Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about your Panther Card or Panther Funds? Look for the answer below. Or contact Panther Central. We’re at your service.
When can a new student get an ID?
Incoming freshman can receive
their Panther Card at their Pitt Start
visit, or beginning August 1, once they have registered.
When does my Panther Card expire?
If you are registered for fall or spring term, your card is valid
for five years. If you are a registered summer student only, your card
is valid through August of that year.
Do I have to have my card with
me all of the time?
You should always have your Panther
Card with you while you are attending the University. Your card identifies
you as a current student, and it gives you access and privileges at
libraries, computer labs, your residence hall, your Meal Plan, buses,
and shuttles.
If I lose my Panther Card are my Panther Funds safe?
Because your picture
is on your Panther Card, no one except your identical twin can present
your card for a Panther Funds purchase. You should, however,
report a lost or stolen card to Panther
Central immediately at the Panther Central Community at http://my.pitt.edu.
Your card will be automatically deactivated.
How can I get into my residence hall if I lose
my Panther Card?
If you lose your Panther Card, Panther Central will issue you a temporary Panther Card. This temporary ID will give you access to only your meal plan. Panther Central will provide you with a Verification of Residential Status Form and an emergency unlock code to enter your building and room. When you find your Panther Card, return the temporary card to Panther Central. If you don’t find your lost card, we will issue you a new Panther Card. You must pay a $20 replacement fee each time you receive a new Panther Card.
Can I use Panther Funds
to purchase a meal or snacks in on-campus dining locations?
Yes. Panther Funds are accepted at all University dining locations, including Starbucks coffee carts and Einstein Bros. Bagels. When you present your Panther Card, inform the cashier whether you wish to use a Dining Pass (accepted only at Market Central, Market To-Go, or The Perch at Sutherland), Dining Dollars, Panther Funds, credit card, or cash for your purchase.
Can I withdraw cash
from my Panther Funds?
No. Panther Funds can only be used for purchase
of food, beverages, merchandise, and services at participating locations
on campus and in Oakland.
Why must I turn in my expired ID in order to receive a new ID at no charge?
All faculty, staff and students must turn in their expired ID in order to receive a replacement ID at no charge. Expired IDs will be treated in a similar fashion as lost IDs if the expired ID is not turned in at the time of reissue and replacement will cost $20. The reason for this policy is that renewed IDs will have the same identification number as the expired ID. If we do not retrieve the expired ID, we must assume it is lost and therefore must issue a new card with a unique 2P number.
Why is there a charge to obtain a new ID if one is lost?
There are internal costs for manufacturing University ID cards. The University does not charge you for your initial ID, however, any IDs that the University has to replace due to loss or damage is charged to the customer.
What if my Panther Card is confiscated?
If your ID is confiscated, Panther Central can work to obtain the confiscated ID card. If a replacement ID is needed immediately, a new card will need to be purchased for $20.
What if my Panther Card does not work on the Port Authority Transit? The customer will be required to pay for that ride. The customer should come to Panther Central with the 4-digit bus number and route number to complete a Port Authority Refund Request form. Panther Central will review the claim and if warranted, refunds will be given in the form of Panther Funds. Refunds may take 5-7 business days. NO Cash Refunds will be issued.
View a current list of locations where Panther Funds are accepted. »
