Does my student have to have a meal plan?
If a student is either a freshman or it is their first time living on campus, they are required. If neither apply, anyone can sign up for a voluntary meal membership or Dining Dollars plan.
What are the benefits of having a meal membership?
Per meal discounts. Savings up to 56% off retail food costs, per meal. No need to carry cash = Safety. All-you-can-eat at each meal. Comfort that your student has well-balanced, nutritional meals. Opportunity to socialize and meet new people. Many locations open 7 days a week.
What does it include?
Depending on which meal plan you have, the membership includes a certain amount of meals and Dining Dollars. The meals can be used at either of our two residential dining facilities: Fresh Food Company and Bulls Den Cafe, (new in August, a third location in Magnolia Residence Hall). Dining Dollars can be used at any location on campus, like a debit card.
What are Dining Dollars?
Swipe your USF ID to use your dining dollars like a debit card. Dining Dollars can be used at any location on campus. The amount of Dining Dollars depends on the meal plan that you have.
Why don't I just get Bull Bucks?
Bull Bucks is offered through USF, not the Dining Services. With a Dining Dollars plan you will receive an extra 10% and they are used for dining locations only. Dining Dollars cannot be spent in the bookstore or the library.
What type of meal membership do you recommend?
That depends on the student, their eating habits and schedule. If you choose the Unlimited meal membership, this provides the most flexibility and savings. With this membership, the student chooses how much and how often they wish to eat each day.
Can I change my dining membership?
Yes. During the first two weeks of the semester, you have the opportunity to change your dining membership. Changes may only be made within the level in which the original membership was chosen.
Can I treat a friend with my dining membership?
Weekly memberships are intended for your use and you may only use one meal per period. If you would like to treat a friend, you can use your Dining Dollars. Also, BULLBlock memberships allow up to four entries per meal period (card holder must be present for purchase).
Do unused meals carry over?
No. Plan to use your meals each week for memberships and each semester for BULL Block plans. We can help you decide on the right membership to fit your schedule and eating habits, ensuring that you get the full value for your dollars.
What happens to my unused dining dollars at the end of the semester?
Your unused Dining Dollars transfer from Fall to Spring semester with the payment of your Spring semester. At the end of the Spring semester, any unused dollars are not refundable and cannot be transferred to the new academic year.
What if my student lives off campus?
Most off campus students choose from a Dining Dollar plan (ranging from $300-$1,000) or a BULLBlock membership (ranging from 35-160 meals). You can always choose a smaller plan and make an upgrade later on in the semester, however the plan is a two semester commitment. Having a meal plan even if living off campus is a convenient option because they can have lunch and dinner in between classes without leaving campus or carrying cash.
How do I sign up?
Required meal membership residents must complete the online Meal Membership Contract. In order to secure your housing assignment all you need to do is click on our “Sign Up Now, Pay Later” link. You may pay for your membership in person at the Dining Services office located in the Marshall Center in room 1502, or by going online at www.usfdining.com. Please refer to the 2009-2010 Meal Membership Terms and Conditions before entering into a Dining Services contract (available online).
Are deferments available?
Yes. After you have completed your FAFSA, check Oasis to see what deferments you have been rewarded (ex. Tuition, Housing, BAPP, Meal Plan). If you have a deferment that says “Meal Plan,” you have been rewarded a meal plan deferment. There is a nonrefundable $50 charge for deferments that covers both the Fall and Spring semesters.
Do you have a payment plan?
Yes. You can pay for your membership for the entire year which is divided into 7 payments. All payments are due on the last Friday of every month. The $50 nonrefundable fee is included in the first payment and all other payments are then taken from the credit card on file.
Are there any important dates I need to remember?
Yes. All deadlines and dates are listed in the application and terms and conditions.
The dates for 2009-2010 are as follows:
August 3, 2009 Payment for Fall deadline, or $50 deferment fee due*
October 30, 2009 Fall deferment balance deadline*
December 2, 2009 Payment for Spring deadline*
March 12, 2010 Spring deferment balance deadline*
May 8, 2010 All unused Dining Dollars expire
*(late payments are subject to a $25 fee)
What if I lose my Dining/ID card?
Lost cards must be reported immediately to the USF Dining Services Sales Office at (813) 974-4499. You can obtain a temporary replacement card room the office (in the Marshall Center), Monday-Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. There is a refundable $10 fee for the temporary card. If you need to report your card after office hours go to www.usf.edu/bullbucks to report your card.
Can I cancel my membership?
The meal membership is a two-semester commitment. Unless you are leaving the university you cannot cancel your membership. All cancellations are subject to a $50 cancellation fee.