Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

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.

1. What meal plans are available? All freshmen and sophomores, including Stockbridge students, living in the residence halls are required to purchase one of the three residential meal plans. Juniors (57 credits), seniors, graduates and commuting students may select one of these residential meal plans or any of the “Your Campus Meal Plans” (YCMP).
2. How does the meal card work? In order to use your meal plan, you must present your UCard (your UMass ID card) every time you enter the dining commons or retail operations. A scanner reads your card's magnetic strip and deducts one meal (in the dining commons) or $7.25 for the meal exchanges/flex meals (in the retail operations). The terminal also displays how many meals you have remaining for the semester.
3. Am I restricted to eat in one specific dining common? With the residential meal plan, you can use it any of the four dining commons for the all-you-care-to-eat program, meal exchanges may be used at our retail dining areas on campus.
4. What meal plan is best for me? The 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 for your dollar if you prefer to eat three meals or more each day, or if you would rather eat many smaller meals a 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.

   Or if you live in the North Residential Area, we offer a Special Meal Plan (an average of 7 meals per week).

   If you are not sure which meal plan to choose, we recommend the Value Meal Plan.  You can always see how many meals you used by the end of the semester and can change it on your bill for the following semester.

   If you run out of meals, you may upgrade to the unlimited meal plan anytime during the semester but you cannot downgrade your meal plan after the add/drop period.

5. Can I change my meal plan? Yes, you may change your meal plan when you receive your bursar’s bill for the semester and make adjustment on the back of the bill. (Please call the Meal Plan Office to inform them of these changes 413-545-1362).  Once the semester has started, you have until Add/Drop Period to change your meal plan by going to the Meal Plan Office located at Franklin Dining Commons.  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 your meal plan at the Meal Plan Office or on-line anytime.
6. If I am on the Value Plan, do I have to eat 14 meals every week? UMass has block meal plans where you can eat 10 meals one week and 20 meals the following week. The number of meals is based on the semester, not the number eaten each week. If you do not use all the meals by the end of the semester, meals are not transferred to the following semester and there are no refunds for unused meals.
7. How can I get a menu before I go to the dining commons? weekly menus for each of the dining commons are posted on the web and on the housing channel, and in the Daily Collegian newspaper. For a quick review of the day's main menu, you may visit the Dining Service’s web site, www.umass.edu/diningservices. This site also contains information about our menus, hours of operation and other important information.
8. How convenient is it to eat at the dining commons? All dining commons are open continuously from breakfast (brunch on the weekends) through dinner, 7 days a week. Worcester and Berkshire are open until 10 pm Monday through Thursday. An express Breakfast on the Run and a Grab n’Go lunch options are available during the week at Worcester, Hampshire and Berkshire Dining Commons.
9. What are guest meals? The guest meals are invitations to bring your family or friends to dine at the dining commons. For each residential meal plan, 15 of the total meals each semester are for guests (family and friends visiting you). With YCMP, there is no limit for guest swipes.
10. What happens to my unused meals at the end of the semester? In order to maintain the meal plan cost, your unused meals are forfeited at the end of each semester. The prices of the meal plans take into account the missed-meal factor (the average student does not eat a certain percentage of meals every semester). If the students did eat all the meals on their meal plans, the prices of the meal plans would be higher than what they are currently. There are also no refunds for unused meals.
11. 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.
12. Can I purchase more meals if I run out with a week left of the semester? Yes, additional meals may be purchased at any time during the semester at the Meal Plan Office at Franklin Dining Commons or at the cashier’s stations in each dining common.
13. What is a meal exchange/flex meal? Residential meal plan holders may use the assigned meal exchanges/flex meals at the retail outlets with a cash value of $7.25 a la carte.  If the selections total $7.60, the balance can be paid with cash, the UCard debit account or an additional extra swipe of your UCard.  There are no cash refunds for the difference using the flex meal. For students with YCMP, there is no limit to the number of swipes used at one time.
14. May I use my friend's meal plan? Sorry, but this is not possible. 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.
15. 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 Franklin Dining Commons (next to the Meal Plan Office). The cost to replace the UCard is $20.00 (check or money on the UCard debit account is accepted). 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.
16. Are there any job opportunities at Dining Services? Student employees are essential to the Dining Services program. Convenient on-campus locations, flexible hours, and the opportunity for personal development including student management positions are just a few of the benefits of working in Dining Services. You may contact any of our managers or supervisors at the Dining Commons and retail operations (including the Bluewall, Hatch, Catering, Cafes and C-Stores). For student employment opportunities, review available positions on our web site: http://www.aux.umass.edu/ineedajob/
17. 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. 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.
18. Can I take food out of the dining commons? We recommend only one serving of fruit, ice cream or a drink (in disposable cups) that you are eating while exiting the dining commons. Other food from the dining commons should only be consumed while in the dining room. 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.
19. 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 once and you will receive one voucher, which is worth $6.00 at the football concessions. Only one voucher per student per game will be accepted.
20. 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 Monday to Friday, for lunch and dinner. High holidays meals are also available for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Passover. Students must sign up in advance for these special meals.
21. What is the special service meal? Sick tray: If you have are sick with the illness during the semester, Dining Services can provide a sick tray for you. Call the dining commons manager closest to your dorm and tell them you need a sick tray. Give your friend your UCard and have them pick it up for you. A sick tray consists of: Chicken Soup, Crackers, Cottage Cheese, Canned Fruit, Gelatin, Ginger Ale, etc. A meal will be deducted from your meal plan. Immobilized? If you are immobilized temporarily and cannot get to the dining commons for a few meals, hot meals can be arranged after you submit a doctor’s note stating the injury and the duration of immobilization. Contact the dining commons manager and a friend can pick up a meal for you. A meal will be deducted from your meal plan.
22. What is the Dining Services Food Advisory Committee? Student volunteers are needed for input regarding new menu ideas, special events and recipe ideas, be involved in focus groups to improve the menu selection and services Dining Services provide to student customers. If you are interested in serving on this committee, please contact the dining commons manager.
23. What if I use all my meals before the end of the semester? You (or your parents) can upgrade your meal plan or purchase additional meals at any time during the semester. There are several options for you to choose, from additional block meals of 11 or 21 meal strips.  You can do this by doing it online at http://www.umass.edu/diningservices or visit our Meal Plan Office located in the Franklin Dining Commons. Call 545-1362 for more information.
24. 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.
25. What is the "Take your family members to lunch" program? Family members such as parents, grandparents, guardians ,brothers and sisters can eat free with you for lunch or dinner during move in or pick up.  We would love to show them what our dining services is all about.
26. 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).
27. Can I purchase meals for employees working on campus?  Yes, you can order a special debit card in the denomination of 5 meals ($45) or 10 meals ($90).  For more information please contact the meal plan office (413) 545-1362.