A new‑look DalCard for Dal's 200th

Dalhousie’s DalCard is the official ID card for faculty, staff and students. It’s also a debit card, library card, print card and key to select buildings. For eligible students, it’s also a transit pass and laundry card.

Now, it’s receiving a refreshed design renewal in preparation for the university’s bicentennial celebrations.

A collaboration between Ancillary Services (which manages DalCard) and Communications and Marketing (Design Services), the new DalCard works the same but has a whole new look.

Designer Luke Smith says the objective was to create a vibrant visual that reflects both the creative platform of the upcoming 200th anniversary celebrations and the goals and growth of the Dal community moving forward into its third century.

“The rising sun in the anniversary logo mark reflects how we want to celebrate inspiration and achievement, but also aspiration and our collective goals,” he explains. “The ‘daybreak’ of Dalhousie’s third century gives us opportunity to pause and think all that we as an institution have achieved together, and ponder how we can continue to do better by building on the energy, excitement and ambition that drives us to do our best each and every day.”

A common DalCard design

Additionally, where there were once a number of variations in the imagery of faculty, staff, and student DalCards, the new design will be consistent across the Dalhousie community, in both Halifax and Truro.

“The new DalCard reflects an effort towards greater consistency amongst the entire Dalhousie population,” says Kate Somers, manager of DalCard business operations, “and also unifies our card design as we move forward into the 200-year celebrations,” Somers says.

The new design, which began its roll-out earlier this month, is intended to be “limited edition,” and will be retired in December 2018. Until that point, it will be issued to all new Dalhousie students and staff. Those requiring a replacement DalCard — or who want to get a DalCard with the new design before the end of bicentennial year — can purchase one for a $15 fee by visiting the DalCard office.

Heather Sutherland, assistant vice-president, Ancillary Services, sees the redesigned DalCard as one piece of a much larger celebration.

“I encourage everyone on campus to mark Dal 200 in some way, “ says Sutherland.

“The new DalCard is just one small way to acknowledge the bicentennial. Think about all the events and activities everyone is organizing across campus. When it’s all pulled together, it’s going to be a fantastic celebration.”