Dining Services
We Have Options!
MSUM offers various options for meal plans. We offer plans that go by meals/week, and also offer meals/semester block plans. All of the plans carry 100 Dragon Dollars per semester (see "Additional Meal Plan Extras" for more Dragon Dollar information). The meal plans are priced on an assumed participation rate; that is, there is a percentage of meals per plan each week that persons probably will choose. It is normal for a student not to consume all of their meals each week. Because of this assumed participation rate, there is no credit or rebate for uneaten meals, nor will meals carry over from Fall to Spring semester.
21, 14, or 10 Meals per Week Plans
The 21 Meals/Week plan is the maximum plan - it provides access to all the meals served per week.
On the 14 or 10 Meals/Week plans, that specific number of meals is available to be eaten during a seven day period. No more than one meal can be eaten per service time.
Skipped meals are forfeited.
In the event that a student has to withdraw from the university or terminates a contract, these plans are subject to a pro-rated refund on the number of weeks the plan is no longer in effect.
Any 120/250 Meals/Semester Plans
These plans allow any combination of 120 or 250 meals selected over the entire semester to be eaten. They provide the same portions, but are a little more costly per meal because they assume all the meals purchased will be eaten. This plan also allows the card holder to bring in up to 4 guests to eat a meal, and their meals will be charged against the host's balance of remaining meals.
The refund policy is different. With these plans, charges are based on an assumption that a minimum of 7 or 15 meals/week are eaten, and refunds are based on those presumed 7/15 meals/week or the actual number eaten, depending on which is larger. If a plan is used up before the end of a semester, a student can purchase one of the fixed meals/week plans at a pro-rated rate.
Dragon Plans
This is an option open only to upper class students; freshmen are ineligible for these plans. They require a minimum $300 buy in and function as a declining balance account. Additional Dragon Dollars in $25 increments can be added to this plan as a student wishes.
Additional Meal Plan "Extras"
Students can learn about these by reading the Residence Hall Handbook once they arrive and check in. One of the extras that might especially interest parents is the Parent VIP card. Sodexo provides a VIP card for contracted residents' parents, extending a number of complimentary meals to them for the year. They hope parents can join their student for an occasional meal and share in our dining experience! Look for the VIP Card in the Opening Day mailing.
The meal plans include both Sick Tray option that is in effect should a student become ill and be unable to get to Kise for meals, and a "To Go" sack meal option when a student has a class or work conflict with a scheduled meal period. A hot food to go option at lunch time M-F based on a one-time-through-the-line is being added this fall as well, so students can get a more substantial meal to go when these conflicts arise. Another new provision in Kise is a Late Night Option M-TH and Sun. nights.
Another component of the meal plan is the 100 Dragon Dollar balance which is added to the contract each semester and is included in the cost of the meal plan. These can be used whenever the food venues are open; they are good in Kise for some cash purchase, Late Night Option snacks, or buying meals for a friend at the casual meal rate, or at those retail venues identified and posted for their use. There's no need to carry cash-just the meal card. The Dragon Dollars will carry over from Fall to Spring semester, but not beyond the end of Spring semester. The balance can be checked at any time by asking the checker for the current balance. Additional Dragon Dollars can be purchased in $25 increments at the Sodexo office. They are not subject to any refund unless a student withdraws from the university. If a room and board contract is terminated, they remain on the ID and may still be used.
How to Change Meal Plans
Requests to change to a smaller meal plan for Fall 2009 can be made any weekday August 31 - September 21. Students simply go to the Housing Office and complete a Change of Meal Plan Request form. Requests to change to a larger meal plan can be made at any time.