ID Services - Frequently Asked Questions

Find All Your BUC ID Answers Here

Campus ID Services

ID FAQ's

  • Getting Started with Your Buc ID

     

    • What is the BUC ID? 

      The BUC ID is ETSU’s official university identification credential. It is available in mobile and physical formats, and both function the same for: 

      • Campus access 
      • Dining and meal plans 
      • ID BUC$ purchases 
      • Library services 
      • Campus Recreation (CPA) 
      • Printing 
      • Event and Athletics Ticketing 
      • Approved off-campus merchants 

      You may choose to use your BUC ID in either format (where available), and both are treated equally. 

    • How do I get my BUC ID? 
      • New / First-Time Students 

        You must be registered for classes before receiving your BUC ID. Once registered: 

        • Follow instructions to add your mobile BUC ID to your digital wallet, or 
        • Visit ETSU ID Services to receive a physical BUC ID (if needed). 

        Your first BUC ID is provided at no charge. 

      • Returning Students 

        If you previously attended ETSU and still have your physical BUC ID, it will automatically reactivate when your new semester begins.

        Individuals may have either a physical BUC ID or a mobile BUC ID active at one time, but not both simultaneously.

        If you no longer have the physical card and wish to get a new one, a replacement fee applies. 

      • Visiting Scholars / Departmental Guests 

        Guest BUC IDs must be requested by the sponsoring department. 
        Departments must submit a Guest Request Form to IDBUCS@etsu.edu

        Guest BUC ID cost: $10 

      • New Faculty & Staff 
        Once your employment is fully processed and you have an active E#, you will receive instructions for adding your mobile BUC ID during new employee orientation through Human Resources.  Employees who would like a physical BUC ID may visit ETSU ID Services. 
    • How do I find my E#? 

      For New Students: Your E# is included in your acceptance letter and is available in GoldLink. If you cannot access GoldLink, contact the appropriate campus office for assistance. 

      Newly hired faculty and staff will receive their E# during new employee onboarding through Human Resources. 

    • How do I add my BUC ID to my phone? 

      Follow the instructions provided after registration to add your BUC ID to your digital wallet. If you experience any difficulties, contact Campus ID Services: 

      • 423-439-8316 
      • IDBUCS@etsu.edu 
      • 2nd Floor, D.P. Culp Student Center 
        Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 
    • Do the digital and physical BUC ID work differently? 
      No. They function the same way. To make a payment or access a door, simply tap your phone or your physical BUC ID at the reader. 
  • Mobile Buc ID (Phones, Wallets & Devices)

     

    • How do I add my Buc ID to my phone? 

      Follow the instructions provided after registration to add your Buc ID to your digital wallet. If you experience any difficulties, contact Campus ID Services: 

      • 423-439-8316   
      • IDBUCS@etsu.edu 
      • 2nd Floor, D.P. Culp Student Center 
        Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 
    • Can I use my mobile BUC ID without cellular service? 
      Yes. Your BUC ID is stored securely on your device and does not require a cellular signal to function.
    • What if my phone battery dies? 

      Some newer devices (such as certain iPhone models with Express Mode) may allow limited use for a short period after the battery dies. However, most devices require battery power for mobile BUC ID functionality. 

      Students are encouraged to: 

      • Keep devices charged 
      • Carry a charger when possible 
      • You may attempt to use your device even if the battery appears depleted, as some devices support limited functionality. 
    • Will my door access automatically transfer to my mobile BUC ID? 
      Yes. Access updates run approximately every 30 minutes. When you first provision your mobile BUC ID, there may be a short delay before your access permissions may begin working. 
    • Will my mobile BUC ID work at off-campus merchants? 

      Yes. Your BUC ID (mobile or physical) works anywhere that accepts ID BUC$. 

      Note: Dining Dollars and Flex Dollars cannot be used at off-campus merchants. 

    • Can I have two BUC IDs? 
      Individuals may have either a physical BUC ID or a mobile BUC ID active at one time, but not both simultaneously.  The mobile BUC ID may be added to up to two devices (such as a phone and smartwatch), but only one mobile credential is active per individual. 

     

  • Door & Campus Building Access
    • What types of door locking systems are used on campus? 
      • Hard Key System

      Managed by the Key Control Shop in Facilities Management. 

      • Electronic Access Systems (CBORD / Genetec)

      Exterior/Interior doors with wall-mounted card readers. Access must be requested and approved by the appropriate Dean or Director. 

      Access Control on campus is managed by the Office of Emergency Management. 

    • I need door access added to my BUC ID. What do I do? 
      1. Determine which door/area you need access to. 
      2. Complete the appropriate access request form located on the Emergency Management website.  
      3. Obtain required authorization (Dean/Director or approved signer). 
    • Will my door access automatically transfer to my mobile BUC ID? 
      Yes. Access updates run approximately every 30 minutes. When you first provision your mobile BUC ID, there may be a short delay before your access permissions may begin working. 

     

  • ID BUC$ & Payments
    • What is ID BUC$? 

      ID BUC$ is money to spend—ID BUC$ refers to ETSU’s campus debit (declining balance) account which is linked to your BUC ID. 

      • No activation fee 
      • Funds never expire while enrolled/employed 
      • Accepted on campus and at participating off-campus merchants 
    • Who can use ID BUC$? 

      All enrolled students and all active faculty and staff are eligible to use ID BUC$. 

      Faculty and staff may enroll in payroll deduction to have funds added automatically on pay day. 

    • How do I add money to ID BUC$? 

      You may: 

      • Deposit online through GET (a $3 online fee applies), or 
      • Use an ID BUC$ Reload Station (no fee).  These machines are located in the D.P. Culp Student Center and the Sherrod Library.  
    • Can I withdraw cash from ID BUC$? 

      No. Funds can never be withdrawn as cash. 

      If you graduate or leave ETSU with a remaining balance, you may request a refund (processing time: approximately 10–15 business days). 

    • What’s the difference between ID BUC$ and Dining/Flex Dollars? 

      ID BUC$ 

      • User-funded 
      • Never expire while at ETSU 
      • Can be used off campus 

      Dining/Flex Dollars 

      • Included with meal plans 
      • Reload each semester with meal plan purchase 
      • Expire at the end of the spring semester 
    • How do I add more Dining Dollars? 
      Add funds through the GET App, which is the same online system used for ID BUC$ (select Dining Dollars before submitting). 
    • Will my mobile BUC ID work at off-campus merchants? 

      Yes. Your BUC ID (mobile or physical) works anywhere that accepts ID BUC$. 

      Note: Dining Dollars and Flex Dollars cannot be used at off-campus merchants. 

     

  • Printing, Dining & Everyday Use
    • I ran out of print credits. What do I do? 
      Add funds to your ID BUC$ account. Once print funds are exhausted, the system automatically draws from ID BUC$. 
    • Do the digital and physical BUC ID work differently? 
      No. They function the same way. To make a payment, access a door, print on campus (students only) simply tap your phone or your physical BUC ID at the reader. 
  • Lost, Stolen, or Not Working
    • I lost my BUC ID. What should I do? 

      Immediately deactivate it by doing one of the following: 

      • Logging into your GET account 
      • Contacting Campus ID Services 
      • Contacting ETSU Police 

      Replacement fee: $27.38 

    • What if my BUC ID was stolen? 
      Deactivate it immediately by calling Campus ID Services or logging into your GET account. Report the theft with ETSU Police. A replacement fee applies unless the item is listed in the formal police report. We recommend filing a report with ETSU Police anytime a theft occurs. 
    • What if my BUC ID stops working? 

      If your BUC ID stops working, bring it to ETSU ID Services in the Culp Student Center.  Staff will help troubleshoot any issues you may be experiencing with physical cards or the digital wallet.  

      For individuals with a physical ID, most recent cards returned and deemed defective due to standard use will be replaced at no charge. 

      Lost, stolen, or damaged BUC IDs are subject to a replacement fee of $27.38. 

    • I found my old BUC ID after getting a replacement. Can I use it? 
      No. Only the most recently issued BUC ID will function. No refunds are issued for previously replaced BUC IDs. 
    • Can I have two BUC IDs? 
      Individuals may have either a physical BUC ID or a mobile BUC ID active at one time, but not both simultaneously.  The mobile BUC ID may be added to up to two devices (such as a phone and smartwatch), but only one mobile credential is active per individual. 
  • Replacements, Photos & Updates
    • I don’t like my photo. Can I retake it? 

      Yes. A replacement fee of $27.38 applies for photo changes on previously printed ID Cards. 

      Mobile BUC ID photos can be changed through the GET app. Only forward-facing headshot photos with a solid background will be accepted.  

    • I’ve had a legal or preferred name change. How do I update my BUC ID? 

      First, update your name in official university records by completing and submitting a Personal Information Change on Official University Record form.   

      Once updated with University Records: 

      Mobile BUC ID's should update automatically after a few days. Visit Campus ID Services to receive an updated physical BUC ID. If you are not local, contact the office for instructions. If you are getting a new printed card, you will need to turn in the most recent copy of your ID card to get the name changed at no cost. 

  • Faculty, Staff & Departments
    • How do I get my BUC ID? 
      • New / First-Time Students 

        You must be registered for classes before receiving your BUC ID. Once registered: 

        • Follow instructions to add your mobile BUC ID to your digital wallet, or 
        • Visit ETSU ID Services to receive a physical BUC ID (if needed).

         Your first BUC ID is provided at no charge. 

      • Returning Students 

        If you previously attended ETSU and still have your physical BUC ID, it will automatically reactivate when your new semester begins.

        Individuals may have either a physical BUC ID or a mobile BUC ID active at one time, but not both simultaneously.

        If you no longer have the physical card and wish to get a new one, a replacement fee applies.

      • Visiting Scholars / Departmental Guests 

        Guest BUC IDs (physical card only) must be requested by the sponsoring department. 
        Departments must submit a Guest Request Form to IDBUCS@etsu.edu. 

        Guest BUC ID cost: $10

      • New Faculty & Staff 
        Once your employment is fully processed and you have an active E#, you will receive instructions for adding your mobile BUC ID during new employee orientation through Human Resources.  Employees who would like a physical BUC ID may visit ETSU ID Services. 

       

    • I have someone in my department who does not have an E#. How can they get a BUC ID? 

      Campus ID Services can generate a temporary G# and issue a Guest BUC ID (physical card only). 

      Cost: $10 

      Departments must submit a Guest Request Form to IDBUCS@etsu.edu.

  • ID Badges (Non-BUC ID)
    • What is an ETSU ID badge and how is it different than the BUC ID? 
      ID Badges are printed vertical, have no magnetic capability, and are used to wear for identification purposes only. Because badges cannot be scanned to activate campus features, we will punch a hole to use a badge clip or lanyard with it. 
    • How do I get an ETSU ID badge? 

      ID Badges are printed by department request only. Each initial badge is $10 and any replacements are $27.38. Departments or supervisors will need to email a badge request form to IDBUCS@etsu.edu before any and all badges can be printed. 

    • I am a nursing/ETSU health student and need my ID badge for clinical rotations. How do I get my badge? 
      The cost of your first badge is $10. Visit this page for detailed information to determine the best way for you to get your badge for clinicals.  
  • Campus Recreation (CPA)
    • How do I access the Basler Center for Physical Activity (CPA)? 

      Currently registered students and full-time permanent employees have automatic access to the CPA each semester. 
      Spouses, Domestic Partners, and Dependents (SDPD Program). Access is based on membership with Campus Recreation. Once membership is established, access will be activated on your BUC ID. 

  • Parents, Families & Privacy
    • Can a parent/guardian/family member access my BUC ID account information? 

      No. Campus ID Services is excluded from First Mate or Parental/Guardian access.

      Family members may make deposits to a student’s ID BUC$ account using the student’s E# and name through the online deposit system. 

  • Business & Off-Campus Partners
    • I’m a local business owner interested in accepting ID BUC$. What should I do? 

      Contact Campus ID Services: 

      423-439-8316 
      IDBUCS@etsu.edu 

      Please include: 

      • Owner name 
      • Business name 
      • Phone number 
      • Email address 
  • Still Need Help?