Home

The Declining Balance Meal Plan is an account that can be accessed with your ID card to make purchases at the Dining Services, Gazebo, Cardinal's Nest, and campus vending machines. Undergraduate students under the age of 22 who are living in the dorm must be on the meal plan. Students over the age of 22 who are living in the dorm must be on a meal plan if they are receiving the Andrews University tuition assistance dorm rate.

What is the cost of the meal plan?

The cost is $1,275 per semester, divided as follows: $765 will be billed as the declining balance which is credited to the student's meal account to use for food purchases. The remaining $510 is billed as a non-refundable Dining Services operations fee, in which all dormitory residents under age 22 share equally.

Is it true that meal plan participants receive a discount off of meals?

Yes, meal plan participants receive a 40% discount off of meal purchases at the Dining Services and Gazebo that are purchased with their meal plan account, because they have pre-paid the Dining Services operations cost. Purchases at the Cardinal's Nest and vending machines are at posted prices, with no discount.

What if I don't need the full $735 per semester?

Students who cannot use up the balance in the meal plan account may receive a refund at the end of the semester of up to $400.

What if I need more than the $735 during the semester?

If your meal plan balance runs low during the semester you may add funds to the meal plan in $100 increments as in the past. You will continue to receive the 40% discount on food purchases at the Dining Center and Gazebo.

Why these changes to the meal plan this year?

The changes were implemented mainly to assist those students who, for a variety of reasons, end the semester with a large balance in their meal account which must be spent or lost. This new plan allows for a larger refund for those who need it, while providing a solid financial base for operation of services.

How do I use my ID card in the vending machines?

At registration the vending strip on your ID card will be encoded. You may then transfer money from your meal plan to your vending strip at the machine located on the main floor of the Student Center. Please remember that there is no way to track money on your vending strip, thus if your card is broken or stolen, the money on your vending strip will be lost, unlike money on your meal plan.

What if I lose my ID card?

If you lose your ID card, please contact the Dining Services Office immediately to report it lost. Dining Services can place a hold on your card so no one else can use it. Students on a meal plan may purchase a temporary ID card worth $25.00 plus a $2.00 fee which is deducted from your meal plan. This is available from the Dining Services Office during office hours.

If I am 22 or older or not living in the dorm, do I have option besides the meal plan?

Students over the age of 22 who are not receiving the Andrew University tuition assistance rate, or not living in the dorm may open a cafe account. There is no Dining Services operations fee for this account, and it does not entitle the student to a discount off of meal prices. See the Cafe Accounts page for more details.

Back to Dining Home