ZAGCARD 101 – An Introduction to the Official Gonzaga University Identification Card

By: Pat Faulkinberry, Campus Card Services

The ZAGCARD identifies your student as a member of the Gonzaga community and is used to access many areas across campus. The ZAGCARD must be presented to spend Bulldog Bucks and access meal plans; it is a significant part of everyday life on campus. It is important to understand how it works, where it works and how to manage it. Below is general information about the ZAGCARD that all students should be familiar with.

Request the ZAGCARD

All newly admitted students are required to submit a photo to appear on their ZAGCARD. The photo submission deadline is August 16. Visit www.gonzaga.edu/zagcard for more information on how to Request Your ZAGCARD.

Please Note: Photo must be passport style with white or off-white background.

Bulldog Bucks

Bulldog Bucks is an optional declining balance account managed by the university and is “the way ZAGS pay.” Money can be deposited into the account and spent for a variety of reasons at locations across campus and at off campus participating Bulldog Bucks locations.

• The Bulldog Bucks account is a great budgeting tool
• The account cannot overdraft, so there will never be any fees assessed
• Available Bulldog Bucks roll over from year to year
• There are prohibited items restricted from sale using Bulldog Bucks – view the list at gonzaga.edu/zagcard, click on ZAGCARD Terms and Conditions link then scroll down to the Limitations section

To check out a list of participating locations visit www.gonzaga.edu/zagcard and click on the Bulldog Bucks Welcomed Here link.

Make a deposit to Bulldog Bucks: Anyone can make a deposit into the account online; the GU ID number of the recipient will be required. Bulldog Bucks make a great gift. The next time someone asks what they can give your student for a special occasion, just say “Bulldog Bucks!” To make a deposit, visit www.gonzaga.edu/zagcard and click on the Make a Deposit to Bulldog Bucks link.

Additionally, parents can designate up to $500 of a Parent Plus loan refund be deposited into their students Bulldog Bucks account. Students can request up to $500 of their student account refund be put into their account.

Dining Dollars and Meal Plans

 Swiping the ZAGCARD to eat on campus is a requirement. When entering the COG or Daily Bread Express and when spending Dining Dollars students must present their ZAGCARD. Dining Dollars are part of every meal plan and can only be spent on campus at Zag Dining locations. For more information about Zag Dining meal plans and locations, visit zagdining.sodexomyway.com. Available Dining Dollars roll over from fall to spring semester when a spring semester meal plan is purchased; however, they do NOT roll over at the end of the academic year. Any remaining Dining Dollars will be cleared.

Other Uses

Doors: Many doors across campus unlock with the tap of a ZAGCARD. Most residence halls are electronically secured.

Fitness Center: The Rudolph Fitness Center requires everyone to tap their ZAGCARD to stay ZAG Fit.

Library: The library requires the swipe of the ZAGCARD to check out materials.

US Bank: US Bank allows your student to link their ZAGCARD to a checking account to use at any ATM or to make PIN debit purchases. Save time and open a student checking account prior to arriving on campus. When an account is opened at the GU “home branch,” the US Banking team is not limited in their ability to help when the need arises. Contact Kim Armstrong, GU Branch Manager, at kimberly.armstrong1@usbank.com, or visit www.usbank.com/gonzaga for more information. If you’re on campus, come visit in person at our new location in the Hemmingson Center.

Athletics: The Athletic Ticket office requires the ZAGCARD to verify current enrollment status to pick up or purchase tickets, and to enter athletic events.

Anatomy of the ZAGCARD: The ZAGCARD has both the magnetic strip and smart chip technology embedded in the card. Both are used for multiple applications on and off campus. When treated with care, the ZAGCARD should last several years. We recommend:

• Do not bend or punch a hole in the card; this will damage the magnetic strip, smart chip or the antenna, and will result in having to pay for a replacement card.
• Do not place labels or stickers on the card.
• Never store the card in direct sunlight or expose to excessive heat.
• Friction against the card, such as when stored in a wallet, can dull the finish, making the text, image and magnetic strip difficult to read.
• Keep your card away from electromagnetic fields such as microwaves, televisions and other cards with magnetic strips.

Manage the ZAGCARD

If your student misplaces their ZAGCARD they should immediately freeze it in Zagweb. This will stop the card from working until it is found or replaced. If the card is found, it can easily be unfrozen. If the card has indeed been lost, the student will need to pay the replacement fee and visit the Student Accounts Office to have a new card printed.

Your student can view their Bulldog Bucks, Dining Dollar and meal plan balances as well as transaction history in Zagweb under the Student Services & Fin Aid tab by clicking on the ZAGCARD link.

ZAGCARD Distribution

New students pick up their ZAGCARD during orientation. All students MUST present a valid government issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, or military ID at the time of pick-up.

Don’t Loan It or Lose It: Students should protect their ZAGCARD — it is their key, their meal plan, their money and their identity.

For more information about the ZAGCARD, visit www.gonzaga.edu/zagcard.