The Cougar Card is the official key to the University of Houston (“University” or “UH”). It is required for all active members of the University community. Acceptance and use of the card indicates agreement to the following terms and conditions that govern its use:

1. The Cougar Card entitles the cardholder to all privileges associated with the cardholder’s classification.
   
   
2. The Cougar Card entitles the cardholder to a ShastaBUCKS account. A ShastaBUCKS account is assigned to all cardholders once a Cougar Card is issued.
   
   
3. Rights and privileges associated with the card are non-transferable. Sharing the physical or digital Cougar Card is prohibited.  
   
   
4. Rights and privileges associated with the card are contingent upon active status as a student, faculty, staff or special program participant.
   
   
5. The card must be carried at all times and presented to any UH official upon request.
   
   
6. Photo images captured for the Cougar Card account become part of the cardholder’s University record and may be used for official University business in accordance with applicable laws.
   
   
7. University will disclose cardholder information to third parties only as required by law, or with cardholder’s written permission.
   
   
8. Cardholder will have responsibility for reporting and replacing lost, stolen or damaged cards in a timely fashion.
   
   
9. Punching holes or intentionally damaging the card will result in the card to malfunction. The cardholder will be required to pay a fee for a card replacement.

Reporting Obligation for Lost and Stolen Cards; Unauthorized Use 

Notice of lost/stolen cards or of unauthorized card use can be reported immediately online through AccessUH via the Cougar Card Connect icon or in the Campus ID section of the UH Go app. If a replacement card is needed outside of regular business hours, a temporary card is available at the UH Police Department.

1. Cardholders needing a replacement card should schedule an appointment or join the virtual line through CougarQ in AccessUH. There is a $20 replacement fee that will need to be paid in-person when the replacement card is picked up. See acceptable forms of payment on the Cougar Card website.
2. Until the card is reported lost or stolen the cardholder may be responsible for all transactions made with the card. If it is discovered that unauthorized purchases were made, a report should be made with the UH Police Department.
3. Failure to truthfully report the circumstances pertaining to a lost or stolen Cougar Card may subject the cardholder to disciplinary action by the University, including, but not limited to, revocation and/or confiscation of the Cougar Card.
4. Cardholders should only possess one Cougar Card at a time. When a replacement card is printed due to damage or loss, any previous Cougar Card belonging to a cardholder will be deactivated and will not be able to be used.

Confiscated Cougar Cards (Card Sharing)

1. If a Cougar Card is confiscated by University representatives/officials because it was shared or used by anyone other than the assigned cardholder, the University may immediately deactivate the card. All rights and privileges associated with the Cougar Card are non-transferable. A deactivated card is not valid for University access, services, or transactions including but not limited to building access, meal plans, ShastaBUCKS, Cougar Dining Dollars, and other card-enabled privileges.
2. Once a Cougar Card has been deactivated due to confiscation, it will be shredded, thus not able to be reactivated. The cardholder must make an appointment with the Cougar Card Office and pay the applicable replacement card fee to be issued a replacement Cougar Card, consistent with standard replacement card procedures.

Cardholder Financial Responsibilities

Cardholders are encouraged to protect their card just as they would protect cash and to keep the card in a secure place at all times. 

1. If the cardholder reports a lost or stolen card within two business days after the loss or theft, the cardholder’s responsibility for losses due to another party’s misuse of the lost or stolen card will be no more than $50.
   
   
2. If the cardholder fails to report a lost or stolen card within two business days after the loss or theft, the cardholder’s maximum responsibility for losses due to another party’s misuse of the lost or stolen card will increase to $500.
   
   
3. If the cardholder fails to report a lost or stolen card within 60 days after the loss or theft, the cardholder’s liability for losses due to another party’s misuse of the lost or stolen card will be unlimited.
   
   
4. Any monetary balance on the Cougar Card is refundable under the following conditions:
   a. Damaged Cards: Immediate transfer of the remaining balance from a damaged card to the new card will be made at the time of reissuance. Damaged cards must be relinquished to the Cougar Card office.
   b. Lost or Stolen Cards: Subject to the terms of this agreement, remaining balances from lost or stolen cards will be transferred immediately to the new card at the time of reissuance. 
   c. Closed Accounts (ShastaBUCKS Accounts Only): Individuals may request to close their account at any time. There is a processing fee of $5 for closing an account with a balance of more than $5; balances of $5 or less are nonrefundable. Cash withdrawals or refunds are not permitted. Requests to close a ShastaBUCKS account can be made on the Cougar Card Office website.
5. Cardholder forfeits any monetary balance remaining on the Cougar Card after one year of inactivity. This includes ShastaBUCKS and Cougar Dining Dollars accounts.

Entitlement to a Receipt, Account History 

If a point-of-sale terminal used by cardholder is equipped to provide a receipt, cardholder will receive a receipt at the time of using the card. Cardholder may view account history through AccessUH via the Cougar Card Connect icon.

Error Resolution Procedures 

If cardholder believes there is a discrepancy with a transaction related to their Cougar Card, or would like more information about a transaction listed on an activity report or receipt, cardholder shall immediately contact the Cougar Card Office at (832) 842-CARD (2273) or in writing at cougarcard@uh.edu. The written statement should include: cardholder name and PeopleSoft ID#; a description of the transaction in question and a thorough explanation of the alleged discrepancy; the date, time and location where the alleged error took place; the dollar amount of the transaction; and a phone number where the cardholder can be reached.

The Cougar Card Office must receive inquiry requests from the cardholder no later than sixty (60) days after an alleged discrepancy appears on the cardholder’s account. The office will complete investigations within ten (10) business days after receiving the notice. If an error is found, it will be promptly corrected. The office will send a written explanation to the cardholder following completion of the investigation.

Governing Law; Venue. This agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of Texas without regard to choice of law principles. The parties consent to the jurisdiction of the federal and state courts in Harris County, Texas, over any proceeding initiated with respect to the enforcement or interpretation of this agreement.