The following Off Campus Meal Plan Dining Policies reflect the values of Housing, Dining, & Auxiliary Enterprises and were established to uphold our mission of creating a community that is safe and conducive to living and learning. As a member of the UCSB community, it is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with these policies and abide by them. Off Campus Meal Plan Dining Policies apply to all UCSB students and their guests using the Dining Commons. Please contact Campus Dining staff with any questions regarding the policies outlined in the sections below. Violation of any of the following policies jeopardizes your meal plan and may result in university sanctions. 

Attire

A shirt, shorts, pants, bathing suit cover, shoes, or sandals are required for entry to the Dining Commons.

Behavior

The following behaviors are inappropriate and grounds for immediate exclusion from the meal and follow-up disciplinary action (e.g. meal plan cancellation, university sanctions, etc.).

  • Verbally abusive behavior to staff, including physically threatening conduct, verbal threats, use of profanity, abusive name-calling and/or non-compliance with staff directions
  • The possession or use of alcohol and other drugs on the premises, or entering a facility under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
  • Throwing food or other items or inciting or participating in a food fight
  • Vandalism or theft of plants, artwork, dishware, silverware, equipment, or other University property
  • Sneaking into or trespassing in the Dining Commons

Bag Check

All purses, backpacks, and other bags may be inspected as you leave the Dining Commons. Students may leave their personal belongings in the Dining Commons at their own risk. The Dining Commons is not responsible for lost items.

Excessive Meals

Students who exceed the number of meals on their Meal Plan in any given week will be billed at the guest meal rate on their BARC account for each excessive meal. 

Guest Meals

Your meal plan is for your use only and is strictly non-transferable. The only exception is the use of guest meals, determined by the meal plan selection. Guest meals may only be shared with UCSB students and family members of the meal plan holder. To use a guest meal, the meal plan holder must be present with their guest at the time of entry and during the meal. Guests are never permitted to use the meal plan holder’s access card or accounts on their own.

Guests are welcome and must be accompanied by a meal plan holder in Portola, Carrillo, or De La Guerra Dining Commons. No cash is accepted at the door. Once the guest meals are exhausted, guests are permitted in the dining commons, but they must purchase their meals at the guest meal rate. The guest price will be charged to the sponsoring meal plan holder’s BARC account, a guest’s credit card, or, if applicable, Gaucho Bucks may be used. Prices for guest meals are posted at each Dining Commons.

Please note that guest meals are strictly prohibited at Takeout at Ortega Commons. All ordered meals must be for the account holder's personal use only; ordering meals for others or distributing them through third-party platforms is not allowed. 

Hours

Regular meal hours and special meal hours (e.g. finals week, academic/administrative holidays, and summer) are posted in the Dining Commons. 

Meal Permit

Access ID cards (UCSB photo identification) must be presented to the lobby checker upon entering the Dining Commons, or upon request by a staff member. All lost or defective Access ID cards must be replaced immediately. Each student’s meal plan must be utilized only by the student.

Meal Permit Misuse

Use of your meal permit (Access ID Card) by another person is prohibited. A fee will be applied per meal for loaning or misusing an Access ID Card. Misuse of an Access ID card is subject to immediate confiscation.

Meal Plan Change Requests

If you would like to increase or decrease the number of meals in your Meal Plan, you can fill out a request online at the Dining Services webpage. Meal plan changes can be made up until Sunday of week 2 of the quarter. Meal plan changes must be made at least one week in advance of the desired change. No changes will be permitted for current or past weeks. If a meal plan is changed or canceled during the allowed period, any previously rolled-over meals will be forfeited due to software system limitations.

Missed Meals

Your meal plan balance (e.g. 5, 7, 10, 14, or 17 dining entries per week) is reduced by one every time you enter the Dining Commons during the week. Meal plan holders may rollover up to 3 unused meals per week throughout the current quarter. Rollover meals expire and must be used by the end of the current quarter.

Meals When Ill

Please do not visit the Dining Commons if you are ill. Students who are ill or medically unable to eat a meal in the Dining Commons may have a friend or roommate pick up a sick meal. The friend/roommate must present the sick student's access card to the lobby checker, who will notify the student supervisor for assistance. We are unable to make special arrangements for restricted diets.

Personal Restrictions

Students with restricted diets, food allergies, or restricted schedules are not guaranteed menu choices or meal times which will meet their needs in the campus dining facilities. Students with restrictions are expected to take personal responsibility for appropriate food choices, work closely with the dining managers, and supplement their meals where needed. 

Takeout Policy

With the exception of a single fruit or dessert item, no unauthorized food or equipment is allowed to be taken out of the Dining Commons except through the following approved programs: Meals When Ill, Sack Meals at Portola, or the Takeout Meals at Ortega Commons.

Skateboards

Skateboards must be kept with you and stowed underneath your dining table while eating. Skateboards may not be left at the entryway to the Dining Commons.

Staff Directions

Meal plan holders, guests, and student visitors must follow the directions of university staff members at all times. Providing false information or failing to provide information to staff, interfering with staff while they are performing their duties, or being uncooperative or verbally abusive to staff is strictly prohibited.