Santa Clara University

Q: If I live in the Residence Halls or Apartments, do I have to have a dining plan?

Yes. For freshmen and sophomores, shared dining is an important way to make connections and build community. For juniors and seniors, dining plans offer a convenient and flexible approach to their dining needs. Apartment residents will find a dining plan offers an easy way to pay for RLC catered events, or to purchase snacks on campus.

Q. When do I sign up for a dining plan?

New students choose a dining plan beginning March 1 as part their RLC/Housing Preference Form. Returning students choose a dining plan as part of their housing selection beginning March 1. Students requesting to live in apartments on campus will choose a dining plan when submitting their RLC/Housing Preference Form. Current sophomores and juniors living off campus who are interested in on campus housing please contact the Housing and Residence Life Office at (408) 554-4900, or via e-mail.

Q. What if I want to change my dining plan?

Once the quarter starts, you cannot change your dining plan. The Offices of Housing & Residence Life have Resident Dining Plan Change Request Forms and the change period schedule. There is no charge to change your plan. You can change your dining plan before September 1st for the Fall Quarter, between November 28th and December 9th for Winter Quarter and between March 6th and March 17th for Spring Quarter.

Q. How many meals per week am I guaranteed?

None of the plans are a "guarantee" of any specific number of meals. The plans are declining balance plans in which you pay for what you choose.

Q. What is a declining balance plan?

A declining balance plan works like a debit card: You start each quarter with a preset number of dining points. Each time you purchase a food item, your balance will be decreased by the amount of your purchase.

Q. Oh dear. Something else for me to keep track of.

Don’t worry. We make it easy for you to track your balance. At each point-of-sale register you’ll find a "Pace-yourself" chart showing approximately what your balance should be for each week of the quarter. You can check your balance at any register, at the Value Transfer Stations in Benson (ACCESS Card Office) or Orradre Library, or on the Access card Web site. That way, you can make sure your spending is on pace and that you don’t run out of points.

Q. Are Resident Dining Plan Points considered to be actual money?

Resident Dining Points are not real money. They are a method of assigning values for the different dining plan options.

Q. Do I get a refund if I can’t spend all my Resident Dining Plan Points?

There are no cash refunds for unspent points.

Q. What happens to my Resident Dining Plan Points at the end of the quarter?

At the end of the Fall quarter, if you remain in residency, up to 65 points will transfer to your beginning balance for the Winter quarter. Same for Winter to Spring quarter. At the end of the Spring quarter, however, any unspent points will not carry over and will be forfeited.

Q. What if I run out of Resident Dining Points?

You can always add Resident Dining Plus Points, at any time, and in any amount.

(Purchases of $50 of more can be charged to your student account.) These are a great value: You save 8.25% (sales tax isn’t charged) and Dining Plus points are good for as long as you are enrolled at Santa Clara University.

Q. Although I started the fall as a sophomore, I’ve completed enough courses this spring to become a junior. Can I change my plan to the Junior/Senior Plan?

No. The Junior/ Senior Plan is available for those beginning their third or fourth collegiate year at the start of their contract period.

Q. My parents live nearby and I go home a lot on weekends. Can I get a Junior/Senior Plan?

Only those beginning their third or fourth collegiate year at the start of their contract period may choose the Junior/Senior Plan.

Q. I have special dietary needs. Who should I see?

Talk to a Bon Appetit manager if you have medical or dietary restrictions. Everything possible will be done to meet your special needs.

Q. I’m a vegetarian. What options do you have for me?

Lots! Every venue operated by Bon Appetit offers vegetarian options. Market Square even has a station, Verde, that features vegetarian fare exclusively. Sandwiches, soups, pastas, burritos, salads, bowls, cooked-to-order meals – all are offered as vegetarian choices. And don’t forget Jump Start, with super-healthy smoothies and wraps that are perfect for those who seek vegetarian options.

Dining Services at Santa Clara University are proudly brought to you by Bon Appetit. We are proud to share that your food is prepared by employees who are paid in accordance with the guidelines for a living wage as established by the City of San Jose.