Faculty, Staff, Alumni, Visitor FAQ
We have compiled a list of questions received most often from faculty, staff, alumni, and other University affiliates. If your question is not answered below, or if you need further clarification, please feel free to contact us at 615-322-2273 (2-CARD on campus). We will be happy to assist you.
Most Common Commodore Card Questions
Who can obtain a Commodore Card?
How and when can I obtain a Commodore Card?
What is a Vanderbilt debit spending account?
How can I add funds to my account?
What are my meal plan options?
How do I add meals to my Commodore Card?
What do I do if I lose my Commodore Card or if it is stolen?
Is information about my Commodore Cash kept confidential?
Who can obtain a Commodore Card?
Individuals in the following categories are permitted to obtain a Commodore Card from the Commodore Card Office:
- University Faculty and Staff
- Faculty and Staff spouse and dependents
- Alumni
- Library patrons
- Contractors and Visitors
How and when can I obtain a Commodore Card?
The Commodore Card Office, located at 184 Sarratt Student Center, produces and distributes cards Monday through Friday, 8:30am until 4:00pm. The Commodore Card Office accepts check (payable to Vanderbilt University), credit card, or Commodore Cash as payment for new or replacement cards.
University Faculty and Staff:
Bring your valid government issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, to the Commodore Card Office to obtain your card (new faculty members are encouraged to bring their appointment letter). There is no charge for your first Commodore Card. Replacement cards are $25.00.
You may also obtain a digital copy of your card on a supported Android or Apple phone, (learn more here).
Faculty and Staff spouse and dependents:
Bring a valid government issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, to the Commodore Card Office to have a card made. You must be accompanied by your faculty or staff sponsor. The cost for a card is $25.00 (iClass). iClass is required for Rec Center access. Rec Center membership fees are separate.
Student spouse and dependents:
Bring valid government issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, and marriage certificate to the Commodore Card Office to have a card made. You must be accompanied by your spouse. The cost for a card is $25.00 (iClass). iClass is required for Rec Center access. Rec Center membership fees are separate.
Alumni:
Bring valid government issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, to the Commodore Card Office to have a card made. The cost for an Alumni card is $25.00 (iClass). iClass is required for Rec Center access. Rec Center membership fees are separate.
Library patrons:
Once the Commodore Card Office receives a completed patron information sheet from the appropriate library, a card may be obtained. Library patrons must bring a valid government issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, to have a Commodore Card issued. The cost for a library patron card is $25.00.
Contractors and Visitors:
Once the Commodore Card Office receives a completed patron information sheet from the sponsoring department, a card may be obtained. The contractor, visitor or affiliate must bring a valid government issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, to have a Commodore Card issued. The cost for this card is $25.00.
What is a Vanderbilt debit spending account?
A Vanderbilt debit spending account functions in much the same way as a bank debit card. Funds are added to a debit spending account, which can be used at a number of campus locations to purchase various products and services. When a purchase is made using the Commodore Card, funds are automatically deducted from the debit account balance.
Vanderbilt offers its faculty, staff, alumni, and other University affiliates one debit spending account option:
- Commodore Cash is a debit spending account that can be used both on and off campus where the Commodore Card is accepted for payment, which includes food and non-food purchases. Commodore Cash balances are carried over from year-to-year and are fully refundable.
How can I add funds to my account?
Once a Commodore Card has been issued and a VUNetID and password has been assigned, there are two methods for adding Commodore Cash:
- Using a credit card (Visa or MasterCard) simply select Add Commodore Cash for Immediate Use from the Commodore Card Office home page and select the credit card option. These funds are available for immediate use.
- Visit the Commodore Card Office at 184 Sarratt Center and add funds to your debit account by check.
What are my meal plan options?
Vanderbilt Dining offers a meal plan for full-time University faculty and staff. Information regarding this meal plan can be viewed on the Vanderbilt Dining website.
How do I add meals to my Commodore Card?
Faculty/Staff may purchase meals in bundles of 10 from the Campus Dining website or at this link: Add Meals. In most cases, meals purchased are loaded to your Commodore Card automatically and available for immediate use. Purchases are non-refundable and not transferable. They are valid for as long as you are employed by Vanderbilt.
What do I do if I lose my Commodore Card or if it is stolen?
If you lose your Commodore Card or if your card has been stolen, you must report it immediately! You may do this anytime by clicking here and following the " I lost My Card " link on the website.
You may also contact the Commodore Card Office at 615-322-2273 (On-campus dial 2-CARD) between the hours of 8:30am to 4:00pm, Monday through Friday.
Commodore Cards are reissued at the Commodore Card Office (VUMC employees must obtain their card at VUMC Card Office located at 2525 West End). For your protection, all Commodore Cards used by someone other than the cardholder may be confiscated. Unauthorized expenditures of up to $500.00 are the responsibility of the cardholder for lost or stolen Commodore Cards not reported within 24 hours. Patrons will be charged a $25.00 replacement card fee.
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Is information about my Commodore Cash kept confidential?
Yes. Vanderbilt will not release any account information to a third party. Information will only be provided to the cardholder of the debit spending account.
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