Opt-in and eligibility

If you were not charged the U-Pass, you may be able to opt-in if you meet any of the criteria below.

Opt-in

Please note: No in-person opt-in requests will be accepted.

Prior to submitting an opt-in request, it's important to consider the following:

  • Once you have been approved for a U-Pass, you cannot be exempted during the same term. Once an opt-in is approved you will be part of the mandatory program. It is therefore essential that you are certain that you want to opt-in.
  • We encourage students to verify their U-Pass portal before submitting an opt-in request as you may have already been charged, hence you may already be eligible.
  • Students who register late for courses should wait at least 24 hours and verify their statement of account prior to requesting an opt-in.
  • To avoid late charges, we recommend that you pay the U-Pass fee immediately.

Once the U-Pass card fee is added to your student account, your U-Pass will be added onto your uOttawa Card in the next 24 hours.

Reasons to submit an opt-in request

  1. I am a full-time student at the University of Ottawa and didn't get charged automatically.

Submit an opt-in request in your U-Pass portal.

  1. I am registered with the Academic Accommodations Service.

If you are not a full-time student because of Academic Accommodations, you may opt-in  the U-Pass program. Your Academic Accommodation specialist will be able to opt-you into the program.  Students who meet this criteria will need to contact their learning specialist.    The uOttawa Card Service cannot process these opt-in request.  

  1. I am part-time at uOttawa and part-time at another educational institution.

In order for you to qualify for Opt-in, both postsecondary institutions must participate in the U-Pass program. The other participating institutions are:

  • Carleton University
  • Algonquin College
  • Saint Paul University

Here’s what you will need to provide with your request for opt-in: 

  • A copy of your course timetable for your term at the other institution

How to opt-in

To opt-in, you will need to complete the opt-in application in the U-Pass portal and provide the necessary documentation.

  1. Login to your U-Pass portal.
  2. Go to the ‘opt-in request’ tab
  3. Select the opt-in reason that fits your criteria
  4. Upload the necessary documents if needed
  5. Submit your request

Opt-in requests can be submitted starting on the following dates for each term:

  • Fall term: August 15
  • Winter term: December 15
  • Spring/summer term: April 15