LEXINGTON, Ky. — Meal swipes purchased by University of Kentucky employees will remain valid as the university transitions to a new dining partner, according to an announcement from the university.

Compass Group, a global food service and hospitality company, will begin campus dining and food services on July 1, marking the conclusion of the university's long-standing partnership with Aramark. The transition comes as part of UK Hospitality, formerly UK Dining, under a broader Enterprise Services Partnership designed to improve coordination across the growing institution.

Existing meal swipes purchased under the previous provider will be honored. Employees seeking to purchase new meal plans can do so online at hospitality.uky.edu, with the website launching on June 27. Compass Group's team is already on campus working to upgrade dining spaces and services for employees, students and visitors ahead of the transition.

University officials said all current UK employees will continue to have a job with the university and will keep their pay and benefits. The partnership aims to enhance the dining experience while maintaining affordability for the campus community.

Several UK dining locations are temporarily closed this summer for improvements ahead of the transition. In May, the university announced that meal plan costs will decrease by 5 percent for the next academic year, a significant concession from pricing previously presented to the Board of Trustees. The new reduced rates will be formally presented to the UK Board at its June 29-30 meetings.

Compass Group plans to modernize dining locations, expand chef-inspired menu options and introduce new service models across campus. The company already operates extensively in Kentucky, employing more than 1,400 people supporting UK HealthCare and other businesses and venues throughout the Commonwealth.