Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Cougar Cash and Dining Dollars?

How do I view my Cougar Cash and Dining Dollars balances?

How do I deposit funds to my (or my student's) Cougar Card?

How can I replace a missing or damaged card?

How do I sign up for or change a meal plan?

Why do I need a Cougar Card?

The Cougar Card identifies you as a member of the College of Charleston community. It functions to access events, facilities and services including use as a personal debit card by depositing to the Cougar Cash account. A quick overview is provided below, for more details and benefits of the Cougar Card, please visit the Students or Faculty and Staff pages.

Students

Dining - Take advantage of on-campus dining facilities with a meal plan or load your Cougar Card with Cougar Cash and Dining Dollars to be used at various locations on-campus.
Campus Recreation - Work out at the George Street Fitness Center, Johnson Center, and more for free! More information at Campus Recreation Services.
Library - Check out books from the library and access 300 free pages of printing from library computers each semester. Cougar Cash may be added to the Cougar Card when free prints are no longer available.
Entertainment - Free admission to College of Charleston sporting events and free or discounted tickets to campus events.
Transportation - Ride any CARTA bus for free with your Cougar Card by simply showing it to the bus driver. Participate in the bike share program, Bike CofC for free.

Faculty and Staff

Discounted Parking - Load your Cougar Card with Cougar Cash to take advantage of discounted parking rates in the St. Philip Street and Wentworth Street garages. Doing this will allow you park for the day for a maximum of $10. Check Faculty and Staff page for more information.
Transportation - Ride any CARTA bus for free with your Cougar Card by simply showing it the bus driver. Participate in the bike share program, Bike CofC for free.
Library - Check out books from the Addlestone Library.
Discounts
- Receive discounts on tickets for the College of Charleston School of the Arts Theatre Department productions.
- Get 10% off at the College of Charleston Bookstore and The College Corner
- Other discounts and promotions available through Human Resources

How do I get my Cougar Card?

If you are attending an orientation and submitted your photo beforehand, your Cougar Card will be provided to you during your orientation session. See Online Photo Submission for more information.

Students that do not submit their photo prior to orientation or are not attending an orientation should visit Campus Services HQ at 162 Calhoun Street to have their ID made.

What is the difference between Cougar Cash and Dining Dollars?

Cougar Cash can be used at a variety of locations on campus for both food and non-food items. See Cougar Cash for full listing of where Cougar Cash is accepted. Cougar Cash can be added at Campus Services HQ or at the Card Value Center in the Addlestone Library (cash only, $1 minimum). Students and Authorized Users can also add Cougar Cash online through the eBill.

Dining Dollars can be used only for food purchases from on-campus dining locations and select vending machines. Dining Dollars can be added at Campus Services HQ. Students and Authorized users can also add Dining Dollars online through the eBill via MyPortal.

Employees should consult the Employee Cougar Cash page for more information on Cougar Cash.

How do I view my Cougar Cash and Dining Dollars balances?

Students can view Cougar Cash and Dining Dollars balances via the Cougar Card Portal.

How do I deposit funds to my (or my student’s) Cougar Card?

Students

At Campus Services HQ with cash, check, money order, or any major credit card. Funds will be available immediately
In the Addlestone Library at the Card Value Center with cash and a $1 minimum. Funds will be available immediately.
Online via the eBill through MyPortal. Funds will be available within two hours.

Family Members

Authorized Users can deposit online via the student eBill through MyPortal. Funds will be available within two hours.
- Major credit cards and eChecks are accepted.
- See instructions on Families page
By mail with check or money order payable to College of Charleston sent to Campus Services HQ, College of Charleston, 66 George St. Charleston SC 29424
Unfortunately, deposits can’t be accepted over the phone.

Employees

At Campus Services HQ with cash, check, money order, or any major credit card. Funds will be available immediately.
Online via the eBill through MyCharleston. Funds will be available within two hours.
In the Addlestone Library at the Card Value Center with cash and a $1 minimum. Funds will be available immediately.

More information for Employees can be found on the Cougar Cash and Dining Dollars page.

How can I replace a missing or damaged card?

Students and contractors who lose their Cougar Card and need to get a replacement can do so at Campus Services HQ at 162 Calhoun Street Monday-Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for a charge of $20. This fee can be paid with cash, check, major credit card or Cougar Cash. Students only may obtain replacement cards after normal business hours and on weekends at Public Safety, 81-B St. Philip Street. The $20 replacement fee will be charged to the student eBill.

Faculty and staff may obtain a replacement card at Campus Services HQ during service hours. There is no fee for faculty and staff.

More information can be found on the Lost or Stolen Cards Page

How do I sign up for or change a meal plan?

Students can sign up for and purchase a meal plan via the MyHousing/Dining portal on MyPortal during the Housing and Meal Plan Application period.

Incoming first-year students (regardless of credit hours) and transfer students classified as first-year students upon acceptance by Admissions, who live in campus housing, are required to purchase a qualifying College of Charleston First-Year Resident Meal Plan.

Upperclass students and commuters who would like to purchase a meal plan can choose from eight different options. These meal plan options can be found on the Charleston Culinary Group website.

For more information on term-specific dates, deadlines, and policies, please visit the Meal Plans page.

Dining Dollars and Cougar Cash carry over to the next semester; Meal Taps do not.