We anticipate you will have many questions, so we've gathered some of our most frequently asked questions about dining and the answers to help familiarize you with our dining program.

Get Your Meal Plans Here

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How does a Meal Plan work?
Meal plans are geared specifically to give you better dining value for your dollars when you use a meal card instead of paying cash to eat. Your meal plan is accessed through your Colonel 1 Card. A magnetic strip is placed on the back of your card and works with our computer system to identify you as a meal plan member. Meal plans come with a set number of all-you-care-to-eat meals and a set amount of Flex Dollars and go 'live' on the first day of classes each semester.

Who should purchase a meal plan?
We have meal plans designed specifically for you. Whether you are a resident on campus, a commuter, a member of the faculty or EKU staff, you will save money and will benefit from purchasing a meal plan.

Who is required to purchase a meal plan?
"All residential freshmen are required to purchase a Residential Meal Plan until they have either completed thirty (30) hours or two long semesters (fall and spring). "

Where can I use my meal plan?
Our all-you-care-to-eat location, The Fresh Food Company, accepts meals. With one swipe of your Colonel 1 Card you can sit and enjoy a meal with your friends and eat as much as you like for as long as you like. In addition, meals are also accepted at Stratton Cafe for specific combos. Flex Dollars can be used at any of the many restaurants and convenience stores that we operate throughout campus. Flex Dollars can be used to purchase a burger and fries, beverages, snacks, or as a supplement for additional meals throughout the semester.

Why should I sign up for a meal plan?
There are a lot of advantages to signing up for a meal plan. First and foremost, you have the security of guaranteed all-you-care-to-eat meals or the flexibility of a la carte purchasing.

How do I sign up for a meal plan?
Meal plans are available online via EKU Direct. Log into your EKU Direct account and click on the Student Services tab. Select the academic term and then select your desired meal plan. Click here to sign up for a meal plan now.

What if I don't choose a meal plan? ‘Residential freshman’ who do not select a meal plan before August 1st will be automatically enrolled in the 150 Block with $350 flex plan. You have until the first two weeks of class to change your meal plan. For Spring Semester, if ‘residential freshman’ have not signed up for a spring meal plan they are automatically enrolled in the 150 Block with $350 flex plan. You have until the first two weeks of class to change your meal plan.

Can I change my meal plan?
You have the opportunity to upgrade or downgrade your meal plan during the first two weeks of the Fall and Spring semesters. You may upgrade your Meal Plan at any time. Simply go to the Colonel 1 Card Office and change to a meal plan that best suites your needs.

What are Flex Dollars and how can they be used?
Meal plan Flex Dollars allow you to supplement your meal plan by providing you discretionary spending money for use at all dining locations at any time. Flex Dollars are for use at EKU Dining locations and student catering. If you run low on Flex Dollars during the semester we encourage you to visit the Colonel 1 Card Office and add more.

Who can use my card?
For your protection, the only person authorized to use your card is you.

Do I need my Colonel 1 Card to enter the dining facilities?
You may not enter the Fresh Food Company without paying for a meal with your Colonel 1 Card, cash, Visa, or MasterCard. Other dining facilities are open to everyone.

What do I do if my Flex Dollars run low and how do I add more?
Each time you purchase a snack or a full meal, you may ask the cashier to tell you how many meals and/or Flex Dollars you have remaining. If your dollars run low, you may add more dollars to your account using cash, check, Visa, or MasterCard by simply going to the Colonel 1 Card Office. 

What happens to my unused meals and Flex Dollars at the end of the semester?
Unused meals are lost at the end of each semester. Unused Flex Dollars roll from the Fall semester into the Spring semester and expire at the close of the Spring semester.

What is Optional Flex?
Optional Flex can be purchased in the Colonel 1 Card Office to supplement to your meal plan Flex and can be used during the entire year including the summer months. Optional Flex terminates upon graduation or cancellation of enrollment.

Is "ManageMyID" where can I view transactions made on my meal plan?
Yes. ManageMyID allows you to view your transaction history associated with your declining balance accounts and meal plan. This website also allows you to replenish your account using a credit card. Parents can log on and deposit funds into your declining balance account(s) using their credit card. Parents must know their student’s EKU ID number in order to process transactions via ManageMyID.

Can I treat a friend or colleague to a meal on my meal plan?
You can treat a friend or colleague to one of your all-you-care-to-eat meals per semester in the Fresh Food Company. And you can treat them to a meal at all of our other dining facilities on campus including the Fresh Food Company using your Flex Dollars at any time.

I have special dietary needs. What do I do?
If you need assistance or someone to speak with, please contact the Director of Dining Services Larry Puscizna to schedule an appointment for someone to meet with you.

Can I cancel my meal plan?
You may change your meal plan until the end of the second week of each semester. After those two weeks you may only upgrade. Withdrawing from the university is the only way to end a meal plan.

What is the policy on refunds?
EKU Dining Services follows the same refund schedule, for full term, which is outlined by the University.  EKU’s Colonel Compass lists all deadlines associated with each term.