KU News Release

KU unveils redesigned ID card for students, staff

LAWRENCE — Ten years after its introduction, the University of Kansas student and employee ID card is getting a brand-new look. The redesigned KU Card will be rolled out June 6 at the first new student orientation session of the summer.

Unveiled in March 1998 as a “smart card,” the plastic KU Card was embedded with a 1k microchip, allowing for business transactions. It replaced the traditional laminated student ID.

The redesign that will be unveiled this week was developed by the KU Card Center and University Relations in collaboration with Commerce Bank and the Kansas City-based marketing firm Bernstein-Rein.

“It is bright, sharp and unmistakably KU,” said Nancy Miles, director of the KU Card Center. “I think our students and staff will be happy to carry this card and will use it proudly because it shows their affiliation with the University of Kansas. Plus, if they take advantage of all the functionality, it can be a very convenient card to have.”

The redesigned card prominently features KU’s official visual identity logo, the Jayhawk and a sweeping blue curve emblematic of Mount Oread and the paths that lead to its peak. The microchip was eliminated in 2003.

“We are grateful for the enthusiasm, time and creative contribution that Bernstein-Rein donated to this project,” said Mary Ackerly, art director for University Relations. “It was extraordinary for an agency of its caliber and certainly denotes its dedication to the community and to this university. And Commerce Bank contributed leadership, leveraging the very best in technological developments to reproduce KU’s corporate color palette and brand elements all embedded with the latest security.”

Bernstein-Rein is one of the largest independent advertising agencies in the nation. Established in 1964, it continues to leverage insightful imagination to build some of the world’s best-known brands, turn them into household names and inspire consumers to act. Commerce Bank’s Tennessee-based affiliate, EFT Source, served as the project’s print partner. University Relations’ Creative Services division is a multidisciplinary team comprised of award-winning design and photography professionals.

The KU Card serves as the official ID card at the university but is also used for:

— Utilizing KU Libraries services
— Entering secured residence halls, the Student Recreation Fitness Center and other university buildings
— Purchasing tickets for and being admitted to university events, including performing arts and athletics
— Accessing student services, from recreational programs to health and legal services
— Accessing newspapers through the Newspaper Readership Program (students only)
— Accessing the KU Cuisine meal plan and dining dollars accounts
— Accessing Beak ’Em Bucks accounts for photocopying, printing, laundry and food purchases
— ATM/debit card functionality by linking to a KU checking account at Commerce Bank
— Purchasing goods at participating off-campus merchant locations

New students will receive the card for $10 during the orientation sessions. After June 6, current cardholders can visit the KU Card Center to get the new card on the days cards are not being made for orientation students. New student orientation dates are June 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 16, 17, 19, 20, 23, 24, 26, 27 and 30; July 1, 2, 7, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 21, 22 and 23; and Aug. 18 and 19.

The KU Card Center, on the fourth level of the Kansas Union, will issue new cards at no charge to faculty, staff and students if they turn in their old cards. Without an old card to turn in, the cost of replacement is $15.

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The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. University Relations is the central public relations office for KU's Lawrence campus.