HawkCard Office

Meal Plan FAQ

 How does a meal plan work?

The meal plan week starts on Monday with breakfast and runs through Sunday dinner. Every Sunday night at midnight the computer resets all student accounts for the next week. Unused meals do not transfer over from week to week. Students registered for a meal plan must present their HawkCard (University ID) prior to entering the serving areas.

HawkCards are not transferable, misused HawkCards will be confiscated.

 What happens to the meals that are not used at the end of the week?

A student on a fixed meal plan (7, 10, 14, 19) has the opportunity to use that number of meals each week. The unused meals do not accumulate and do not figure into a refund.

 Can I bring a friend to eat with me?

Yes! If you have meals available, you can bring a non-UW-W guest to eat on weekends beginning at dinner on Friday through Sunday Late Night. One guest is allowed per meal period. Just tell the cashier you have a guest.

Extra guest meals may also be purchased with Dining Dollars, Purple Points, cash, check or credit card. You will save the 5.5% sales tax by using Dining Dollars or Purple Points.

 What are the benefits of signing up for a meal plan?

There are lots of reasons why you should sign up for a meal plan:

  • With grab n' go choices, daily vegetarian entrees, a variety of home-style dishes and entrees with an international flair, you can be sure to satisfy your appetite!
  • You won't have to race back to your room to cook up a nutritious meal.
  • Eat with your friends on campus.
  • Don't worry about always having cash to get a bite to eat!
  •  Ten campus locations to choose from with a variety of choices at each location.

 What are "Dining Dollars"?

"Dining Dollars" is a small debit account that you can use to buy extra meals, snacks or food from any of the campus dining halls or restaurants. It's just for purchases in the campus dining halls and restaurants.

When you want to use your Dining Dollars, just tell the Cashier "Dining Dollars" when handing your HawkCard to them for payment.

Add-on Dining Dollars are a required part of your meal plan. You start with $50, $75, $100, $150, $200, or $250 for the semester and spend it down to $0.

You can't get cash refunds from this account. To see how to budget your Add-on, Full or Mega Dining Dollar Plan over the semester, go to our Dining Dollars Usage Guide.

Meals and food on campus, paid for with Dining Dollars, are not charged the 5.5% sales tax so you save money every time you use your account.

 Where can I eat with my meal plan/Dining Dollars?

  1. Fixed meal plans may be used at Esker Dining Hall, Prairie Street Market & Café, and Drumlin Market.
  2. Dining Dollars are accepted at any University Dining Location (Esker, Prairie Street Café & Market, Drumlin Market, CA Café, Library Café, Commons, Tomato Head Reds, Coyote Grill, Beans and Graham St. Café).

 What happens to my Dining Dollars at the end of the semester?

Unfortunately, everything at the end of the semester will lapse. Dining Dollars have to be used during the semester for which they were purchased. Students with balances are encouraged to use the Bulk Item Purchase Program available the last few weeks of each semester.

 Why is there a difference between the cost of Full or Mega Dining Dollars Meal Plan and the redemption value?

The difference is an overhead charge that is part of all meal plans. This charge covers bonds, utilities, maintenance and custodial services for the Residence Dining Program in Esker Hall and Drumlin Hall.

This same overhead charge is built into the 7, 10, 14, and 19 Meal Plans and the 120 Block Plan.

 Are there any restrictions on meal plans for Freshmen?

No. All options for meal plans are available for Freshmen.

 Do I need a meal plan? Can't I just get Purple Points?

Per the housing contract signed with Residence Life, all students under 21 must be on a meal plan the first four semesters that they are living in the residence hall, or until they reach Junior status.

Because a Purple Point Account can be used for so many different types of purchases, it can't be considered a meal plan.

 Can I change my meal plan if I don't like it?

Yes. Meal plan changes will be accepted during the second and the third weeks of fall semester and the first two weeks of spring semester. Meal plan changes are effective the following Monday. Changes to a meal plan may be made in person at the HawkCard Office (UC 250) or by using our on-line change form at Change a Meal Plan.

 How do I get involved with the Meal Plan program?

You can get involved by becoming active in your Hall Council, Residence Hall Association (RHA) or the University Center Food Service Advisory Committee. Residence Dining related topics covered by each of these organizations include program and menu planning and how well students' dining needs are being met. For more information or to become involved, contact us at 262.472.1437 or RHA at 262.472.4903.