Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing a Meal Plan

Use this chart to determine which plan is right for you! Residents of North Commons are required to choose from the Cougar Blue, Tukwut or Paw plans.

Meal Plans
Meal Plans	Cougar Blue	Tukwut	Paw	Flex	Social	Deluxe	Select
Meal plan details	19 Meals Per Week +$75 Dining Dollars	15 Meals Per Week +$400 Dining Dollars	12 Meals Per Week +$625 Dining Dollars	9 Meals Per Week +$175 Dining Dollars	50 Block +$450 Dining Dollars	30 Block +$165 Dining Dollars	20 Block +$125 Dining Dollars
Price per year and semester	$5,226 per year $2,613 per semester	$5,226 per year $2,613 per semester	$5,226 per year $2,613 per semester	$3,504 per year $1,752 per semester	$2,096 per year $1,048 per semester	$1,048 per year $524 per semester	$772 per year $386 per semester
I would like to eat every meal at the Campus Way Café located @Quad	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
I would like to eat 2 meals per day at Campus Way Café and 1 at the USU Dining Pavilion (Food Court, Market, Starbucks)		Yes	Yes
I will eat at Campus Way Café and USU Dining Pavilion, Starbucks 2-3 times per week.					Yes	Yes
I want to join my friends at the Campus Way Café occasionally.					Yes	Yes	Yes
I am not on campus for every meal.			Yes	Yes	Yes
I need flexibility with my meal plan		Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
I am a COMMUTER, but I still want a meal plan.				Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
I live in UVA or Quad, but I still want a meal plan as I do NOT cook.	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
I plan to eat dinner ONLY at Campus Way Café.				Yes	Yes

What meal plans are available?

Meal plan options and costs will be as follows.

Meal Plans
VOLUNTARY PLAN OPTIONS	PLAN BENEFITS	COST
Cougar Blue Plan	19 MPW +$75 Dining Dollars	$5,226 Per Year
Tukwut Plan	15 MPW + $400 Dining Dollars	$5,226 Per Year
Paw Plan	12 MPW + $625 Dining Dollars	$5,226 Per Year
Flex Plan	9 MPW + $175 Dining Dollars	$3,504 Per Year
Social Plan	50 block w/ $450 Dining Dollars	$2,096 Per Year
Deluxe Plan	30 block w/ $165 Dining Dollars	$1,048 Per Year
Select Plan	20 block w/ $125 Dining Dollars	$772 Per Year

Who is required to purchase a meal plan?
Participation in a meal plan is mandatory for all residents of the North Commons.

Unlike the QUAD and UVA, the North Commons does not have kitchens within the units, so the new dining café will serve as the campus dining room for all students living in this community.

The dining program provides students with a safe and comfortable extension of their home to get healthy, affordable, well-balanced meals. Campus dining fosters community growth, enhances the quality of campus life and contributes to the social components by providing additional space for meetings with faculty and other students.

Studies show that students who live and eat on campus are more likely to stay on campus for other events and use university services than those who commute. For First-Year students, the academic transition to college can be challenging, we want our students to have the opportunity to focus on their academic pursuits instead of worrying about cooking, cleaning, and grocery shopping.

Meal plans are optional for students who live in UVA, QUAD and commuter students.

UVA and QUAD residents and commuter students are welcome to purchase a meal plan if they choose. Every meal plan option is available for students who live in the UVA and the QUAD or commute to campus.
When do I need to select a meal plan?

Residents in the North Commons can select a meal plan beginning May 1. Meal plan choices must be made prior to move-in to avoid delays in receiving keys.

UVA, QUAD and Commuter students can choose a meal plan at anytime, however, in order to maxamize your plan, we recommend purchasing the plan prior to the first day of classes.
Is there a meal plan option for student receiving CalFresh?
Yes, North Commons residents receiving CalFresh benefits will be able to enroll in a 9 meal per week plan. To learn more about changing to this plan, visit the Meal Plan Change/Exemption Form page. If you still need additional information, contact dining@csusm.edu.
Is there an exemption process for North Commons Residents?

Yes, under certain circumstances, North Commons residents may be exempt from purchasing, a meal plan. To learn more about the exemption process, visit the Meal Plan Change/Exemption Information

Please contact Dining Services to ensure the dining café can meet your needs.
Email: dining@csusm.edu page.
What does MPW mean?

Meals Per Week (MPW) offer a specified number of meals each week during the meal plan period and reset weekly on Sunday morning at 12:00 am. Unused meals expire weekly when the plan resets. Because unused MPW expire weekly, it is strongly encouraged that students select a MPW that suits their specific dietary needs. Weekly Meal Plans are pro-rated according to the �� academic calendar. Weekly Meal Plans are not available during Winter Break although Dining Dollars will be available for use at select retail dining locations on campus. These breaks are factored into the price of the Meal Plans. Please refer to the website for the Campus Dining service days calendar.

* MPW are primarily used at Campus Way Café @Quad + lunch option at Hiltop Bistro & Kalamata Mediterranean.
What does BLOCK mean?

Block Meals offer a fixed number of meals (Block), which carry over from week-to-week throughout the semester for which the Block was purchased. Block meals will roll over from the Fall semester to the Spring semester but will expire at the end of the Spring Semester. Block meals are not available during Winter Break although Dining Dollars will be available for use at select retail dining locations on campus. These breaks are factored into the price of the Meal Plans. Please refer to the website for the Campus Dining service days calendar.

* Block meals are primarily used at Campus Way Café @Quad + lunch option at Hiltop Bistro & Kalamata Mediterranean.
What are Dining Dollars?

Dining dollars are a cash equivalent which comes with a meal plan and can be used at the café, any of the USU eateries or Starbucks in the library. Whenever a student makes a purchase, they can simply present their meal plan app to the cashier and the amount will be deducted from their balance.

Unused Dining Dollars at the end of the Fall Semester will roll over to the Spring semester. Dining Dollars expire at the end of the school year on the last day of the Spring semester. Unused balances are forfeited and not refundable.

Should students purchase a Fall meal plan by the last day of the current Spring semester, up to $100 of the leftover Spring Dining Dollar balance will be carried forward to the next school years Fall semester. Any amount over $100 shall be forfeited and not refundable. If a student has a balance less than $100 at the end of the Spring semester and they purchase a meal plan for the following Fall semester, that balance will carry over to the Fall semester.
What is Cougar Cash?

Cougar Cash is a cash equivalent loaded onto the Meal Plan's Cougar Cash account and can be used at the café, any of the USU eateries or Starbucks in the library.

Cougar Cash can be added to the Cougar Cash account at any time through the Dining Page in the �� app or online. Whenever a student makes a purchase, they can simply present their QR Code in the campus app to the cashier and the amount will be deducted from their balance. Cougar Cash accounts will be accessible through the same app as the meal plan.

* You do not need to have a meal plan to load Cougar Cash onto your account.

Paying for or Changing a Meal Plan

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Where do I select a meal plan?

Purchase A Meal Plan .

Meal plans can be selected online or through the Dining Page and in the �� app, starting May 1.

The cost of your meal plan will be added to your student account, viewable through your My�� portal. You also pay through your My�� portal, just as you would for tuition and housing.

Step By Step Process to select a Meal Plan
Is there a payment plan for my meal plan?

Yes. A payment plan is available through Student Financial Services. All payments will be taken through my�� account. /sfs/payments/payment-plans/index.html
Can I or someone else add money or meals to my meal plan?

Yes, cougar cash can be added to meal plans by you or someone you know through the Dining Page in the �� app at any time.
Can I change or cancel my meal plan?

Voluntary plans can be changed to a larger meal plan prior to the end of the Add/Drop deadline, online or through the Dining Page and in the �� app. If making a change to a voluntary meal plan, students will only be able to switch to a larger meal plan, not a smaller meal plan. It can take up to 48 hours for changes to be fully processed in the system.

North Commons Residents on a Mandatory plan can change their plan, however, they must choose a Cougar Blue Plan, Tukwut Plan, or Paw Plan. These changes can be made prior to the end of the Add/Drop deadline, online or through the Dining Page and in the �� app. It can take up to 48 hours for changes to be fully processed in the system.

Refunds will be granted on a prorated basis until the end of the class add/drop period if the student has withdrawn from ��. After the class add/drop period, refunds will not be granted. Please refer to the Cancellations and Refunds section of the Student Dining Meal Plan Contract. Contact Dining Services for additional questions. Email: dining@csusm.edu
What will happen to my Declining Balance Card If I Get a Meal Plan?
Nothing! The Declining Balance Card program is a separate, parallel system, and will be accessible before and after you sign up for a meal plan. Your Declining Balance will roll over between semesters and years, and be accessible as usual. You may spend them at any of the USU eateries and the Campus Way Café.

Using a Meal Plan

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When does the meal plan begin?
The meal plan will begin on the Friday before the first day of classes for Fall and Spring semesters. This Fall 2024 meal plans will be available to use starting August 22nd. For other campus eateries, please visit Locations, hours & menus.
What is a meal swipe?

A meal swipe is a scan of the student QR code to gain entry into the Campus Way Café. �� has two kinds of meal swipes, MPW and Block Meals.

A swipe at the Campus Way Café will get students an all-you-care-to-eat dining experience.

A swipe at USU will get students one of these three options: Lunch at Kalamata Mediterranean (Gyro with side salad or pita and a drink, or Bowl with pita chips and a drink) or Lunch at Hilltop Bistro (cheeseburger, burger or veggie burger + french fries + fountain drink).
How can I check how many meals I have left in my plan?
Students may check their remaining meal and other balances online or through the campus app.

Where can I use my meal plan?

Meal Plan Locations
Location	Meal Plan Payment Options Accepted
Campus Way Café	Meals Per Week (MPW), Block Meals, Dining Dollars, Cougar Cash
USU Market	Dining Dollars, Cougar Cash
USU (Panda, Hilltop Bistro Grille, QDOBA, Kalamata Mediterranean)	Dining Dollars, Cougar Cash Meal swipe lunch (11am-2pm) option - ONLY Hilltop Bistro & Kalamata Mediterranean
Starbucks	Dining Dollars, Cougar Cash
Coffee Cart	None

How do I use my meal plan to get food? Do I need a swipe card?
All you need is your digital Campus ID , accessed through the �� Campus mobile app on your phone. Scan your Campus ID Card at the register at any of our participating dining locations.
What forms of payment are accepted in the Dining Café
The Campus Way Café accepts the following: Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Cash, Dining Dollars, Cougar Cash and Meal Swipes (MPW meals and Block meals).

�� students, staff and faculty using Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Cash, Dining Dollars and Cougar Cash for entrance into the all-you-care-to-eat facility will be charged the meal rate for their transaction. See rates:
- Breakfast: $11.04 + tax
- Lunch/Brunch: $12.77 + tax
- Dinner: $16.40 + tax
Can I still eat at the dining café without a meal plan?
Yes! There is a walk-in rate for �� students, staff and faculty. Price does vary by meal time and are more expensive than the price-per-meal of the meal plan.
- Breakfast: $11.04 + tax
- Lunch/Brunch: $12.77 + tax
- Dinner: $16.40 + tax
How many meals can I redeem within one day?
Only one meal can be redeemed per meal period (meal periods include Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night) Each time the QR Code is scanned a meal will be deducted from the allotted MPW or Block meals available.
I have special food needs (allergies, intolerances). Who can help me?
Please contact Dining Services at dining@csusm.edu to ensure the dining café can meet your needs.

Eating in the Campus Way Café

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What forms of Payment are accepted at the Campus Way Café?
The Campus Way Café accepts the following: Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Cash, Dining Dollars, Cougar Cash and Meal Swipes (MPW meals and Block meals).

Faculty, Staff and Students using Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Cash, Dining Dollars and Cougar Cash for entrance into the all-you-care-to-eat facility will be charged the meal rate for their transaction. See rates:
- Breakfast: $11.04 + tax
- Lunch/Brunch: $12.77 + tax
- Dinner: $16.40 + tax
What items are prohibited in the Campus Way Café?

Skateboards, bikes, scooters, and outside food will not be allowed in the Campus Way Café.
What are the rules of the Campus Way Café?

Shoes and shirts must be worn at all times and only food in the appropriate To-Go container is allowed to leave the facility. Failure to comply with all policies, procedures and rules, may result in a suspension or revocation of the meal plan and or access to the Campus Way Café.

What are the hours of the Campus Way Café?

Use the �� app to view hours or visit and see "What's Open Now" and "Hours of Operation" for current hours.

Operation Hours
Hours of Operation:	Mon-Fri	Sat/Sun
Breakfast	7am-10am	N/A
Lunch / Brunch	11am-2pm	10am-2pm
Dinner	5pm-8pm	5pm-8pm

Will the Campus Way Café be open over breaks?

The Campus Way Café will not be open over winter break. Some type of dining option will be available for students during part of Winter break (closed the week between christmas and new years), Thanksgiving break, and Spring break. Continue to check the website for hours of operation.
Can we take food out of Campus Way Café?

If you are on the run and unable to enjoy a meal in the café, you can purchase food from the Simply-To-Go area using their Dining Dollars or Cougar Cash.

All-you-care-to-eat meals from Campus Way Café may not be taken “to go”, unless specifically authorized for a student who is unable to go to the Campus Way Café (examples include: illness, injury, isolation, etc). The Resident Advisor or Resident Director may contact a �� Dining Services manager to make special arrangements for a meal or meals to be picked up on the student’s behalf.
Can I check what will be on the menu in advance?

Yes. Visit for additional information on menus.
Can others join me at the Campus Way Café if they don’t have a meal plan?
Yes, friends can certainly join individuals with meal plans at the Campus Way Café. They can pay the door price upon entering, or the individual with a meal plan can use their dining dollars or cougar cash to treat them to a meal. Door prices vary by meal time and are more expensive than the price-per-meal of the meal plan.

Faculty, Staff and Students using Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Cash, Dining Dollars and Cougar Cash for entrance into the all-you-care-to-eat facility will be charged the meal rate for their transaction. See rates:
- Breakfast: $11.04 + tax
- Lunch/Brunch: $12.77 + tax
- Dinner: $16.40 + tax
General Public using Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and Cash for entrance into all-you-care-to-eat facility will be charged these rates:
- Breakfast: $11.04 + tax
- Lunch/Brunch: $12.77 + tax
- Dinner: $16.40 + tax
Can I use my meal plan for guests in the Campus Way Café?
MPW and Block meals are only allowed for the individual on the meal plan. Individuals can use their dining dollars or cougar cash to purchase meals for other students/guests.

Other

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What are the hours of the USU dining eateries?

All campus eateries: Dining Hours
What are the menu choices for the meal swipes for breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner?

Dining Menus can be found online and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Who do I contact with questions/concerns?

Email dining@csusm.edu or call �� Dining (760) 750-4700