Photo Standards for VCU Campus Cards
To ensure consistency across all cardholder images, we follow a standard for capturing images of all cardholders. Our goal is to obtain a current, focused, and unobstructed image of your entire face, including all your facial features such as beauty marks.
Important Policies
- We have the final say
We reserve the right to refuse any image that does not adhere to our standards - Our guidelines have guidelines
We closely follow the U.S. Passport image guidelines as outlined by the United States Department of State - Capture with confidence
We will only use your picture for your identification and our internal training
The Standard
If you are new to VCU or have a significant change in your appearance, you must have an updated picture on file. All photos must have the cardholder:
- Be the only person in the photo
- Be under normal contrast and lighting
- Have clearly visible eyes that are looking directly forward, without glare or obstruction
- Have their head and chin facing straight forward
- Have their head visible without hats, tinted glasses, sunglasses, or props
- Standing in front of a plain grey, tan, or similarly neutral-colored background
- Wearing clothes normally worn with sufficient contrast between the background
- With a rested facial expression without exaggeration
Exceptions
Glasses
Non-tinted prescription glasses are allowed as long as the picture can be taken without a glare.
Head Coverings
Religious head coverings are allowed if your government-issued photo ID includes a picture of you in your head covering.
When you schedule an appointment to receive your card in person, we will take your picture in our office. The process is simple and only takes a minute.
Tips
Be Photo Ready
Please come to your appointment photo ready: dressed in clothes you wear normally with your hair styled prior to your arrival.
Wear A Good Outfit
Our Campus Cards have a white background. Be sure to pick an outfit that will contrast with the white background.
Style Your Hair
Your hair should be styled so that it does not cover your facial features.
Smile
As a rule, give a subtle smile that isn't over exaggerated or squint your eyes.
Submitting a photo online for your Campus Card can be easy as long as you understand our expectations.