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Common Questions



Why was the One-Card Program implemented?

The Brown Card is the key to one-card systems at Brown. This card provides identification and replaced many of the cards and keys that were formerly used for dormitory access, dining services, copying at the libraries, etc. In addition to the benefit of using only one-card, there are many other features:

1. Increased Security for the Brown Community - Benefits of the card include increased security for students who live in the dormitories and for faculty and staff who have reader-controlled access to buildings in which they work. This system restricts access for those individuals who are not qualified to enter, thereby increasing security in dormitories, administrative offices, labs, libraries and athletic facilities. An additional security feature is the benefit of not having to carry cash (see item #2 below). The benefits of this feature will continue to increase as additional campus services are incorporated into the program.

2. Convenience - The cardholder benefits from not carrying cash and having flexible one-card access to University services through the following card features:

a) The use of a vending stripe, which stores a dollar value that can be used to purchase beverages and snacks at vending machines, make copies at the Libraries and Copy Centers, and do laundry in University dorms.

b) A declining Balance Account where money can be deposited and later used at Brown University Dining Service locations, at the Brown Bookstore, Campus Shop, and theComputer Store,or to transfer to the vending stripe via a Card Value Center (CVC).


3. Statistics on Use of Buildings and Services - The University also benefits from the one-card technology. By installing electronic readers at various service locations across campus that communicate directly to the University's one-card system, the service locations can grant access based on the current status of a cardholder while information on card usage is being captured for statistical purposes. Service providers then can use these statistics to plan new services for the campus community or to modify existing services.



Why do I have to swipe my Brown Card through an electronic reader?

Validation is electronic using card readers rather than by manual inspection. All students, faculty and staff must swipe their card at readers to validate access.



What if I receive a red light when I swipe my card?

A red light indicates that an individual is not authorized to gain access to a specific building or service. There are several reasons why this may occur: 1) the individual no longer has an active access status to the facility, or 2) the card may be malfunctioning. A cardholder that receives a red light when swiping the card should visit the Brown Card Office. The Brown Card Office is responsible for controlling general card access and resolving card problems.



Who has access to reader information?

Swiping activity, which is recorded at the readers, is used for official University business only. Access to this information is highly restricted. This information is used to ensure campus security and to track or monitor general usage trends.



How can I best secure my Brown Card?

It is important to securely carry your ID C at all times. Carry your Brown Card securely on your person, just as you would a credit or bankcard:


  • Don't leave your card lying around in your room, office, or on dining hall tables, library tables, or at retail service counters.

  • Be sure to remove your card from the Brown Card vending readers at the end of each transaction and return it to the secure place on your person.

  • Remember that if your card is lost or stolen, just like cash, the value on the vending stripe cannot be refunded.



How can I avoid damaging my Brown Card?

Carrying your Brown Card in a secure manner will safeguard against loss and damage. Some good tips to follow are:

  • Keep your card clean and safe. Carry it in a card holder or wallet divider.

  • Avoid bending your card, or scratching the card's magnetic stripes.

  • Do not punch holes, add stickers, or otherwise alter your Brown Card.

  • Do not let the magnetic stripes on your your Brown Cards make direct contact with any similar magnetic stripes on other cards. Also, do not let the magnetic stripes make direct contact with retail security de-sensors.

What if I lose or damage my Brown Card?

If your Brown Card is lost, stolen or damaged, you must report it immediately to the Brown Card Office at (401) 863-2273 during business hours, or to Brown Department of Public Safety at (401) 863-3322 during non-business hours. If you card is lost or stolen go to the Brown Card Office located at 69 Brown Street in the J. Walter Wilson Building during business hours (8:30 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday) for a new Brown ID Card.



How do I get into my dorm and eat a BUDS if my ID is lost or stolen during non-business hours?

If you lose your Brown ID card during non-business hours report the loss to Brown University Department of Public Safety. They will issue to you a temporary dorm pass until the Brown Card Office opens. If you are on a BUDS meal plan you must pay for your meal with cash or by check and obtain a receipt. After you obtain a new Brown ID Card contact or visit BUDS and they will refund the cost of the meal and deduct that meal off your meal plan.



What is a Declining Balance Account?

The declining Balance Account is an on-campus debit account. It functions much like a bank debit account except that cash withdrawals are not permitted. Declining balance transactions occur on-line; the prepaid account balance is reduced by the amount of each purchase. Funds can be easily transferred at the Brown Card Value Center (CVC) on-campus from the Declining Balance Account to the card's vending stripe for vending purchases.



Are the Declining Balance Account, flex-plus and my Bookstore Charge the same thing?

No. For students a Declining Balance Account is a prepaid account separate from the student meal plan and the Bookstore Charge. Flex-Plus is part of the BUDS student meal plan options. The Bookstore Charge is available through the Brown Bookstore. All three options work off the Brown ID Card.



How do the Brown Card Value Center (CVC) machines work with the Declining Balance Account and the vending stripe?

Brown Card holders can use the CVC machines to check their balance on their Declining Balance Account and to transfer up to $20.00 in value from the Declining Balance Account to the card's vending stripe. The CVC will also accept cash to add value to your Brown Card vending stripe. With the Brown Card, you do not need to purchase a separate vending card. Questions on the use of the CVC should be referred to the Brown Card Office located at 69 Brown Street, in the J. Walter Wilson Building (401) 863-2273.



Where can I use the vending stripe?

The Brown Card vending stripe provides convenient card access to buying snacks and beverages from campus vending equipment, for printing and copy services at Brown libraries and to use laundry machines in Brown dormitories.



Why am I limited to adding $20.00 per day in value to my vending stripe?

The Brown Card program limits the user's exposure to a loss of $20.00 on the off-line vending stripe if the Brown ID Card should become lost or stolen.