and last names as they appear in the University’s central systems are printed on the CougarCard. Students may appeal the CougarCard Center’s decision to exclude their preferred or chosen names by contacting the Office of the Dean of Students. Faculty and staff may appeal the CougarCard Center’s decision to exclude their preferred or chosen names by contacting Human Resource Services.
A CougarCard is the property of the University, authorized for the use of the named person only, and is nontransferable.
1.1 Legal Name
The legal name is the individual’s name as it appears on a birth certificate or as it appears on documentation changed through legal processes.
1.2 Eligibility
Persons from the following groups are eligible to request CougarCards:
- Students; e.g., undergraduate, graduate, and professional.
- Employees; e.g., faculty, adjunct faculty, administrative professional, classified, hourly
- Retired employees; e.g., emeritus faculty, retired staff.
- Enrollees in special University-approved programs; e.g., conferees, externs, Running Start students, visiting scholars.
- Community members; e.g., University of Idaho students, local high school students, family members, Student Recreation Center members.
1.3 Fraudulent Use
Fraudulent use of a CougarCard may result in disciplinary and/or legal action.
1.4 Verify Valid Users
Any service relying upon the card for identification should periodically obtain a current user listing or otherwise verify valid users.
2.0 Functions
The card may be used for one or more University functions if authorized for the cardholder. The following list of card functions is not necessarily exhaustive, and services are subject to change:
- Identification for official class attendance.
- Checking out materials from University libraries.
- Utilizing Cougar CASH accounts.
- Resident Meal Plan.
- Mini Meal Plan.
- Student Recreation Center, Chinook, and Stephenson Down Under access.
- Pullman Transit bus access for University students, faculty, and staff.
- Spokane Transit bus access for WSU Spokane students, faculty, and staff.
- Facility access to select residence halls, campus offices, and University buildings at the WSU Pullman, WSU Vancouver, and WSU Everett campuses.
- Identification for accessing University buildings after regular working hours. See UPPM 50.24.
2.1 CougarCard Banking Options (Optional)
Students, faculty, and staff who choose to use their legal name on their CougarCard have the option to associate their assigned CougarCard with a linked checking account offered by the contracted banking partner of the CougarCard Center. The bank-linked card may be referred to as a CougarCard Plus, for example. Due to federal banking regulations, legal names as they appear on birth certificates or are legally changed are required on CougarCard cards linked to bank accounts.
See the CougarCard Banking Options website for further information.
3.0 Obtaining a Card
In order to provide an eligible individual with their first CougarCard, the University requires photo ID issued by a United States governmental agency or a passport. Examples of valid photo ID include:
- State-issued driver’s license;
- State-issued ID card;
- U.S. military ID card;
- U.S. military dependent ID card; and
- Passport.
For undergraduate students who do not have access to one of the above, the following are acceptable:
- High school ID card; and
- High school yearbook photograph.
If an otherwise eligible individual is unable to obtain any of the above documentation, contact the Pullman CougarCard Center; e-mail cougarcard@wsu.edu. Eligible individuals who cannot provide any of the required documentation above may not be allowed to collect their CougarCard.
3.1 Preferred Pronouns
The CougarCard may display the cardholder’s preferred or chosen pronouns as they appear in the University’s central systems. The CougarCard Center reserves the right, at their sole discretion, to decline to print cards with inappropriate preferred or chosen pronouns.
Students may appeal the CougarCard Center’s decision to exclude their preferred or chosen pronouns by contacting the Office of the Dean of Students; telephone 509-335-5757; email deanofstudents@wsu.edu. Faculty and staff may appeal the CougarCard Center’s decision to exclude their preferred or chosen pronouns by contacting Human Resource Services; telephone 509-335-4521; email hrs@wsu.edu.
3.2 Campuses
An eligible person may request a card from the applicable campus location indicated below.
3.2.a WSU Everett
915 North Broadway, Room 236, Everett, WA; telephone 425-405-1600.
3.2.b WSU Pullman
CougarCard Center on the ground floor of the CUB in room 60; telephone 509-335-2273.
3.2.c WSU Spokane
Student Affairs Office, Academic Center 130; telephone 509-358-7978.
3.2.d WSU Tri-Cities
Campus Security Office, Floyd 202B, ; telephone 509-372-7698.
3.2.e WSU Vancouver
Student Services Center (VSSC); telephone 360-546-9779.
3.2.f WSU Global Campus
Students who have been fully admitted to the WSU Global Campus may request a CougarCard using the “Order Your Card” form available on the WSU Global CougarCard website.
3.3 Other WSU Locations
Eligible individuals at other WSU statewide locations, e.g., research stations, may contact their local administrative offices, which request CougarCards from the CougarCard Center in Pullman.
4.0 Found Card
Return a found card during regular office hours to the responsible CougarCard office on the applicable campus as indicated in Section 3.2 & 3.3.
5.0 Lost Card
Deactivate a lost card by accessing the online self-service tools at the CougarCard website.
Cards may also be deactivated by contacting the CougarCard Center Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; telephone 509-335-CARD (2273).
The CougarCard Center assesses a charge to replace a lost or stolen card. The current replacement fee is posted on the CougarCard website.
6.0 Card Types
| Subtype | |
| Students | Undergraduate Grad Student Professional Student Medical |
|---|---|
| Employee, Active or Retired | Faculty Affiliate (faculty) Administrative Professional Staff Emeritus Retiree Hourly |
| Special Program | Titled individually, e.g., Running Start, Intensive American Language Center |
| Community Member | Community Member |
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Revisions: May 2025 (Rev. 644); November 2018 (Rev. 523); January 2016 (Rev. 464); December 2009 (Rev. 351); December 2002 (Rev. 222); December 1998 (Rev. 135); July 1996 (new policy).