Frequently Asked Questions

Monday, January 5, 2026.

Meal swipes/exchanges are accepted at the SAC Café and The Station. Declining Balance and Pacer Card are accepted at every dining location on campus and at the York St. Domino’s off campus.

Residents will select a meal plan when they apply for housing.

Commuter may purchase a meal plan through the Business Services office, located in the Penland Administration Building, room 114.

Faculty & Staff may purchase a meal plan through the Business Services office, located in the Penland Administration, room 114.

USCA requires that all university housing residents participate in one of the available meal plans. We strongly encourage all incoming students, regardless of place of residence, to participate in one of the plans. As part of their housing information, all university housing residents will be provided with a list of the meal plan options available to them in meeting the mandatory requirement.

Meal plans may be added throughout the semester at a prorated amount.

Any meal plan changes or cancelations must be done by January 20, 2026.

Yes, commuter students may select a meal plan at any time throughout the year at the Business Services office located in the Penland Administration Building in room 114.

If a parent, legal guardian, or student (if legally independent) does not want the student to participate in the meal plan, they may appeal to be released from the meal plan. The appeal shall be in writing to the Executive Director of Campus Auxiliary and Support Services and clearly state the reason(s) with appropriate justification or documentation for the requested release. Appeals will be accepted through the end of the second week of classes in each major semester. The appeal may be based upon, but not limited to, the following situations: financial hardship, dietary restrictions, meals provided by an employer, or work schedule. Should the appeal be approved, a pro-rated refund will be granted effective with the date of the original appeal.

The appeal shall be acted upon and a written response forwarded to the appellant with copies to the appropriate USCA departments. Should the appellant not agree with the ruling, they may petition the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration for review and a final determination. Petitions shall be made within ten working days of the receipt of the written response by the Executive Director of Campus Auxiliary Support Services.

Yes, students may use their declining balance or Pacer Card funds to pay for a guest. Those on block meals may use a meal swipe as a payment method for a guest. We also accept credit cards.

Dining Services accepts all major credit cards at all locations. Starbucks accepts credit cards, cash Starbucks gift cards and Starbuck app. All other dining locations on campus are cashless.

If you have dietary requirements, we would like to meet with you one-on-one. You may contact our Executive Chef for an in-person meeting or our Regional Dietitian for a virtual consultation.

Iesha Hollis | Executive Chef | Iesha.hollis@sodexo.com

Cristina Caro | Regional Dietitian | cristina.caro@sodexo.com

Unused meals expire at the end of the meal week after Sunday dinner and reset before Monday breakfast. Unused meals do not carry over from week to week on any plan that has a designated number of weekly meals.

Declining balance that comes with a meal plan does not carry over to the next semester. Pacer Card funds do not expire. If a student graduates or leaves early, a refund may be requested for the balance paid, excluding the 10% enrichment bonus.

You may visit the Business Services office located in the Penland Administration Building in room 114 or ask any cashier to swipe your card to provide your balance.

Declining balance may be purchased at any time throughout the semester in increments of $40 with the purchase of a Pacer Card. This balance does not expire between semesters or years.

Friday, December 12, 2025.

Students should notify Dining Services immediately that a card has been lost, misplaced or stolen so the plan may be deactivated temporarily, so no fraudulent charges can be made. Students may obtain a replacement card through the University Police Office and visit the Dining Services office to activate the new card.

If you have questions about meal plans, please visit the Business Services office located in the Penland Administration Building in room 114 or contact Dining Services here.