Resident Dining

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q.What's the difference between the Western Flex Plan and my A la Carte Dining Plan?
A.The A la Carte Dining Plan is the mandatory meal plan for students living in the residence halls. You can use it in any of the Residence Dining Centers on campus and the prices you pay for food with the A la Carte Plan are approximately wholesale prices, considerably lower than retail prices. You can also use it in the Food Court at the University Union which is a retail environment. Residence hall students can purchase the Western Flex Plan as an optional addition to your A la Carte Dining Plan. This will give you the convenience of using your card in any vending machine on campus or in the residence hall laundry facilities, neither of which is possible with your A la Carte Dining Plan.

Q.Do I have to eat in the Dining Center where I live?
A.No, you can eat in any Residence Dining Center or in the Food Court at the University Union.

Q.What if I live off campus?
A.Off-campus students can purchase the Western Flex Plan, which allows them to eat in any residence dining facility or in the Union Food Court. To open your Western Flex Plan, visit the University Housing and Dining Services Office in Seal Hall. Plans may be opened with a minimum of $25.00.

Q.Can I use my Dining Plan at the Union Food Court? Are there any limits/restrictions?
A.You have unlimited use of your A la Carte Dining Plan at all dining locations in the Union.

Q.If I have a suggestion for my Dining Center, where can I communicate that?
A.Every Residence Dining Center and each location at the Union Food Court have Comment Cards. We strongly encourage you to fill them out if you have a complaint or suggestion. We also would like to know when you especially like something. They are read daily and responded to by the Manager at that location. It is always more helpful if you can be specific. If you have not yet located the Comment Cards and the box where you deposit them, please ask your Cashier.

Q.How can I apply for student employment with Dining Services?
A.Please see the Food Service Manager or a Student Manager at the location where you would like to work. You can download an application from our website to fill out.

Q.How can I get a weekly menu?

  1. Go to our website
  2. Select the Dining Center and Menu
  3. Click on File
  4. Click on Print

Q.What company runs the Dining Service?
A.Sodexo Campus Services

Q.How do I get the unused dollars on my meal plan at the end of the semester? At the end of the year?
A.At the end of the semester in December, any unused dollars roll into the next semester. At the end of the semester in May, any unused value of over $1.00 is refunded in a check to the address on your university file.

Q.What does "Sodexo" mean?
A.Sodexo is an acronym that comes from a French phrase, Societe d'EXploitation Hoteliete, which loosely translated means a company of service and hospitality.

Q.How do the prices work at the dining centers?
A.The University Union Food Court is a retail environment, which means that the advertised price is the price everyone pays. At any of the Food Court establishments, you can: pay with cash, write a check, or use your ID card.
The Dining Centers are different because they were designed to accomodate the residence hall diners. The prices displayed there are those that are set for the residence hall boarders, which are slightly above wholesale prices. Cash prices are 60% higher plus sales tax. However, faculty and staff have the opportunity to use their ID card as a declining-balance dining card by "loading" it with a beginning balance. By taking advantage of this option, your prices are only 40% higher than the posted prices, and there is no sales tax charged.