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First Issue of the PUCK | Replacement chip card | Charging Stations | Validation Stations | Validation Times | Lost Cards | Safekeeping and & Handling | Contact | FAQ
All University of Potsdam students receive a chip card (PUCK) that serves as their student ID. Your PUCK has the following functions:
The personal data stored on the card include your name, your student registration number, and a photo.
You can add money to your electronic wallet at one of the charging stations located at the three university campuses.
After your payment, your Potsdam University’s Chip Card (PUCK) will be issued and delivered by post. The envelope contains:
The PUCK is sent automatically after enrollment.
Please be patient and wait for the delivery of the PUCK. In this period we have our peak workload, but we do our best to send out all documents promptly.
Please understand that the documents cannot be collected personally.
EXCEPTIONS
Exchange and non-degree seeking students will get the PUCK due to organizational matters personally at the International Office.
I have lost my PUCK or it has been stolen. What do I need to do?
In case of loss or theft of your PUCK, you can request a replacement chip card via traditional mail. Please send the following documents to the PUCK Service Point:
The postal address is: Universität Potsdam, PUCK-Servicestelle, Am Neuen Palais 10, 14469 Potsdam. You can also use the mailbox in the courtyard of Building 8 at am Neues Palais campus to post your documents. Once we receive all necessary documents, we will give you the bank account details so that you can transfer the fee for a replacement chip card. You will also receive further information via e-mail. Once we receive the €10.00 on the university’s bank account, we will create a new PUCK and send it to you via mail.
My PUCK is defective, worn or can no longer be printed on. What do I need to do?
In case of a defective, damaged or worn PUCK, you can request a replacement chip card via traditional mail. Please send the following documents to the PUCK Service Point:
The postal address is: Universität Potsdam, PUCK-Servicestelle, Am Neuen Palais 10, 14469 Potsdam. You can also use the mailbox in the courtyard of Building 8 at am Neues Palais campus to post your documents. Once we receive all the necessary documents, we will check your PUCK for defects. In case of personal negligence, we will send you the bank account details so that you can transfer the fee for a replacement chip card. You will also receive further information via e-mail. Once we receive the €10.00 on the university’s bank account, we will create a new PUCK and send it to you via mail. In case of third-party negligence, we will immediately send you the new PUCK and you will not need to pay the fee.
Charging stations for adding money to your electronic wallet can be found at the following locations:
The charging stations accept Euro bills for adding money to your electronic wallet. The minimum amount that can be added to your account is 5 Euro. We recommend not adding more than 50 Euro to your account.
Assistance for students with disabilities: If you require assistance in recharging your chip card, please contact the secretary’s offices of the ZIM/ZEIK or the tutors working in the computer pool.
The validity period for your chip card can only be updated at one of the validation stations at the following locations and times:
You can make changes to your address via the PULS-Portal. Please remember to take your card after completing your transactions!
Winter Semester (Re-registration period June 15 through July 15)
Starting on July 1, you may use the validation stations to update the validity period of your PUCK. You can print your enrollment certificates and your confirmation of periods of study as well as change your address through the PULS-Portal. The printed certificates contain a verification key that enables any public authority to verify your records.
Summer Semester (Re-registration period January 15 through February 15).
Starting on February 1, you may use the validation stations to update the validity period of your PUCK. You can print your enrollment certificates and your confirmation of periods of study as well as change your address through the PULS-Portal. The printed certificates contain a verification key that enables any public authority to verify your records.
A lost or stolen card can cause damage to the student as well as to the University of Potsdam. In order to minimize this damage, we recommend that you cancel your card immediately by calling or e-mailing the PUCK Service Point. To receive a new chip card, please come to the PUCK Service Point during office hours. You should bring a completed issue request form for a replacement chip card, a current passport photo, your ID, and your girocard (a debit card, formerly also known as ec-card). Your replacement chip card costs €10.00, and a girocard is the only accepted method of payment!
In case of loss, theft or other damages to the PUCK, the remaining balances on the chip card are not lost. When you issue a request for a replacement chip card at the PUCK Service Point, please let the employee know that there was a remaining balance on the PUCK card. Our employees will contact the Association for Student Affairs (Studentenwerk) to inquire about the remaining balance and can transfer it to your replacement card after about two to three weeks. The transfer to your new card can only be completed in person and during office hours at the PUCK Service Point.
Once you finish your studies, payment via the PUCK card is no longer possible. However, you can still request a refund of the remaining balance within the first semester following your de-registration. Please hand in the request form for the return of remaining funds on your PUCK together with your chip card at the Office of Student Affairs/International Office. The remaining balance can either be transferred to your bank account by the Potsdam Association for Student Affairs or returned in cash during the opening hours of the association’s cash desk at Babelsberger Straße 2, 14473 Potsdam.
Your PUCK card is a high-tech device. We recommend careful handling to ensure its functionality. You should take special care not to damage the microchip located on the card.
Please avoid the following:
You should always keep your PUCK card in a protective sleeve to ensure that it enjoys a long life. Be sure when selecting a protective sleeve that it does not contain plasticizers, which can damage the card, for example by fading the photo on your PUCK card.
If your PUCK card becomes unusable due to improper handling, then you will have to pay for the issuance of a replacement card.
(§3 e-mail account and Potsdam University chip card)
Campus Am Neuen Palais
House 8, Room 0.08