Opt-in and eligibility

Please note: No in-person opt-in requests will be accepted.

Prior to submitting an opt-in request, it's important to consider the following:

• Once you have been approved for a U-Pass, you cannot be exempted during the same term. Once an opt-in is approved you will be part of the mandatory program. It is therefore essential that you are certain that you want to opt-in.
• We encourage students to verify their U-Pass portal before submitting an opt-in request as you may have already been charged, hence you may already be eligible.
• Students who register late for courses should wait at least 24 hours and verify their statement of account prior to requesting an opt-in.
• To avoid late charges, we recommend that you pay the U-Pass fee immediately.

Once the U-Pass card fee is added to your student account, your U-Pass will be added onto your uOttawa Card in the next 24 hours.

1. I am a full-time student at the University of Ottawa and didn't get charged automatically.

Submit an opt-in request in your U-Pass portal.

2. I am registered with the Academic Accommodations Service.

Students with an academic accommodation for a reduced course load, who are unable to register for more than one course due to functional limitations related to a disability, are eligible to opt-in to the U-Pass program. To initiate the opt-in process and discuss any needed support, please contact your learning specialist at [email protected]. Opt-in requests from students with Academic Accommodations will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Please note that the final decision regarding your opt-in request rests with OC Transpo.

3. I am part-time at uOttawa and part-time at another educational institution.

In order for you to qualify for Opt-in, both postsecondary institutions must participate in the U-Pass program. The other participating institutions are:

• Carleton University
• Algonquin College
• Saint Paul University

Here’s what you will need to provide with your request for opt-in: 

• A copy of your course timetable for your term at the other institution

To opt-in, you will need to complete the opt-in application in the U-Pass portal and provide the necessary documentation.

1. Login to your U-Pass portal.
2. Go to the ‘opt-in request’ tab
3. Select the opt-in reason that fits your criteria
4. Upload the necessary documents if needed
5. Submit your request

Opt-in requests can be submitted starting on the following dates for each term:

• Fall term: August 15
• Winter term: December 15
• Spring/summer term: April 15