The BFHcard is a multifunctional card that can be used for a wide range of applications. It should be borne in mind that different functions are available depending on the location.

 

Proof of identity

Students and staff can use the BFHcard as an ID card and to benefit from special offers.

 

Libraries

The BFHcard serves as a library ID card in BUAS libraries and affiliated libraries within Switzerland (e.g. Nebis, Library Association of Basel and Bern, other libraries belonging to the Information Association of German-speaking Switzerland IDS). A user account must be set up for loans, orders and reservations. User accounts can be opened online by registering with one of the library catalogues operated by the sub-associations (e.g. IDS Basel Bern) or by visiting one of the libraries themselves. Registration is subject to a one-time fee of CHF 22.

 

Means of payment

Once it has been loaded with cash, the BFHcard can be employed as a means of cashless payment for goods and services at designated devices. It is currently not yet possible to use the card to pay in canteens or purchase items from snack machines; this will be introduced gradually on a location-by-location basis. The BFHcard can be used to make printouts and copies at public multi-function devices. Rates:

 

Format	Rates (CHF)
A4 b/w single-sided	0.12
A4 b/w double-sided	0.20 / 0.24*
A4 colour one-sided	0.30
A4 colour double-sided	0.50 / 0.60*
A3 b/w single-sided	0.20
A3 b/w double-sided	0.35 / 0.40*
A3 colour one-sided	0.50
A3 colour double-sided	0.80 / 1.-

 

* For technical reasons, certain multi-functional devices automatically charge for two single-sided copies when making a double-sided copy (e.g: 2 x CHF 0.12 for A4 b/w double-sided). The devices in question do not permit a single charge for a double-sided copy.

 

Building access

The BFHcard grants out-of-hours access to BUAS buildings, premises and parking areas with electronic access control. All BUAS buildings are generally accessible with the BFHcard with the exception of the premises of the School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences. Access is determined by the holder’s personal authorisations.

General information

All students registered at the Bern University of Applied Sciences (BUAS) receive an ID card in the form of a BFHcard. For lecturers and employees, the BFHcard serves as an employee ID card. The BFHcard contains a chip that allows a range of additional functions. As a rule, the card is handed to the cardholder in person.

 

Terms and conditions of use

Upon receipt of the BFHcard, the cardholder accepts the terms and conditions of use which he/she received together with the card.

 

Activation

The cardholder must activate the BFHcard at a validation machine before use.

 

Validation

The BFHcard is valid until the date shown on the card and must be validated regularly during the period of study or employment. Students validate their BFHcards every semester, lecturers and employees on an annual basis. The card must be validated at a validation station at the latest two weeks following the expiration date.

 

Credit

For the BFHcard to be used as a means of payment, cardholders must top it up with credit (min. CHF 10.– / max. CHF 500.–) at a charging station.

 

Charges

The first card is free. Having the card blocked or reactivated is likewise free of charge. In the event of loss, theft or damage to a card as a result of improper use, a fee of CHF 30.– (cash) will be charged for the issuing of a replacement card.

 

Blocking

If the card is lost, the cardholder is obliged to block it immediately online at http://inr.bfh.ch. Access to the cardholder’s personal user account shall be possible following authentication with the BUAS username and password. Once it has been blocked, all of the card’s chip functions will be deactivated immediately.

 

Replacement cards

Once a lost card has been blocked or a card defect reported, the cardholder will be issued with a replacement card. If the defective/lost card has remaining credit, this will automatically be transferred to the replacement card. A replacement card is usually issued within 48 hours.

 

Further information can be found in the terms and conditions of use.

Validation machines

Departement/Division	Location	Description
Engineering + Information Technology	Biel, Quellgasse 21	Main building, main entrance
Engineering + Information Technology	Burgdorf, Jlcoweg 1	Entrance to canteen
Engineering + Information Technology	Bern, Wankdorffeldstr. 102	1st floor
Engineering + Information Technology Architecture, Wood and Civil Engineering	Burgdorf, Pestalozzistr. 20	Building B, entrance
Architecture, Wood and Civil Engineering	Biel, Solothurnstr. 102	Building A
Business	Bern, Morgartenstr. 2c	Ground floor opposite canteen
Social Work	Bern, Hallerstr. 10	Lower ground floor, canteen HalleR
Health	Bern, Murtenstr. 10	Ground floor canteen right
University of the Arts	Bern, Fellerstr. 11	Ground floor east entrance
University of the Arts	Bern, Papiermühlestr. 13a	Lobby
School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences	Zollikofen, Länggasse 85	Ground floor, right

Charging machines

Department/division	Address	Description
Engineering and Information Technology	Biel, Quellgasse 21	Main building, canteen
Engineering and Information Technology	Biel-Rolex, Höhenweg	N200 behind the canteen
Engineering and Information Technology	Burgdorf, Jlcoweg 1	Entrance to canteen
Engineering and Information Technology	Bern, Wankdorffeldstr. 102	1st floor
Engineering and Information Technology BUAS Architecture, Wood and Civil Engineering	Burgdorf, Pestalozzistr. 20	Building B, entrance
Architecture, Wood and Civil Engineering	Biel, Solothurnstr. 102	Entrance to head office building
Business	Bern, Morgartenstr. 2c	Ground floor opposite canteen
Social Work	Bern, Hallerstr. 10	Lower ground floor, canteen HalleR
Health	Bern, Murtenstr. 10	Ground floor canteen right
University of the Arts	Bern, Fellerstr. 11	Steps to 1st floor
University of the Arts	Bern, Papiermühlestr. 13a	Lobby
University of the Arts	Biel, Rockhall 4	Lobby
University of the Arts	Zikadenweg 35	Building 1, 3rd floor
School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences	Zollikofen, Länggasse 85	Ground floor, right

Layout

If I lose my card, how can I block it?

If the card is lost, the cardholder is obliged to block it immediately online at http://inr.bfh.ch. Access to the cardholder’s personal user account shall be possible following authentication with the BUAS username and password. Once it has been blocked, all of the card’s chip functions will be deactivated immediately. Replacement cards are issued by the local School Secretariat. Any credit remaining on the lost card is transferred to the new card.

 

Can I reactivate a blocked card?

Yes, the School Secretariat can reactivate a blocked card. This requires that the cardholder takes his/her BFHcard along to the responsible Secretariat in person.

 

What do I do if my card is defective?

Defective cards must be returned to the responsible School Secretariat. On weekdays the card will generally be replaced within 48 hours. The credit balance will be transferred to the new card. If the defect clearly hasn't been caused by the cardholder, a replacement card is issued free of charge.

 

What is meant by "validation"?

When a card is validated, depending on the user category, different data are printed onto the rewriteable (TRW) foil at the lower edge of the card (for example, department, division, course of study, period of validity, etc.). Validation is carried out at validation machines, which are generally located in the building foyer.

 

How long is the BFHcard valid for?

Students: the period of validity is limited to the current semester. The card needs to be revalidated at the start of each semester.

Lecturers/employees: the period of validity is limited to one year (always the end of September). The card needs to be revalidated at the start of each autumn semester.

 

Do I have to hand in the card when I dematriculate or leave?

Students can keep their card when they have completed their studies. Lecturers and staff must hand in the BFHcard when they leave. Any remaining credit balance may be reclaimed within 30 days of graduation or termination of the employment relationship at the designated locations.

 

Who is liable in the event of card misuse?

The BFHcard must be treated like cash and kept in a safe place. Any person in possession of a BFHcard is authorised to use the card's functions. Risks associated with misuse or loss of a card shall be borne exclusively by the cardholder. The BUAS accepts no liability for loss or damage arising from misuse.

 

School Secretariats

The local School Secretariat is available to assist you in the following matters:

 

• Ordering and collecting a replacement card Reactivating a blocked card
• Correcting errors in the information contained in the validation strip
• Read errors at designated terminals
• Clarifying the account balance on a card (list of transactions performed)

 

IT-Services

Please contact the IT Support in the case of

 

• Errors of a general nature at a validation machine
• Errors of a general nature at a point-of-sale (POS) terminal
• Errors of a general nature on a printer or photocopier
• Production or output errors on a printer or photocopier

 

Please note: in the case of copying or printing faults, a malfunction must be reported within three working days to the IT Support, with details of the time, type of device, user name and product. Failure to comply with this deadline will render it impossible for technical reasons to reimburse any payments made.

 

Service + Support

 

Departement/Division	Location	Contact
Engineering + Information Technology	Biel, Quellgasse 21	O15, IT Support
Architecture, Wood + Civil Engineering	Burgdorf, Pestalozzistrasse 20	B051, IT Support
Architecture, Wood + Civil Engineering	Biel, Solothurnstrasse 102	A34, IT Support
Business	Bern, Morgartenstrasse 2c	Secretariat
Health	Bern, Murtenstrasse 10	Facility Manager's office
Social Work	Bern, Hallerstrasse 10	Reception
Bern University of the Arts	Bern, Fellerstrasse 11	Ground floor, room 137
School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences	Zollikofen, Länggasse 85	Bauten + Technik