Meal Plan

Glossary/Terms

Dining Periods

(fixed meal plans only)

Time frame for specific meal service for those on a fixed meal plan. Two meal deductions per meal period are offered.

Fixed Meal Plans

(7, 14 and 19 Meal Plans)

Three meal plans that guarantee access to a set number of meals per serving week depending upon the plan chosen. Meal counts are re-set weekly; meals do not carry over to future weeks. Fixed meals can be used only by the meal plan participant. Two meal deductions can be taken per dining period.

Hours of Operation

Opening and closing times for each dining location vary by location, day of the week and time of the year. Check for up-to-date hours of operation. Dining Periods are established for those on a fixed meal plan.

Meal Deduction

(fixed meal plans only)

A meal deduction is the reduction of the weekly allotment of meals by one meal. Dining in one of the two cafeterias is the most cost-effective option for the meal plan participant. Meal Deductions are also possible in à la carte dining service areas; see Transfer Meal and Transfer Allowance.

Meal Plan

All students living in a residence hall (except Chancellors Hall) select a meal plan each semester. A Blugold Card is required for meal plan access. There are four meal plans to choose from. Each meal plan has its advantages and disadvantages depending upon individual dining needs. Anticipate your dining needs for the semester as closely as possible before choosing a meal plan, so this charge can be made to your University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Student Account.

Meal Plan Dollar Account

(all meal plans)

A reserve of dollars available for food purchase that is included with every meal plan, but will vary in amount with the particular plan chosen. Meal Plan Dollars can be used in all on-campus dining areas. One meal plan, the Declining Balance Meal Plan, is comprised exclusively of Meal Plan Dollars.

Operational Fee

(all meal plans)

An operational fee is assessed by the university under every meal plan. This segment of the meal plan cost is used to pay for everything behind the scenes — kitchen equipment, utilities, furniture, maintenance of the building and kitchen equipment, cleaning staff and supplies, and remodeling and repairs. The operational fee portion of the meal plan cost is not available for purchasing meals.

Serving Week

(fixed meal plans only)

The serving week typically runs Sunday through Saturday. During the academic semester there are a set number of serving weeks. Not all serving weeks have seven days, and fixed meal plans are prorated accordingly.

Transfer Allowance

(fixed meal plans only)

Transfer allowance is the use of a meal deduction to receive $3.50 credit toward a purchase at an à la carte dining service location. Two meal plan deductions are permitted per meal period, for a total transfer allowance of $7. Any additional cost for the meal beyond the transfer allowance may be paid with Meal Plan Dollars, Blugold Account, or cash.

Transfer Meal

(fixed meal plans only)

A transfer meal is an even exchange for a meal deduction in an à la carte dining service location. The transfer meal menu varies by dining location.