Panther Card Policies

The Panther Card Office is responsible for the overall production and distribution of the official identification card for Eastern Illinois University. The card office staff adheres to the following guidelines to govern the production and distribution of the Panther Card.

First Panther Card

There's no charge for your very first Panther Card. Your card is good for your entire stay at EIU, even if you sit out a semester or a year. ID validation each year is NOT necessary as status verification is accessed from the University's database system.

How Do I Get my Panther Card?

  • All card applicants must provide one of the following acceptable forms of valid identification:
    • State Issued Drivers License
    • State Issued ID Card
    • U.S. Military ID Card
    • Passport
  • Students must be admitted for the current semester in which they are requesting an ID.
  • Full-time Staff and Faculty members are automatically eligible.
  • Rec Center members may also obtain an ID upon presenting a signed and completed form by the Recreation Center confirming their participation in the Recreation Program. A $10 fee applies.
  • Part-time or temporary staff members qualify for a card, however a $10 fee applies.

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Card Replacement

The following guidelines have been put in place in the event you need to replace your Panther Card ID because it has been lost or stolen, or damaged. If you have any questions, please contact the Campus Card office at 581-6596.

Lost/Stolen Panther Cards

Patrons should contact the Panther Card Office immediately if their card is lost, stolen, or damaged. Although the initial card is free, the replacement fee for lost or stolen cards is $20. Since the electronic cash (Panther Cash) on a lost or stolen Panther Card is not recoverable, your card should be treated as cash and kept in a secure place.

In addition, If you are using a meal plan, dining dollars, or Panther Checking, those departments should also be notified.

Damaged Panther Cards

Damaged Panther Cards are replaced at a reduced fee of $10, provided the damaged card is submitted to the card office staff. Damaged cards are a result of negligence or improper use (ex. carrying the card unprotected in one’s pocket, using the card to scrape a windshield, exposing the card to water, etc.)

Existing Panther Cash balances that are equal to or in excess of a dollar are recoverable on damaged cards. If the damaged card's chip is readable, the value will be transferred immediately to the new card. If not, after a two week waiting period, the student will be advised to bring their card to Card Office for a value transfer. Top

Replacement Fee Waivers

Waiving of replacement card fees will be dependent upon the condition of the student's Panther Card. All waivers are at the discretion of the Director or Assistant Director, Campus Cards. The following circumstances represent typical scenarios that may warrant a waiver:

If a card is defective at no fault of the user, the replacement fee can be waived for the cardholder. The card office staff will objectively review each damaged card to determine whether it is defective or damaged due to negligence.

  • A fee is not charged to individuals who are submitting a correction of their Social Security number.
  • In the event, that a student’s card is damaged by university personnel (ex. Dining services), that department can request in writing that the student receive no charge for their replacement ID. The general condition of the card will still be taken into consideration.
  • First Mid-Illinois Bank can request that an account holders card be replaced if the card's magnetic stripe is faulty provided a student signs up for a new Panther Checking account. Such request require the appropriate written form along with the presentation of the student's ID card. Final approval will consider the general condition of the entire card.

I've Replaced My Card, What's Next?

  • If you are using a meal plan or dining dollars, go to Dining Services in person, immediately with your new card number.
  • If you have a Panther Checking account, go to First Mid-Illinois Bank on-campus facility, which is conveniently located in the MLK Union. They will need your new card number and to re-pin your ATM card.
  • On your next visit to the Library, go to the Circulation desk to verify that your new library number has been entered into the Library's system.
  • As for the Rec Center, new card number information is updated automatically every fifteen minutes in their system. Your new card should be usable there with no additional effort from you.

Damaged Card Replaced?

  • If you have a Panther Checking account, go to First Mid-Illinois Bank on-campus facility, which is conveniently located in the MLK Union. They will need to re-pin your ATM card.
  • No need to visit Dining Services, the Recreation Center, or the Library. Your actual card number does not change when replacing a damaged card.

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Card Agreement

All patrons requesting a Panther Card must complete and sign a Panther Card Agreement Form. Completion of this form constitutes an acknowledgement of the card holders rights and responsibilities with respect to their official University identification card.

University Policies

  1. The Panther Card is the property of the issuer (EIU).
  2. It is to be carried at all times.
  3. It may not be transferred or altered.
  4. Students shall show their identification card when requested to do so by Eastern Illinois University officials performing their duties who identify themselves and state the reason for their request.
  5. Valid Panther Cards may not be held by campus departments for any reason with the exception of the University Police Department and the Judicial Affairs Office when requested by officials in performance of their duties who identify themselves and state the reason for their request.
  6. In the event the card is surrendered upon request, stored value on the card will remain the property of the user.
  7. The Replacement fee is $20 for lost or stolen cards and $10 for damaged ones. If the card is defective at no fault of the user, the replacement fee may be waived.
  8. The electronic cash on a lost or stolen Panther Card is not recoverable. Therefore, the card should be treated as cash and kept in a secure place at all times. Students should not loan their cards to anyone at anytime.
  9. Unauthorized use warrants confiscation and/or disciplinary action.
  10. Account balances will remain on the card and carry over from semester to semester. Upon permanently leaving the University, a refund for the balance remaining on your card may be obtained by submitting a written request and surrendering your card within 60 days after the date of your graduation or other date established by the University as your permanent departure date. Balances equal to or under $1.00 will not be refunded. Whereas, balances in excess of $1.00 will be refunded through the University Billing System. Any unclaimed balance remaining after the end of the 60-day period shall become the property of the University. All refunds are subject to reduction by any outstanding debt owed by the cardholder to the University.

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Card Care

Your Panther Card is a valuable asset to you. To avoid replacement fees and the inconvenience of a damaged card, it is important to take appropriate care of your card. The following card care tips will help keep your card in working order:

Do:

  • Protect your card in a wallet, but do not place it directly against the plastic viewing window.
  • Avoid getting your card wet. It doesn't do well in the washing machine.
  • Avoid bending your card or sitting on it.
  • Replace your damaged card and never use a damaged card in either the Dining Service or Panther Card equipment.

Don't:

  • Carry your card "naked", especially in your back pocket. This is the number one ID killer on college campuses across the USA.
  • Punch holes in your card.
  • Place your card near anything that may erase the magnetic stripe (stereo speakers, television, magnet, etc.).
  • Use your card as an ice scraper.
  • Hold your ID in your mouth at anytime. Teeth marks and saliva will damage the card's magnetic stripe and smart chip.
  • Loan your Panther Card to anyone at anytime! Keep it in a safe place at all times just as you would MasterCard or Visa credit cards.

 

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