Opt-In and Opt-Out

Opt-In

Fees are added to your Student Account immediately when an opt in is approved. Please visit important dates and cost information for more details.

The following are the ONLY criteria under which an ineligible student may opt-in to the U-Pass program. If you have any questions on the opt-in process, please click contact upass@carleton.ca.

Students Registered with the Paul Menton Centre (PMC)

Students who cannot register in more than one credit due to a disability may opt-in to the U-Pass.

Contact the Paul Menton Centre (PMC). Your advisor will work with you to make an opt-in request submission that will be directed to the Student Experience Office.
The Student Experience Office will work with OC Transpo to review each request on a case-by-case basis. Please note that OC Transpo has the final decision on all opt-in requests.
If approved, the Student Experience Office will opt you into the program and will email you via your Carleton email. Once you receive an email, you may pick up your card immediately or renew your current card after 24 hours.

Students Registered at Multiple Post-Secondary Institutions in Ottawa

Students who are also registered at another post-secondary institution in Ottawa, and whose courses at both institutions combine to meet the eligibility requirement may opt-in to the U-Pass.

Contact the Student Experience Office via your Carleton email. You must provide your course time table from the other institutions.
The Student Experience Office will work to review each request on a case-by-case basis. If approved, the Student Experience Office will opt you into the program and will email you via your Carleton email. Once you receive an email, you may pick up your card immediately or renew your current card after 24 hours.

Opt-Out

Courses are currently being delivered online, and students should opt-out of the U-Pass service if it is not needed.

Students who plan to opt-out should NOT pick up or renew their U-Pass. If you have already picked up or renewed your U-Pass for the relevant pass period:

You MUST return your U-Pass to complete the opt out process.
You will not be refunded the administrative fee.

Opt out applications must be submitted for every pass period if you are eligible to do so. Please visit important dates and cost information for more details.

The following are the ONLY criteria under which an eligible student may opt out of the U-Pass program. If you have any questions on the opt-out process, please contact upass@carleton.ca.

Reside outside of the OC Transpo Service Area.

Please review the OC Transpo Service Area Map (PDF) to confirm that you live outside the Service Area. You will then need to fill out an opt-out application in the “Student Online Applications” section of Carleton Central and provide the following supporting documents:

A utility bill (such as hydro, cable, or phone) that has been issued within the past two months (and matches the address on your license); and
A drivers’s license (which matches the address on the utility bill) or a tenancy agreement form (PDF) relating to leased premises located outside of the OC Transpo Service Area.

Please note: The opt-out option is not available to students living in the STO service area as the U-Pass can be used on both sides of the river and will allow transportation to and from the region

Participate in a Co-op work program for at least one term.

Complete an opt-out application in the “Student Online Applications” section of Carleton Central and provide the following supporting documents:

A copy of your timetable from Carleton Central to demonstrate registration in the appropriate co-op work term report course (for example: ARCN 1001).

Participate in an exchange or study abroad.

The International Student Services Office (ISSO) has already arranged U-Pass opt-outs for the students who have arranged exchanges through their office. Please note that if you are participating in an outgoing exchange for the winter term, and picked up or renewed your card for the September – April pass period, you must return your card. Please do so by no later than January 14^th to receive a full (100%) winter term refund.

If you are going on an outgoing exchange that is not arranged through the International Student Services Office (ISSO), you will need to fill out an opt-out application in the “Student Online Applications” section of Carleton Central and provide the following supporting documents:

A letter from the department that is sponsoring your exchange. The letter must state the period of time you are on exchange and the location.

Study exclusively as an online student.: Complete an opt-out application in the “Student Online Applications” section of Carleton Central and your registration will be reviewed for the semester you are applying for.

Participate in an internship or conduct research outside of Ottawa for more than 60 days per term.

Complete an opt-out application in the “Student Online Applications” section of Carleton Central and provide the following supporting documents:

A signed letter from the authorized supervisor who oversees the internship or research. The letter should provide the period of time you will be completing the internship or research and the location.

Already hold a U-Pass as issued from another post-secondary institution in Ottawa.: Complete an opt-out application in the “Student Online Applications” section of Carleton Central and provide proof of your other U-Pass. You can submit a scanned copy of your other U-Pass and uploading it to Carleton Central, along with your opt-out application.

Are registered with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.: Complete out an opt-out application in the “Student Online Applications” section of Carleton Central and provide your CNIB pass number on the opt-out application form. The opt-out application form and supporting documents can be uploaded on Carleton Central.

Are registered with Para Transpo but reside in the Rural Transit Area – Area A.

Please review the OC Transpo Service Area Map (PDF) to confirm that you live outside the Service Area.

You will then need to fill out an opt-out application in the “Student Online Applications” section of Carleton Central and provide the following supporting documents:

Proof of being a Para Transpo Registrant; and
Proof of residency within the Rural Transit Area A. Proof of residency may be a utility, cable or phone bill that has your name on it. The address on the documentation must be located within Rural Transit Area A.

Students with disabilities who are registered with the Paul Menton Centre (PMC).: Opt-out requests for students registered with the Paul Menton Centre will be considered on a case by case basis. Your request must be made through Carleton Central and supported by your PMC Coordinator, who will confirm if your application should be processed. Please note that OC Transpo has the final decision on whether you can be exempted from the service.