University of Central Arkansas

Ever stand in front of the fridge at home, look inside and say, “There’s nothing to eat around here?” You won’t catch yourself saying that at the University of Central Arkansas. Daily campus dining provides an array of options and menus that can tempt any palate. All students living on the UCA campus are required to carry a meal plan. All residents living in the residence halls are required to be on one of the cafeteria or block plans. All students living in the apartments have the option to choose any meal plan including the all DCB options. Your completed housing agreement is all you need to sign up.

The Dining Service staff is committed to providing a quality program to students. We encourage student involvement to ensure that the dining service program continues to represent the varied lifestyles of today’s university student. Students with suggestions or comments regarding any aspect of the service are encouraged to stop by one of the Housing and Food Advisory Committee (HFAC) meetings held once a month, or let the Dining Staff know our thoughts. The Dining Service staff is looking forward to serving you.

What are the Meal Plan options?

• The following plans are all priced at $1,050.00 per semester.
  • Unlimited (Cafeteria only) with NO DCB
  • 8 meals per week with $140 DCB
  • 10 meals per week with $50 DCB
  • 15 meals per week with $30 DCB

• The following plans are both priced at $1,135.00 per semester.
  • 135 Block plan with $160 DCB
  • 220 Block plan with NO DCB
    
    The block plans allow the meal-plan holder the option to eat any of their meals for the semester in either the Christian Cafeteria or the Student Center food court under the equivalency program.

• The following plan is priced at $1,050.00 per semester.
  • Seniors only Plan – 65 Block with $500 DCB

• The following plans are DCB only.
  • 600.00 DCB
  • 900.00 DCB

What is DCB?
DCB stands for Declining Cash Balance. DCB amounts are prepaid dollars automatically deposited onto your student ID card. The amount of DCB is to be used in the form of declining balance at any dining facility. DCB amounts are a great value, convenient to use, and offer flexibility in your meal plan. They may be used to purchase full meals in the cafeteria or to make a la carte purchases of food, snacks, and beverages at one of our other locations. Meal-plan holders may purchase additional DCB amounts. If you would like to add additional DCB simply add to your account (in $25 increments) with cash, check, money order, or credit card by visiting the Dining Services office in the Christian Cafeteria. Or insert some cash to the "Bear Buck" machines that are located at the Christian Cafeteria, Student Center food court, and Torreyson Library. Please remember that DCB amounts are not refundable.

What are the time limitations on DCB?
Fall semester DCB will carry over to spring semester, spring will carry over to summer sessions I & II, any remaining balance at the end of summer session 2 will be forfeited.

What are Bear Bucks?
Bear Bucks is a declining balance program similar to DCB. Bear Bucks are sold directly through the Bear Card Center located in 208 Bernard Hall. Bear Bucks carry over from semester to semester and year to year as long as the student is enrolled at UCA, please visit the Bear Card Center for more information. Your Bear Bucks account may be used for copies and laser printing in the Torreyson Library, Bookstore purchases, purchases at all UCA food service locations, Pizza Hut on Salem Rd, and the Bear Den Gas Station on Dave Ward Dr. Additional merchants pending.

Can I change my meal plan?
Students may change a meal plan online thru their URSA MyHousing portal before the meal plan period starts or can change in person by going to the Bearcard office during the first two weeks of classes each semester. After the second week of class each semester, you may only change to a meal plan of greater value than your current meal plan.

More Information!
Please visit the Dining Services web-site here!