NLU CTA Ventra U-Pass Program
In partnership with Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), National Louis University provides a CTA Ventra University Pass (U-Pass) Card to eligible students during enrolled terms. The Ventra U-PASS provides unlimited use of CTA trains and buses during the enrolled academic term allowing students to commute to the Chicago Campus with ease.
The CTA U-Pass provides eligible National Louis University students with unlimited rides on CTA buses and trains during the academic term for which they are enrolled. The U-Pass program is managed in partnership with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Ventra. Because enrollment requires coordination between multiple university and CTA systems, activation is not immediate after course registration. Please allow time for processing.
Important Information
- Students are responsible for maintaining a non-negative Ventra transit balance. If your Ventra account has a negative balance, you must add funds before your U-Pass can be used.
- Check your Ventra account before traveling to confirm your U-Pass is active and assigned to your Ventra card.
- If your U-Pass is not showing in your Ventra account, contact the U-Pass Team immediately at upass@nl.edu so we can assist with troubleshooting.
- National Louis University cannot reimburse transportation expenses incurred because a U-Pass was inactive, delayed, or unavailable.
- U-Pass charges cannot be reversed or refunded after the 10th calendar day of the term.
- Refunds cannot be issued for cards that are not picked up, not used, or reported after the deadline.
Eligibility
Automatic Enrollment
The following students are automatically enrolled each term:
- Undergraduate College (UGC) students enrolled in 8 or more Chicago campus credit hours
- Kendall College students enrolled in 8 or more Chicago campus credit hours
A $130 U-Pass fee is assessed each eligible term.
Important Enrollment Note
Automatic enrollment is based on qualifying courses.
Courses must:
- Be assigned to the Chicago or Gage campus
- Begin at the start of the academic term
Courses listed as Zoom, without a campus designation, or beginning later in the term may not be included when determining automatic eligibility. Students who are not automatically enrolled but wish to participate must submit an Opt-In Request before the deadline.
Opt-In
Students who are not automatically enrolled may choose to participate in the U-Pass program by submitting an Opt-In Request before the start of the term, but no later than the 10th calendar day of the term.
Examples include:
- Graduate students
- Undergraduate students enrolled in fewer than 8 Chicago campus credit hours
- Certificate program students
- Students whose courses do not qualify for automatic enrollment
U-Pass Opt-In Request Form
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/b960565b099042f1a73a905597bff2ee
Opt-Out
Students who are automatically enrolled may choose to opt out of the U-Pass program.
Opt-Out Requests must be submitted before the start oft he term but no later than the 10th calendar day of the term.
Because enrollment is processed each academic term, students wishing to opt out must submit a new request each eligible term.
Please allow 7–10 business days after the 10th calendar day for eligible fee reversals to appear on your student account.
U-Pass Opt-Out Request Form
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/b960565b099042f1a73a905597bff2ee
Picking Up Your U-Pass
New or replacement U-Pass Ventra cards can be picked up at:
The Den
6th Floor in 122 S. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL
Please bring your National Louis University ID or another photo ID when picking up your card. Questiosn or issues with your U-Pass can be routed to the 6th Floor Student Affairs Suite (6003) in 122 S. Michigan Ave.
Replacement Cards
If your U-Pass Ventra card is lost, stolen, or damaged, submit a Replacement Card Request.
Replacement Card Request Form
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/42e1798afa4049bfa6d488f7bf97bd10
Missing Photo
A photo is required before a U-Pass card can be printed.
Most students' NLU ID photos are automatically used. If you are contacted by the U-Pass Team requesting a photo, please complete the Missing Photo Form.
Missing Photo Form
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/0ed0dd408b00404286f469c5ccc6d9aa
Questions or Need Assistance?
For all U-Pass questions, activation issues, or troubleshooting, please email: upass@nl.edu
Please allow 3–5 business days for a response. UPASS involves a team of staff to manage these processes, so emailing the central UPASS inbox is the best way to receive a response. Most UPASS issues can be fixed the same day. When emailing, please provide your NLU ID number to help us troubleshoot any problems and respond more quickly to questions or concerns. If you have not received a response after 3–5 business days, you may visit the Student Affairs Suite (Room 6003) at 122 S. Michigan Avenue for additional assistance.
Most commonly asked questions
Why is my UPASS not working?
If you are receiving the Insufficient Funds message, it usually is due to the card being used in the same location more than once within 15 minutes (i.e., double-tapping), or using the card when you are not eligible for the U-Pass. This causes the CTA to think that you are bringing on an additional passenger and it will charge you the fare. You will need to pay the balance on your U-Pass before it starts working again. You can pay the balance by registering your U-Pass on either the Ventra App or at www.VentraChicago.com. You can also use one of the station Kiosks.
Another reason is that upon retrieving the UPASS, you may have not activated your card and just started using it.
How do I activate my card?
A: All students with new or replacement cards must activate them before use.
1) Activate your Ventra U-Pass by calling 1-877-450-5328. You MUST call to activate the card, or it will not work properly. You will need your U-Pass and your Student ID to complete this procedure.
2) If you are a new U-Pass cardholder or an existing cardholder who has not registered your card yet, go online to www.ventrachicago.com (recommended) or call 1-877-669-8368 and follow the prompts. You will need your U-Pass and Student ID to complete this process. Replacement U-Pass requests can skip this step if they have previously registered their card.
3) Your card will work approximately 20 minutes after completing these steps.
Can I use My U-Pass on Pace and Metra?
The unlimited rides pass on your U-Pass only covers CTA buses and trains. Currently, there is not an additional pass for Metra trains. Students can add additional money onto their U-Pass card by using the Ventra App to purchase Metra tickets.
For additional questions, email upass@nl.edu.
What is the U-PASS?
The CTA established the CTA U-PASS program for eligible students at accredited‚ post-secondary schools within the CTA service area. It is an attempt to provide a transportation program that will reduce pollution‚ provide low cost transportation to students and increase access to the Chicago metropolitan area. Each term students can be assessed a nonrefundable U-PASS fee entitling them to a nontransferable NLU CTA U-PASS valid for that academic term. The U-PASS is good for unlimited use aboard all CTA buses and trains throughout the term.
Why is the U-PASS fee required?
The CTA contractually requires the University to assess all eligible students in order to participate in the program.
I am disabled and cannot use the CTA. How do I use paratransit services?
The U-Pass program now includes paratransit services for eligible students. Students who are unable to use fixed route public transportation due to a disability may be eligible for Paratransit Service, a shared ride program offered by the Regional Transit Authority (RTA). Students must be certified by the RTA in order to use the service. For additional details, please contact the Disability Resource Center (312-413-2183).
How do I use the U-PASS?
The Ventra U-PASS works like a CTA Ventra fare card. Just tap lightly against the Ventra fare machines at CTA train stations and on CTA buses.
When is the U-PASS valid?
The U-PASS will be valid for CTA travel during a term (semester or quarter) you are a full time student. U-Passes will be activated based on each student's eligibility. Students who are not auto-enrolled based on eligibility can choose to opt-in to the U-PASS Program.
Can I use my U-Pass during Academic Breaks?
Your U-Pass benefits are not active during academic breaks. When school is not in session or if you are not auto-enrolled or choose not to opt-in for the current term, you are still able to add funds to the U-Pass card. Full fare passes and transit value can be directly can be added to your Ventra U-Pass card.
Is the U-PASS valid on PACE buses?
Your U-Pass beneftis are not able to be used on PACE buses. However, you can add a pass or transit value to your U-Pass card to use for PACE. The Ventra U-PASS can only be used on PACE buses if you have added full fare passes or transit value.
I drive to campus / I don’t want the U-PASS. Can I get a refund?
Starting Spring 2023, once the opt-out deadline has passed, no refunds can be issued for students who are auto-enrolled or who opt-in . All eligible Chicago Campus students will be assessed the fee.
Can I sell it or let a friend use it if I am not planning to use it?
No, the NLU CTA U-PASS is nontransferable and carries your photo. The CTA reserves the right to require a student to show a valid school identification card upon request. If this condition is violated, the U-PASS will be confiscated, and you will be prohibited from participation in the CTA U-Pass program for a full year. You will not be reimbursed, but may be subjected campus disciplinary action.
Do students at other universities participate in this program?
Over 40 other universities and colleges in Chicago also participate in this program (e.g. Loyola, DePaul, Roosevelt, etc.).
How is the U-PASS fee determined?
The fee is determined based on the contractual rate of payment to the CTA plus administrative costs to run the program.
Where can I get more information about the U-PASS?
You can visit the CTA’s U-PASS website.
What if my U-PASS is lost or stolen?
The CTA will issue a replacement for $50.
The $50 is an administrative fee paid to the CTA to cover costs of verifying your eligibility, voiding your old card, creating & shipping the new card, and updating their database with your new data. The $50 is non-refundable. The replacement U-PASS will be sent to NLU within 5 – 7 business days. You will be notified via e-mail when your U-PASS arrives to NLU. You can pickup your U-PASS at the 2nd Floor Security Desk in 122 S. Michigan Ave.
If you need a new UPASS card, please complete the UPASS Replacement Cards Form: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/42e1798afa4049bfa6d488f7bf97bd10
What if my U-PASS is damaged or not working properly?
If your card is defective, CTA can replace it. The first replacement is free, though subsequent replacements for defectiveness will be billed back to you. In order for a card to be determined defective, you must go to the Ventra Customer Service Center at 567 W. Lake St., Chicago, IL. They'll have you sign the Ventra Defective Card Replacement Form and give you a “7-Day Unlimited CTA Rides” ticket. You must submit a UPASS Replacement Card Form. The school will order you a replacement card. Do NOT hole-punch your U-Pass to hang on your lanyard. Without the Ventra Defective Card Replacement form, a defective card is considered lost or stolen and the full replacement cost applies.
If your card is damaged or defective, after you go to the Ventra Customer Service Center, please email a copy of the Ventra Defective Card Replacement Form to upass@nl.edu and to have a new card ordered complete NLU's UPASS Replacement Cards Form: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/42e1798afa4049bfa6d488f7bf97bd10
Who is eligible for an NLU CTA U-PASS?
According to the agreement between the CTA and NLU‚ the NLU CTA U-PASS is available each term only to students for that academic term.
Part-time students?
Students not taking full time credits are not auto-enrolled in the U-PASS program. If they still wish to have a U-Pass they can opt-in each term.
What if I pickup my U-PASS‚ but then drop a below auto-enroll eligibility status?
After the add / drop period each term‚ we send an updated list of eligible students to the CTA.
If you have fallen below the eligibility status before the add / drop period‚ your name will not be on this list‚ and CTA will deactivate your U-PASS, and the U-PASS fee assessment will be credited to your account..
After the add / drop period each term‚ there are no refunds given for tuition or fees‚ including the U-PASS fee. If you drop or withdraw from a course and fall below eligibility status or have chosen to opt-in before the deadline, you will still be responsible for the U-PASS fee‚ and your U-PASS will NOT be deactivated.
What if I am a part-time or online student and have been mistakenly charged?
Students who are part-time or take all classes online are not auto-enrolled into the UPASS program. If a student finds they have a UPASS fee applied to their account in error, they have until day 10 of the current academic term to appeal the fee. After day 10, no UPASS fees will be refunded. Email upass@nl.edu for further information.
Do I have to pick up a new U-PASS each term?
No, the CTA Ventra U-PASS will be valid for 5 years. Each student is required to activate their Ventra U-Pass by calling the number listed on the back of the card. This should be done prior to the student’s first attempt to use the card, or the card will not work on the system. The student will need to provide the following information when they call to activate the card: 1) Card # (located on the back of the Ventra U-Pass card) 2) Student ID number.
When and where can I get my U-PASS?
CTA U-PASSES are distributed at the 2nd Floor Security Desk at t 122 S. Michigan Ave. U-PASSES can be picked up Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Email upass@nl.edu if you need special accommodations.
What do I need to do to get my U-PASS?
Bring your student ID to pick up your U-PASS. Your eligibility will be verified by staff at the desk.
New students will have their UPASS and ID photos taken during New Student Orientation. If you are unable to attend New Student Orientation, new students can schedule an appointment to have their UPASS photo taken by emailing upass@nl.edu. New student appointments can be scheduled 2 weeks prior to the first day of the term. UPASSES can take 5-7 business days to arrive.
I am registered for less than full time status‚ but plan on registering for more courses and becoming a full-time student. Can I pick up my U-Pass?
Yes, however, you must opt-in to the U-Pass Program to receive your U-Pass or have your U-Pass activated.
Who receives a temporary 7-Day pass?
New students (including transfer) whose first U-PASS from NLU is not ready to be picked up may be eligible for a 7-Day pass. You must visit the Student Den to receive the pass. Students whose passes are not activated due to late registration, lost or stolen passes, and negative balances are not eligible for temporary 7-Day passes.
How do I replace my lost, damaged, or stolen U-Pass?
Visit the Student Den located at 122 S. Michigan Ave. on the 6th floor with your ID or other form of ID (Driver’s License, State ID, or Passport). There is a $50 fee applied to your student account. Your card may take up to 10 business days to arrive on campus for pickup. You will receive an email when your card is available to be picked up.
Can I waive the U-Pass fee? I don’t use it.
The CTA Transportation Fee is a required student fee for all full-time Chicago Campus students, including students who may be employees. There are no waivers for students who do not wish to partake in the U-PASS program.
I get an unlimited pass from the CTA as a Veteran. Can I waive the U-PASS fee?
Email upass@nl.edu with a copy of your unlimited pass.
Should I throw away my pass at the end of the semester or if I take a semester off?
You should not discard your U-PASS until it has reached its expiration date. Students who discard, including students who leave the university for a period of time, will be assessed the $50 lost card fee.
How did I get a negative account balance?
Use of your pass during periods when you are not eligible or the pass is not active may result in a negative balance. Double tapping the card or using the card to provide a ride for a guest may also result in a negative balance. Please contact the CTA for any issues related to negative balances.
I’m a transfer student from another school with U-PASS. Can I transfer the card?
As a new student to NLU a new pass will need to be ordered. Please contact upass@nl.edu with questions regarding your new UPASS
Why was my U-PASS confiscated?
The U-PASS is only for your use. CTA reserves the right to confiscate passes used by anyone other than the rightful owner. In the case your card is confiscated, you may be banned by the CTA from eligibility for up to one year. During this time, you will continue to pay the CTA Transportation Fee.
Can I lend my U-Pass to friends or family?
Do NOT let a friend or relative (including spouses) use your UPASS. The UPASS has your full name and picture on the card therefore your card is for your use only. If this rule is violated, CTA reserves the right to confiscate the card and prohibit you from having a U-Pass for a full year, and/or press criminal charges. CTA will contact students directly on any confiscations and their procedures. For more information regarding confiscations when/if they occur, please follow the instructions listed in the official confiscation letter issued by CTA.
