Who should buy a plan?

Meal plans offer options and value. Each plan offers guaranteed meals that you can use during the semester. Some meal plans offer additional Dining Dollars that let you enjoy meals or snack at all dining locations. Dining plans are easy to use – you don’t need to carry cash – just carry your Cougar Card. Freshmen living in campus housing and transfers who have not completed a full year at another institution are required to purchase an approved Dining Plan of 15 or 10 Meals per Week or the 200 or 175 Meal Block Plan. (Any student may upgrade to the NEW All-Access Plan if they would like. For more information about this plan see below)

If I don't use all my meals, do they carry over to the following week?

Plan to use your meals each week since they don't carry over from week to week (with the exception of Block Plans). It is important that you select the plan that best fits your schedule and eating habits to ensure that you receive the full value for your dollars. Not sure? We can guide you. Send us an e-mail at diningservicescustomerservice@cofc.edu and we’ll help you out.

Can I change my dining plan?
Absolutely! We want you to have the plan that works best for you. You can make changes to your meal plan until 5:00 pm on 5th day of meal plans for each semester. Students must go to the Cougar Card Services Office in Berry Hall to submit a change request form.
 
Why is it mandatory for freshmen living on campus, regardless of credit hours, and transfers who have not completed a full year at another institution to participate in the Meal Plan?

The first year of college is a transition year for most students, a time when they quickly mature and learn to be more independent. College of Charleston assists in this process by providing a structured housing and dining program. Our comprehensive program allows students to concentrate solely on their studies and adjusting to college life.

Why do all of the mandatory meal plans cost the same price?

All 4 of the mandatory meal plans are based on a sliding scale. You either get more meals and less Dining Dollars OR less meals and more Dining Dollars. You should choose the plan that best suits your students eating habits and class schedule.

  
What happens if I have unused Dining Dollars at the end of the semester?

Unused Dining Dollars account will rollover from semester to semester and year to year as long as the account holder maintains an open matriculation with the College of Charleston. The Dining Dollars account will be closed if the account holder ceases to be a student of the College of Charleston. Refunds will be issued, upon request, only to students who are taking a leave of absence or withdrawing from the College under the guidance of the Office of Undergraduate Academic Services. No refunds will be issued for account balances of $10 or less. Refunds are not sent automatically, they must be requested and the student must meet the above qualifications. The College of Charleston will mail a check in the amount of the remaining balance to the student at the permanent address on record with the College. For more information see the Terms & Conditions.

Can I treat a friend by using my dining membership?

If you would like to treat a friend, you may pay using your Block Plan (participating locations) or Dining Dollars for your friend's snack or meal.

What do I do if my Dining Dollars balance runs low?
Load UP! Each time you purchase a snack or a full meal, you may ask the cashier to tell you how many meals and/or Dining Dollars you have remaining. If your balance is low, simply go to the Cougar Card Services office in Berry Hall or log onto your MyCharleston account to sign up for more. You may also check your Dining Dollar balance on your "mini statement" located on MyCharleston.
 
Can I swipe my 'meals' multiple times a day?
Our NEW All Access Plan is a VIP pass to the dining halls- Fresh Food Co and City Bistro- any time of day or night that the facilities are open. No need to count how many meals you've used or how many you have left! It's more than breakfast, lunch or dinner. You'll make new friends over pancakes or meet your study group in the evening for ice cream. Or, if you'd prefer, you can just bring your laptop and surf the net using our free wifi! 

With Block Plans, you can swipe as many times and at any time throughout the day. You can also swipe a friend or family member with your block meals!

Meals per Week Plans allow you to swipe up to three meals per day, one per meal period. The meal periods are as follows:
Breakfast: Location opening - 10:59am
Lunch: 11:00am - 3:59pm
Dinner: 4:00pm - Location closing
   
How do I sign up?

You can still sign up for a Spring 2013 Meal Plan in the Cougar Card Office, Berry hall. Since the e-billing deadline has past, meal plans must be paid for in full upfront.

Fall 2013 Meal Plans:

-Incoming freshmen will sign up for their meal plan within the housing application on the MyCharleston portal.
-Returning students can sign up NOW for their fall 2013 meal plan on the Housing/Dining Tab of MyCharleston.