Name, photo, and signature. A digitized photograph is taken when the card is initially issued. The cardholder's name is printed on the front of the card and a digitized signature is printed on the back. Although digital photo and signature information is very secure, according to Jon Turbett, ITD systems project coordinator for the Mcard project, cardholders have the option of requesting that this information not be stored in the system after the card is made, if they wish. A 16-digit card number uniquely identifies the cardholder as a member of the University of Michigan community.
Cards expire five years after the issuing date.
Social Security Number. Social Security numbers are still used by some University units for identification, although the printing of this number on U-M public documents, including the Mcard, is being phased out. A uniqname identifies you for access to University computing services. The bar code is used in most University libraries for checking out books. The bar code number is printed above it.