1.      Can I change my dining membership?

Yes.  For the first two weeks of each semester you can change your plan.  Simply stop by the Residence Life Office located in Lonestar Hall.

 

2.     What happens to my unused DB Dollars at the end of the semester?

Unused Declining Balance Dollars transfer from fall semester to spring semester, and then throughout the summer.  At the end of the second summer semester, unused dollars are nonrefundable and cannot be transferred to the new academic year.

 

3.     Can I treat a friend by using two “meals” in one period?

Yes, if you are on a “block” plan, you are able to treat a friend to a meal using your “meals”. If you are on a “weekly” or “unlimited” plan, you may never treat a friend using your meals. However, if you wish to treat a friend, and are unable to use your “meals”, you are able to use Bearkat Bucks to purchase the second meal.

 

4.     Can I go to Old Main Market and enjoy all-you-care-to-eat without having a Dining membership?

Yes you can.  You pay each time you enter Old Main Market at breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and brunch on Sundays.  You do save money when you buy a meal plan because it’s cheaper than if you paid each time you ate there.

 

5.     What are my payment options to purchase a meal plan?

The meal plan is added to the student’s fee statement, and will need to be paid for whenever the tuition bill is paid for. You can pay for your meal plan by using cash, money order check or debit at the Bursars office, located in the Estill Building, or you can pay online using a MasterCard on your MySam account.

6.     Can my student’s Financial Award be used to pay for my Dining Membership?

Yes

 

7.     Can students living on campus purchase Commuter Dining Memberships?

Yes! The only people who are mandated to have a “Residential” plan are first year freshman.

 

8.     How can I sign up? Where?

There are three easy ways to register:

• Log onto your SamWeb account (ww2.shsu.edu), sign in, click on the Residence Life tab, and then click on “Meal Plan Application”. Follow the prompts
• Call Residence Life at (936) 294-1912
• Visit the Residence Life office, located on the first floor of Lone Star Hall, on the west side

 

9.     What if I’m in a fraternity/ sorority?

Anyone can purchase a meal plan.

 

10.  Isn’t it cheaper to purchase groceries and cook in the dorm?

Not all residence halls come equipped with a kitchen.  The University takes pride in providing its students with healthy dining choices that will provide nutrition and energy throughout the day. Additionally, if you live off campus, we offer more variety and flexibility than having to cook, and then clean up, every meal during the week.

 

11.  I “eat like a bird” so why would I get a meal plan?

You can save time because you don’t have to cook and clean dishes. You can choose what you want to eat and when you want to eat at all of our dining locations.  It’s very convenient for you.

 

12.  I am a Vegetarian. What dining options do you have?  Will I still get my monies worth?

At Old Main Market, we have a Vegetarian station. This station is separate from the deli and salad bar stations, and is its own independent station. Additionally, if you would like one of our other dishes made vegetarian, please ask our management team at Old Main Market, and they’d be happy to accommodate.

 

13.  Why should I use DB Dollars instead of using cash?

Instead of keeping cash on you while on campus all you need is your student ID.  As long as you have Bearkat Bucks then you can use them at any dining location on campus. Also, you pay your tax when you purchase the Bearkat Bucks initially, and no other tax is taken at the register. (IE: you buy a $0.99 bag of chips, all that comes off you Bearkat Bucks account is $0.99, instead of $1.07)

 

14.  How do I know what commuter meal plan to choose?

Everyone has different dining habits.  That’s why we offer a variety of meal plan options.  The first thing to do is determine the number of meals and snacks you eat each week.  Then decide how often you would like to eat in the all-you-care-to-eat Old Main Market, or Tortilla Fresca.  Finally, choose the meal plan that most adequately meets those needs.

 

15.  How can I get the menu for the day without actually entering Old Main Market?

Visit www.shdining.com, and look on the left hand side.  Visual menus are available to show you what is offered for breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day.

 

16.  Is there internet access in Old Main Market? What about in Paw Print and South Paw?

Every on campus dining location offers wireless access. Additionally, Paw Print first and second floor, and South Paw offer desktop computers for students to use. They just simply log in.

 

17.  Is there a time limit on how long I can stay at the all-you-care-to-eat location?

There is no time limit.

 

18.  Do I have to pay for my meal plan all at once?

This depends on your payment preferences with the Bursars office. Contact them at (936) 294-1089.

 

19.  What are Bearkat Bucks?

You choose how many additional dollars you want to have for the semester.  Bearkat Bucks supplement your weekly meal allowance and can be used at all of our dining locations on campus.

 

20.  How do I replenish my Bearkat Bucks?

Logo onto your SamWeb account (ww2.shsu.edu), click on the Residence Life Tab, and click on “Bearkat Bucks Payment”.

 

21.  Why should I buy a dining membership if I have a kitchen?

You don’t have to worry about the time it takes to prep for meals or clean up.  Stop by a dining location to satisfy your hunger pains and don’t worry about doing the dishes.  We’ll do it for you. Also, if you’re hungry now, we can serve you faster than you going home and cooking.

 

22.  What if my card is lost or stolen?

If your card is lost or stolen you should visit the BearkatOne Card office, in the Estill building, immediately.

 

23.  Is Old Main Market open at night? On the weekends?

Yes, refer to hours above.

 

24.  Is the food really this good or is this just a show to sell plans?

We take pride in providing the best tasting and most nutritious food for your lifestyle.  Anything you’d like to eat, we have it somewhere on campus. Additionally, at Old Main Market everything is prepared, cooked and served right before your eyes, so you can see the quality and care that goes into making your food.

 

25.  What if I leave the University?  Will I get my money back?

No

 

26.  I am a very picky eater and I don’t like many foods.  Is it worth it to purchase a dining membership?

You get to choose which plan you feel is best for you.  There are a variety of dining facilities on campus to cater to the needs of every taste bud.