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Meal Plans/ Frequently Asked Questions

Meal Plans - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the "Anytime" Dining Plan?
The "Anytime” Dining plans allow students access to dining at nontraditional times by allowing unlimited access to the “All-You-Care-To Eat” Student Restaurant throughout the day and evening.  


What is the advantage of having a meal plan and dining dollars?
Great Question! By having a meal plan you are exempt from paying the 10% District of Columbia food tax and you can eat as many times as you’d like. Imagine the amount of money you will be saving! Dining Dollars is also great because you can use it at all dining locations and even in the Loft Convenience Store to stock up on groceries and personal care items.


As a Freshman or Sophomore, why do I have to be on a Meal Plan?
The university strongly believes that students beginning their collegiate studies benefit from participation in a dining plan as they adjust to life away from home. Therefore, all residential freshman and sophomores are required to enroll in CUA's dining plan program.


As a commuter or off campus student, why should I have a dining plan?
Why shouldn’t you have a dining plan? Commuter and Voluntary plans are designed specifically for students who do not regularly eat on campus. It is perfect for those who live with their parents or off campus and eat before or between classes. No need to carry extra cash, get on a meal plan. Make your life easier.


Can I change my meal plan?
Yes. During the first week of each semester, if you find a meal plan isn’t working with your schedule as well as you thought it would, you can change your plan. All you have to do is stop by the Dining Services Office (located in Pryzbyla Center) and complete a Membership Change Form. It’s that easy.


How can I treat a friend to a meal??
All Anytime meal plans come with guest passes to treat anyone to a meal in the Student Restaurant. Students that are on block plans can use their Dining Dollars or Cardinal Cash. Students are unable to use their meal plan to swipe in guests.


Can I carry over my unused meals to the next semester?  
There are no meal plans that allow you to carry over meals from one semester to the next. But, your Dining Dollars do carry over from semester to semester.


What do I do if my Dining Dollars run low?
You can add on more Dining Dollars to your plan by filling out the Dining Dollars Application form that is available online under the meal plan section or by going to the Dining Services Office in Pryzbyla Center room 124.


How do I sign up for a Dining Membership?
It couldn’t be easier. Just visit the Dining Services Office (located in Pryzbyla Center) to fill out the Membership Form.


What if I have a question that’s not answered here?
Come by the Dining Services Office between the hours of 9am and 5pm, Monday through Friday or call us at 202-319-5295, we’d be happy to answer any questions that you'd have.


Click here for the Dining Services Student Handbook.