OneCard Basics

What is the Bearkat OneCard?

The Bearkat OneCard is:

  1. Your official student ID
  2. How you manage your financial refunds from SHSU
  3. An optional FREE FDIC insured checking account. Referred to as the “OneAccount”

The Bearkat OneCard is NOT a credit card. 

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Am I required to have a Bearkat OneCard?

Yes!  The Bearkat OneCard signifies your status as an active member of the Sam Houston State University community, serving as your official student identification card and much more.  You are expected to have your Bearkat OneCard with you at all times on campus. 

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When will I use my Bearkat OneCard?

Your card is required for:

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How do I get a Bearkat OneCard?

When the following steps have been completed, your Bearkat Onecard will be mailed to you:

  1. Have your photo taken in the Bearkat Onecard Office. It is mandatory to present a valid state or government issued photo ID at the time the photo is taken. (If you are unable to visit the Bearkat OneCard office to have your photo taken you may Request A BearkatOneCard online.)

    2. Acceptable forms of ID:

    • State Driver's License (including state-issued temporary or provisional licenses with photos)
    • State-Issued Identification Card
    • Military-Issued Identification Card
    • Coast Guard Merchant Marine Card
    • U.S. or Foreign-Issued Passport
    • Permanent Resident Card (i.e., Green Card, Resident Alien Card)
    • Mexican Consular ID
    • Student Visa
    • Certificate of Naturalization
  2. Have a valid address on file with the university. You can verify this by visiting SamWeb (make this a link) (Student Records, Address Change)
  3. Be registered for classes.

Upon receipt you must activate your Bearkat Onecard at www.bearkatone.com to access SHSU events and Services.

Click here to request a Distance Learner ID

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When can I expect to receive my Bearkat OneCard?

Your Bearkat OneCard will be mailed to you once you have met the following criteria:

  1. Have a photo on file
  2. Have a valid address on file with the University
  3. You are registered for classes

Once this criteria is met you should receive your card in 7 to 10 days. 

Suggestion: Check the status of your card.

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How do I activate my Bearkat OneCard?

To activate your Bearkat OneCard you must log on to www.bearkatone.com and go to the "Get Started" box. You will be required to create a username and password at the time of activation.

Suggestion: We recommend that you enter your SHSU email address as your user name and use the same password for this site that you use when you log in to your SamMail account.

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How do I update my address?

If you have a change of address be sure to update your address online at www.bearkatone.com as well as in Sam Web.

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What happens when I graduate or resign from SHSU?

Student privileges: Once you graduate or resign from SHSU you will no longer have on-campus student privileges with your Bearkat OneCard.

OneAccount privileges: Though the OneAccount is targeted at students, it has the full functionality of a checking account with no monthly fees and minimum balance requirements and can be used long after you graduate or resign from SHSU.

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If I am a distant learner, how do I request a Bearkat OneCard?

If you are a distance learner or a student who is unable to come to the Bearkat OneCard office during normal operating hours, you can still obtain a Bearkat OneCard by submitting your request on-line by following these steps:

  1. Verify that your local address in the SamWeb system Address Change is correct. This is necessary because all ID cards are mailed to your local address of record and will not be forwarded even if you have a change of address on file with the Post Office.

  2. Request a Distance Learner ID Card by sending us an email.

  3. Once the email link pulls up type your name and Sam ID card number in the subject line.

  4. In the body of the text simply type the following:

    • First Name, Middle Name, and Last Name

    • Sam ID Number

    • E-Mail Address

    • Indicate that this is a Request for a Bearkat OneCard

    • Include a JPEG formatted copy of a valid, unexpired, government issued photo ID.

    Acceptable forms of ID.

  5. Once the Bearkat OneCard Office receives your email request, we will process your request and send a confirmation email back stating that your Distance Learner Request was processed. Please allow 7 to 10 business days to receive your Bearkat OneCard at your local address.

  6. Once you receive your Bearkat OneCard in the mail, you MUST ACTIVATE the card by logging on to www.bearkatone.higheroneaccount.com within 48 hours of receiving your ID card.

  7. You are not required to set up the optional OneAccount linked to the ID card, but you are required to activate the ID card and select a refund preference.

  8. If you have not received your Bearkat OneCard after 10 business days, you can check the status of your card by logging on to Where's My Card on the www.bearkatone.higheroneaccount.com webpage.


REQUEST A DISTANCE LEARNER ID CARD

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Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Contact Us

Phone: 936.294.CARD (2273)
E-mail: bearkatone@shsu.edu
Location: Lowman Student Center
Suite 330