Student Account Services is transitioning Bearkats to a new university ID this year. 

The updated card will allow Sam Houston State University students, faculty and staff to use the new card readers being installed on campus.  

“With the new Bearkat OneCard, it’s just a tap system,” Student Account Services student worker Hailey Arsham said. “A lot of the card readers we’re installing now throughout campus are only taking that tap.” 

Both cards feature the university’s mascot, Sammy Bearkat, on the front, but the new card embraces the university’s signature orange and white colors in its design.

The new card also features a single stripe on the back, eliminating the additional stripe that once housed a debit account on the old card. 

“It is getting away from that company that we partnered with,” Arsham said. “We’re just trying to move on, they’re no longer working with us.”

Freshmen and transfer students were among the first to receive the new card last semester. Upperclassmen can expect an email containing instructions on replacing their card at no cost. 

“It’s only about a five minute wait, so you’ll get [your card] right then and there,” Arsham said.

Student Account Services plans to transition existing cardholders to the new card in phases to avoid delays and issues with their printing system. 

“We’re first emailing professors, then we’re emailing full-time workers, then we’re emailing student assistants and then we’re emailing the student population,” Arsham said. “So, kind of doing it one at a time because we only have three machines that print the cards.” 

Those who are unable to visit Student Account Services in-person can email their office at [email protected] to request a new card be mailed to them.