FAQs
Below is a list of frequently asked questions. If you do not find the answer to your question here, please feel free to contact us.
Am I required to purchase a meal plan?
All undergraduate students living in the non-apartment campus residence halls are required to purchase a meal plan. Freshman and sophomore residential students must purchase one of the Residential meal plans (Value or Unlimited).
All other undergraduate residential students have the additional choice of the YCMP options (Gold and Platinum).The only exception to this policy is that non-freshman undergraduates living in the 12 month graduate facility in Cashin dorm are able to purchase a YCMP or Residential meal plan, but it is not mandatory. However, freshman living in Cashin are required to purchase a Residential meal plan.
Students assigned to North Apartments can choose any meal plan including the North Apartment meal plan, but it is not mandatory. Graduate students living in the residence halls are also exempt from the meal plan requirement but are welcome to participate in any of our meal plan options.
What meal plans are available?
RESIDENTIAL MEAL PLANS
Unlimited Meal Plan $2,333.50 per semester
Offers unlimited access to any dining common with 12 meal exchanges and 15 guest meals.
Value Meal Plan $1,969.00 per semester
Offers 224 meals each semester (an average of 14 meals per week) and includes 9 meal exchanges and 15 guest meals.
North Apartment Meal Plan $1,200.00 per semester
For North Apartment Residents Only. Offers 112 meals for each semester (an average of 7 meals per week) and includes 5 meal exchanges and 15 guest meals.
Kosher Option $200.00 additional
This is an additional charge to any meal plan per semester. Kosher Lunch and Dinner are available at Franklin Dining Commons.
YOUR CAMPUS MEAL PLAN (YCMP)
YCMP Platinum $1,947.50 per semester
200 meals in any dining common or our retail dining operations.
YCMP Gold $985.00 per semester
100 meals in any dining common or our retail dining operations.
YCMP Commuter $592.50 per semester
(Not available to undergraduates living on-campus)
60 meals in any dining common or our retail dining operations.
What meal plan is best for me?
The meal plans are designed to fit a variety of eating habits and busy academic schedules. Choose the plan that best matches your current eating style.
The Unlimited Meal Plan is the best value if you prefer to eat three times a day or if you would rather eat many smaller meals throughout the day.
If you eat an average of two meals per day, the Value Meal Plan (average of 14 meals/week) may be more suitable for you.
If you live in North Apartments, we offer the North Apartment Meal Plan (an average of 7 meals per week).
If you are a first year student we will automatically sign you up for the Value Meal Plan. You can change this when you get your busar bill or see how many meals you used by the end of the first semester and can change it for the following semester.
If you run out of meals, you may upgrade to the Unlimited Meal Plan on SPIRE or purchase additional meals in blocks of 10 at the Meal Plan Office located in Franklin Dining Commons.
Can I change my meal plan?
Yes, you may change your meal plan in SPIRE by clicking on the Meal Plan link under Finances. You will only have options that you are eligible to choose, changes will be reflected in SPIRE within 24 business hours. Changes can only be made in SPIRE though Friday, September 3, 2010 at 5pm. After this deadline, please go to the Meal Plan Office in Franklin Dining Commons to make any changes to your meal plan. You may want to wait a week or so until you determine your class schedule, your eating patterns and where your friends eat. For example, if you purchased a Value Meal Plan and realize after the first week that you would like to enjoy more meals during the week, you can upgrade to the Unlimited Meal Plan.
Can I purchase more meals if I run out during the semester?
If you run out of meals, you may upgrade to the Unlimited Meal Plan or purchase additional meals in blocks of 10 at the Meal Plan Office located in Franklin Dining Commons. Additional meals are available for purchase after Thanksgiving break in the fall semester and after Patriot’s Day in the spring semester. The cost is $88.00 for a block of Residential Meals and $98.50 for a block of YCMP Meals.
What are guest meals?
Guest Meals are invitations to bring someone to dine at the dining commons with you. For each residential meal plan, 15 of the total meals each semester are for guests. With YCMP, there is no limit for Guest Meals.
What is a meal exchange?
Residential meal plan holders may use meal exchanges at any of our retail operations with a cash value of $8.50. If the selections total more than $8.50, the balance can be paid with cash, credit or debit card, the UCard debit account, or an additional meal exchange. There are no cash refunds for the difference using an extra meal exchange.
May I use my friend’s meal plan?
Meal plans are not transferable between students. The meal plan is only for the student to whom it was issued. Keep your UCard secure at all times to prevent unauthorized use. Misuse of UCards will result in disciplinary measures.
Can I bring my family to the Dining Commons?
Family members such as parents, grandparents, guardians ,brothers and sisters can eat free with you for lunch or dinner in the Dining Commons during move in or pick up. We would love to show them what we are all about.
Do you have a Kosher Meal Plan?
Yes, our certified Kosher program is located at Franklin Dining Commons in the Central residential area. Our kosher meat (non-dairy) kitchen is under the strict supervision of a Mashgiach and the Springfield Vaad Hakashruth. Kosher meals are available Sunday to Thursday, for lunch and dinner and Friday for lunch. High holidays meals are also available for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Passover. Students must sign up in advance for these special meals. The Kosher option may be added to any meal plan for $200.00.
What is the Five College Meal Exchange program?
If you have classes at Smith, Mount Holyoke, Amherst, or Hampshire College around mealtimes you can use you meal plan to have some of your meals there. Contact the Meal Plan Office at 545-1362 for more information.
What happens to my unused meals at the end of the semester?
Unused meals are forfeited at the end of each semester. There are no refunds for unused meals. Current Meal Plan prices reflect the fact that not all students consume all meals available on their plan.
Am I restricted to eat in one specific dining common?
With ALL Meal Plans, you can visit any of the four dining commons for the all-you-care-to-eat program. Your Campus Meal Plan (YCMP) and Meal Exchanges may also be used at any of our retail dining areas on campus.
How can I get a menu before I go to the dining commons?
Weekly menus for each of the dining commons are posted on this site and on the housing channel.
How convenient is it to eat at the dining commons?
All dining commons are open continuously from breakfast through dinner, 7 days a week and Worcester and Berkshire offer late night options Sunday through Thursday. Breakfast on the Run and Grab ‘n Go lunch options are available during the week at All Dining Commons when you don’t have the time to sit and eat. During Exam Periods evening hours are extended.
Can I take food out of the dining commons?
In general food from the dining commons should only be consumed while in the dining room. Something that you are eating while exiting the dining commons such as an apple, cookie, ice cream cone or a drink in your UMass Dining Bottle is fine. If you are in a rush, try Breakfast on the Run or the Grab ‘n Go concepts. If special circumstances exist, such as an illness or injury preventing you from leaving your room, we will be happy to provide you with a Special Service Meal.
What is the “Get Well” meal program?
We hope you always eat smart and live well. However, if you are unable due to illness or injury, UMass Dining can provide a Get Well meal for you. Contact your DC manager to request a Get Well meal. A Get Well meal consists of: Chicken Soup, Crackers, Fresh Cut Fruit, Jello, Ginger Ale, etc. A meal will be deducted from your meal plan. We hope you have a quick recovery.
Can I get help with my special dietary needs?
Yes! Our full-time Registered and Licensed Dietitian, Dianne Z. Sutherland, can provide counseling, regarding nutrition and individual dietary needs, such as lactose intolerances and food allergies, to students on the meal plan, free of charge. You may make an appointment by calling (413) 545-2472 or via e-mail: dietitian@mail.aux.umass.edu.
Can I use my meal plan at the football concession?
Yes, you must obtain a voucher from any of our cashiers in the dining commons. Your UCard will be swiped and you will receive one voucher, which is worth $8.50 at the football concessions. Only one voucher per student per game will be accepted.
Can I place table tents on the DC tables?
Due to the popularity of table tents, only 5 requests are allowed per week. All requests must be approved by Dining Services 2 weeks in advance. Only approved table tents from University Departments and Recognized Student Organizations will be accepted for distribution in the dining commons. NO commercial events or services may be advertised. For a complete set of guidelines, contact Dining Services at 545-2472.
Are there any job opportunities at Dining Services?
Student employees are an essential part of our operation. Convenient on-campus locations, flexible hours, and the opportunity for student supervisory positions are just a few of the benefits of working in Dining Services. For student employment opportunities, review available positions on our web site: http://www.aux.umass.edu/ineedajob/
What happens if I lose my Ucard?
To prevent unauthorized use of your lost or stolen UCard, you must notify the UCard Office immediately by calling (413) 545-0197 or visiting the UCard Office in Room 168 Whitmore Administration Building. The cost to replace the UCard is $25.00. There will be no refunds issued for meals eaten by another student who has your UCard as you are responsible for reporting the lost or stolen UCard.
If I need help or have any concerns, where can I go?
It’s easy to get our attention. Management staff is always available, so do not hesitate to ask for a manager, assistant manager, supervisor or chef directly. We encourage this! We are always trying to make continuous improvements in the menu options and services we provide for you. Please see our Contact Us page for contact info for our Management Team. If you would rather stay anonymous, fill out a comment card or send an e-mail to food@mail.aux.umass.edu or call us at (413) 545-2472.
