How do I sign up for a meal plan?

You can sign up online here

When can students increase/decrease their meal plan?

Students can increase or decrease their meal plan each semester up to the full semester class add date. After this date, students can only purchase additional 25 meal blocks; they cannot upgrade, downgrade or change to another plan. The date for Spring 2013 is January 22.

Students can make changes to their meal plan for second semester from December 10 to January 22 in the Dining Services office.

Are plans valid the entire year? 

Meal plans with Dining Dollars automatically renew for 2nd semester unless the student requests a change.

Meal plans without Dining Dollars do not automatically renew for 2nd semester. Students who wish to continue their plan or choose a new plan for second semester will need to sign up again online.


Can I drop my meal plan?

Meal plan agreements are for the entire semester and changes will only be accepted until the class add date. Students that are living on campus with explicit approval of Student Affairs to move off campus must make second semester meal plan changes by the class add date second semester. Please refer to the academic calendar for dates.

What happens when a student withdraws from college?

Constant Pass: Refund will be calculated on a percentage based on the week of the semester and Dining Dollars used.  No refunds will be issued after the 8th week of the semester.
All other plans: Refund is based on number of meals and Dining Dollars used. No refunds will be issued after the 8th week of the semester.

Can students purchase additional Dining Dollars?

Students on a meal plan can add Dining Dollars in $50 increments. These additions can be made anytime throughout the year on the myhousing website. Funds will be applied to the account 24 hours after the transaction. These transactions are billed to the student’s fee statement. First semester Dining Dollars expire on December 31 and second semester Dining Dollars expire on the final day Anderson Commons is open.

Can students add meals to their plan if they run out?

Yes, students with a meal plan can add meals in increments of 25 anytime throughout the semester. Students must come to the office to purchase these meals.

Can you use your meals for other people?

No. Meal plans are for each individual person. Each meal plan is priced on an "assumed participation" rate, meaning Dining Services knows you aren't going to eat 100 percent of your meals. By using your meals for other people, the participation rate would increase and in turn, prices would have to increase. Guest passes are included with essential plans so you do have an opportunity to bring guests in to dine with you for free.

Can I receive a bag lunch if I don’t have enough time in between my classes to eat in Anderson Commons?

No. Dining Dollars are included with most meal plans for those instances when you are unable to eat in Anderson Commons. Dining Dollars allow you to purchase a meal of your choice from The Maize or Korn Krib.

Do you provide travel meals when I am away from campus with a team or campus organization?

Yes. Travel meals are available only to students who have the Unlimited plan. Travel meals will be comprised of nonperishable components selected to provide a satisfying replacement for the meal(s) you will miss.  If you will miss an entire day, replacement components for three meals plus a snack will be provided.

What if I’m sick and can’t come to Anderson Commons?

If you are feeling ill your RA can call and arrange a sick meal package for you. Two meal plan swipes will be deducted from your meal plan when you arrange to have a sick meal. Each sick meal package has enough nutrients and calories for one day’s worth of meals.

How do I know how many meals I have left for the semester?

The balances of your meal plan, Dining Dollars, Cobber Cash and guest passes can be accessed 24/7 on the Dining Portal. You can also have the Anderson Commons checker advise you of your balance at any time.

Join the Anderson Commons fan page on facebook or sign up for mobile alerts. Every Monday you will receive a notification of how many meals you should have available to average out your meals for the rest of the semester.

What happens if I have extra meals left over at the end of the semester?

Dining Services takes into account that you will not eat all of your meals. Pricing for meal plans is based on the number of meals the average person on that specific plan will eat. If meal plan rates were based on a customer eating every meal, prices would be much higher. If is because of this that unused meals do not carry over from semester to semester. In order to get the best value out of your plan, make sure to check your meal balance regularly.

How many times can I come into Anderson Commons each day?

You can enter Anderson Commons as many or as few times per day as you would like.

How many guest passes do I receive with my meal plan?

The number of guest passes is based on which meal plan you have. Higher meal plans receive more guest passes because those students dine in Anderson Commons more frequently than those with a lower plan.

Unlimited – 10 guest passes
Gold 255 – 8 guest passes
Maroon 205 – 6 guest passes
Kernel 165 – 4 guest passes
Cobber 110 – 2 guest passes
Sweet Corn 85 –no guest passes
Niblet 45 – no guest passes

Why are upperclass students who live on campus required to have a meal plan?

Only upperclass students who live in traditional residence halls on campus are required to have a meal plan. Traditional residence hall residence, regardless of class status, don’t have access to a full kitchen to prepare meals.

College housing that qualifies for apartment meal plans include:   

    Boe-Olsen
    Bogstad Manor
    Bogstad East
    International Center
    Townhouses

What if I lose my ID?

Please report lost IDs to Dining Services immediately. A temporary ID may be obtained for $5 during regular hours at the Anderson Commons entrance or in the Dining Services office. A temporary ID is valid for one week. If the original ID is not found, a new ID can be purchased for an additional $5. If you are sure you will be unable to find your ID, you can come directly to the Dining Services office and purchase a new ID for $10.

Meal Plan Counselor 

Information For:

current students
faculty and staff		 parents
alumni		 high school students
admitted students