The following Residential 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. Residential Dining Policies apply to all UCSB students and their guests using the Dining Commons. Please contact Campus Dining staff by filling out the Contact Us link with any questions regarding the policies outlined in the sections below. Violation of any of the following policies jeopardizes your university housing contract (see Residential Student Conduct), violates the UCSB Student Code of Conduct 102.07, and may result in university sanctions.
Attire
A shirt, shorts, pants, bathing suit wrap, 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. contract 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
Meal Plan holders receive a specific number of guest meals per quarter depending on the meal plan selected. Guest meals can only be shared with UCSB students. Guests are welcome and must be accompanied by a meal plan holder in Portola, Carrillo, or De La Guerra Dining Commons. Guests are not permitted to use the meal plan holder’s access card on their own. Once the guest meal allowance is exhausted 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. No cash is accepted at the door. Prices for guest meals are posted at each Dining Commons. Guest meals are not available at Ortega Dining Commons
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, outside of the guest meals that are permitted based on the meal plan selected. Visit the Access ID website by clicking this link.
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
To increase or decrease the number of meals in your Meal Plan, please submit a request online by clicking the “Change Meal Plan” button on the Campus Dining web page. If a meal plan is changed during the allowed change period, any previously rolled-over meals will be forfeited, due to software system limitations. 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.
Missed Meals
Your meal plan balance (e.g. 10, 14, or 19 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 a 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.
Take-Out Policy
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 Take-Out Meals at Ortega.
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.
Residents of university housing are reminded to review Residence Hall Policies and Expectations, University Apartment Terms and Conditions, and Residential Network Acceptable Use Policies at the Residential Student Conduct website.