Columbia University ID Center

The cashier at the Columbia University Bookstore should indicate to you the nature of the problem. If the cashier indicates the problem as insufficient funds, you will need to make a deposit into your Flex Account before you will be able to proceed with the transaction. Sometimes, the system is unavailable for Flex Account transactions, and at such times, all cards are denied access. This does not happen frequently, and the Columbia University Bookstore staff will let you know when it should be available again. All other problems must be resolved at the ID Center.

The card readers at the check out counters display information about both approved and denied card swipe transactions. Depending on the nature of the swipe problem, there can be either one or two different messages displayed on the reader after a failed swipe transaction. Both messages are important in determining what problem may exist.

If you are experiencing problems or have questions read detailed information pertaining to Flex/Dining trouble shooting procedures.

If there is a problem within the card swiping system campus-wide, the message, "Laundry Center Closed" will appear on the reader. When this happens, purchases using the Flex Account will be disabled, but coin sales will still be accepted.

If you are experiencing problems or have questions read detailed information pertaining to Laundry Center trouble shooting procedures.

The Columbia University Libraries use the bar code on the ID card to determine your borrowing privileges. Not all ID cards are printed with bar codes. If your ID card does not have a bar code, it means that you are not automatically granted borrowing privileges at the libraries. Visit the Columbia University Libraries website, or check with the Library Information Office in 201 Butler. You may call this office at (212) 854-2271.

If the campus-wide Flex system goes off-line, Flex purchases cannot be processed. However, vending machines will accept cash and coin sales.

If you are experiencing problems or have questions read detailed information pertaining to Vending Machine trouble shooting procedures.