Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Potsdam University's Chip Card - PUCK
How is Potsdam University's Chip Card distributed after the semester has started?
All chip cards are sent by mail. Even after the semester has started, the chip cards are mailed to the address provided by the student. Once your payment for the semester has been received by the university, the chip card is created and mailed within several days. As soon as the chip card has been mailed, you will receive an e-mail. It is therefore very important that you provide the University of Potsdam with your current address.
Do I need a new chip card every semester?
No. Your PUCK will be with you throughout your entire studies at the University of Potsdam (unless it is lost or damaged). On the bottom of your card, there is a rewritable area for an imprint. Each semester, after re-registration, you can use the validation stations to print the current validity period on your card.
What can I do if I cannot find my chip card, and how do I get a new card?
- If you lose your chip card, you must notify the PUCK Service Point immediately by telephone or by e-mail to prevent fraud.
- To get a new chip card, you can apply for a new replacement card via PULS.
Under "My Functions" - "Create Applications" you can submit an "Application for Replacement Chip Card" to "Potsdam University Chip Card". Required documents to be uploaded include a passport photo and a valid official photo ID.
When you submit your application, you will receive the bank details for transferring the € 10.00 fee. The new PUCK card will be created and sent once all required documents have been uploaded and the € 10.00 fee has been credited to the University of Potsdam's account.
Alternatively, you can go to the PUCK Service Point during their office hours. For this purpose, please bring a valid official photo ID*, a passport photo, and a girocard (formerly also known as an EC card) or credit card.
* Since several types of identification can be used for the same purpose, the PUCK Service Point accepts the following documents as equivalent forms of identification: identification card, temporary identification card, driver's license, or passport.
How is the chip card updated?
You have to update the validity date on your PUCK card each semester at the validation stations.
You have updated your chip card but the imprint from the past semester is still visible, or the imprint has disappeared entirely? What should you do?
Please go to another validation station and try again to print the validity period on the card. (Please note: do not damage or remove the thermochrome coating!) If the validity period is still illegible, please contact the PUCK Service Point!
My chip card appears to be defective. What can I do?
The PUCK Service Point can check chip cards for proper functioning. If there is a technical defect, they can issue a new PUCK card free of charge. Bring a recent passport photo, the chip card, and your official photo ID* to the consultation time.
If you are responsible for the damage to the card (if it is broken or bent, for example), there will be an additional charge of € 10.00 for a replacement card, which you can only pay by girocard (formerly also known as an EC card) or credit card.
* Since several types of identification can be used for the same purpose, the PUCK Service Point accepts the following documents as equivalent forms of identification: identification card, temporary identification card, driver's license, or passport.
What kind of information is on the chip card?
The chip card contains your first name, last name, a passport photo, your student ID number, and your 7-, 8-, or 10-digit card number as security feature for legitimation, all visible on the card. The validity period is also visible, and is printed on a rewritable thermochrome strip.
In addition, older chip cards have a bar code of the student ID number. The bar code is no longer included on cards issued after September 2009.
The processing of any personal data stored on the chip card strictly follows all legal regulations for protecting personal data.
What are the current functions of the chip card?
- Student ID for legitimation, allowing the user access to service
- Renewal of the imprinted validity period
- Library card
- Electronic wallet function: accepted payment method on the University of Potsdam campus for copy or printing services, making payments at dining halls (Mensa), and payment of library fees
- Key for locking systems - e.g. Institute for Computer Science, House 70
Where is the chip?
A non-contact chip is integrated in the card and therefore not visible.
Where can I add money to the wallet function of my chip card?
The charging stations for adding money to your electronic wallet can be found at the following locations:
- Campus Am Neuen Palais, House 8, in front of the secretary’s office of the ZIM (the entrance is to the right of the cafeteria) - shopsystem
- Campus Griebnitzsee, House 1 - cash
- Campus Griebnitzsee, Dining Hall (Mensa) - girocard
- Campus Griebnitzsee, House 5 (Library) - shopsystem
- Campus Golm, Dining Hall (Mensa) - girocard
- Campus Golm, House 18 (Library/IKMZ) - shopsystem
At the shopsystem of the University of Potsdam you can pay with mastercard, maestro, girocard and VISA for adding money to your electronic wallet. Contactless payment is also possible.
Services for students with disabilities: If you require assistance in charging your chip card with money, please contact the ZIM office or a tutor in the computer rooms.
How do I retrieve the funds remaining on my PUCK when I deregister from the university?
The remaining balance on your PUCK card expires if you do not request repayment within the semester following exmatriculation.
The remaining balance is paid out in cash or by bank transfer and can be requested via PULS. The request is not considered effective until your PUCK card is received by the Student Administration Center / Office of Student Affairs or the International Office. Any transfer fees incurred are the responsibility of the applicant and will be offset against the remaining balance. The student will receive payment of the remaining balance from the Studentenwerk Potsdam only after the application has been processed by the PUCK Service Point.
My chip card still contains the bar code for the university library. Do I have to get a new PUCK without a bar code?
No, you do not need to apply for a new PUCK. The chip card with the bar code can still be used at the library without any problems.
Where can I get certificates of enrollment for previous semesters?
You can print certificates of enrollment for previous semester through the PULS portal. The certificates contain a verification key that allows authorities to verify the authenticity of the certificate.
How can I change my address?
Changes of address can be made through the PULS portal.
My name is changed due to marriage, etc. How can I get a new card?
To obtain a new chip card, first have your name changed at the Office of Student Affairs, and then please come to the PUCK Service Point. Bring a recent passport photo, your chip card, your official photo ID* and a girocard (formerly also called an EC card) or credit card to the office hours. There is a charge of € 10.00 for a replacement copy, which you can only pay by girocard or credit card.
Alternatively, you can apply for a new replacement card via PULS.
Under "My Functions" - "Submit Applications" you can submit an "Application for Replacement Chip Card" to "Potsdam University Chip Card". Required documents to be uploaded include a passport photo and a valid official photo ID. The application is not considered effective until your PUCK card is received by the Student Administration Center / Office of Student Affairs. When you submit your application, you will receive the bank details for transferring the € 10.00. The new PUCK card will be created and sent when all required documents have been uploaded and the € 10.00 has been credited to the University of Potsdam's account.
* Since several types of identification can be used for the same purpose, the PUCK Service Point accepts the following documents as equivalent forms of identification: identification card, temporary identification card, driver's license, or passport.
What can I do if the card number on my PUCK is illegible?
With heavy usage, the card number may become illegible over time. If that is the case, you can contact the PUCK Service Point to find out your card number.
Can I use the PUCK to pay my library fees?
Yes, you may use the wallet function of your PUCK for paying your library fees. There are automated pay stations available in Babelsberg in House 5, at the Neues Palais in House 8, and in Golm in House 18 (IKMZ).
When I use my PUCK card, the terminal displays Error 448 (Löschkarte). What do I do?
This messages always appears whenever a transaction between your PUCK card and a terminal (printer, copier, library), or a card charger in the Mensa or cafeteria, was unable to finish processing. The chip card may have been removed too early from the chip card slot. This assigns your chip card a “delete card” status, thereby locking it. This disables all of the PUCK card’s payment functions.
To unlock the card, you have to return to and connect with the terminal (copier, card charger, etc.) that locked your card. Normally, this is the device where the card last functioned properly. As soon as the remaining value of the card is displayed, this means that the card is fully functional again. If the error shows up again, then you know that this was not the last device where your card worked properly. If the error continues to show up, you can go to the PUCK Service Center and have them issue a new PUCK card. Please note the information under Information on replacement cards.
Where are the validation stations for updating the PUCK?
At the three main University campuses
- Campus Am Neuen Palais, House 8, in the hallway outside the rooms 0.66/0.69 (ZIM - Computer Pool)
- Campus Golm, House 8, room 0.10 (ZIM - Computerpool)
- Campus Golm, House 14a, Foyer,
- Campus Griebnitzsee, House 1, GF, room 1.01 (central printers/copiers/scanners room)
- Campus Griebnitzsee, House 5, entryway to the University Library
There are one to two validation stations at each location.