FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about your CatCard
Q: What is the CatCard?A: The UC Merced Cat Card is a multi-services identification card for people who are affiliated with the University of California, Merced. It is your one-card access to student and programs, buildings and retail services. Use the card to check out books from the library make copies, buy meals, do your laundry, make purchases at the Bookstore or grab some nabs from the vending machines when you are on the go. It is campus-wide convenience, right in your wallet! It is convenient, easy to used and has no monthly fee.
Q: What is the Flex dollar (Plan 50) account?
A: Flex dollar is a declining balance prepaid services account, accessed with your CatCard.
Q: Can I use my meal plan dollars to make other card purchases?
A: No, meal plan dollars can be used to purchase meals only. However, your flex dollars can be used for all retail purchases on campus.
Q: What will happen if I use up all the balance on my meal plan?
A: You can add additional dollars to your flex account and used your flex account to purchase meals.
Q: If there is money left over on my meal plan at the end of the semester?
A: Meal plan money will roll over from fall to spring semester of the school year only. You are advised to use up your account by the end of the spring semester.
Q: Can anyone other than the Account holder obtain an account statement or other information about your CatCard account?
A: No, it is our policy to only release information to the account holder (the student or employee who has a CatCard account). In addition Federal statutes prohibit us from releasing any account information to parents (regardless of where the funds cam from) unless the student is under 18 years of age or has signed a release form granting access to grades and other restricted information.
Q: Does the CatCard Office keep the digitized photo on file?
A: Yes, the office does keep the photos stored exclusively in the CatCard database.
Q: What happens if my CatCard is fraudulently used?
A: The cardholder is solely responsible for safeguarding his/her CatCard. Should the card become lost/stolen/misplace, either accidentally or by an act of theft, the University assumes no responsibility for illegitimate use of the card prior to the patron notifying the CatCard Office or the campus Security Office. Upon notification the card will be deactivated to prevent further use. Unauthorized access of a CatCard account is a criminal offense and will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Also, you can contact the CatCard office by email to schang8@ucmerced.edu or snoret@ucmerced.edu