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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use my KU Cuisine meal plan?
Your KU Card is required for each transaction. All you need to do is present your KU Card for access/meal swipe in the Residential Dining Centers or have your card scanned at any of the Campus Retail Cafes to use your KU Cuisine Cash or Beak ´Em Bucks. Where can I use my new dining plan options?
We offer maximum flexibility at our 22 campus locations − including residence hall (all you-care to eat) dining centers, Cuisine to Go (sack meals), retail cafés in the KU Memorial Unions and Pharmacy building located on West Campus, as well as convenient Hawk Food Stops (snack bars).
Here is how the different components of the dining plans are used:
Unlimited access means you may enter the dining center (Mrs. E´s, North College Cafe or Oliver Dining) as many times as you like during normal hours of operation. There is no cap on the number of times you may enter each day, provided you have one of the following active KU Cuisine Dining Plans: Jayhawk Unlimited $500 Plus Plan or Rock Chalk Unlimited $300 Plan. It is ideal for students who eat several smaller meals per day or for students who utilize the dining centers for studying and have access to snacks. How do the weekly plans (Blue Basic, and Campanile Apartment) work?
The Blue Basic, and Campanile Apartment plans all have meals that reset every Monday morning. Meals do not roll over. Free Za Pizzas are activated the Tuesday following the deadline for meal plan changes. Fall semester is September 4, 2012 and spring semester is February 5, 2013. One free 14" one-topping pizza allowed per day. The 5% discount is automatically given on those plans at the register. The discount is valid at all dining locations on campus. Excludes Domino´s® and Glory Days Pizza.
What is the difference between KU Cuisine Cash and Beak ´Em Bucks?
KU Cuisine Cash is part of the dining plan and cannot be recharged. Beak ¨Em Bucks is a declining balance account that is automatically set up for you when the KU Card is issued and can be recharged. If there are both accounts on a KU Card, the system is programmed to use KU Cuisine Cash first and then Beak ´Em Bucks. A quick ¨to go¨ meal exchange on your KU Cuisine dining plan (dining center access/meals) that allows you the flexibility and convenience to select from varied menu options of foods and beverages to take with you on those busy days when you cannot get back to your favorite dining center. You can select ¨Cuisine to Go¨ service up to two meals per day during the service hours posted in each location. ¨Cuisine To Go¨ service hours are available on this website under the Residential Dining hours. What factors should I consider when choosing a dining plan?
Your responses determine the quantity of meals you would require through the year/semester. If you typically eat three meals a day and plan to study on campus, then the Jayhawk Unlimited $500 Plus Plan is your best value. If you plan to join a sorority/fraternity that also provides meals, you may want to select a plan that offers fewer meals. How are the dining plan prices figured?
There is a great deal that goes into providing student meals in three all-you-care-to eat dining centers on campus.We ask that you take into consideration the ¨big picture¨ of the overall meal plan cost.
To ensure that we are providing our guests with the most value, we:
Where does the money I spend with KU Dining go?
KU Dining is a not-for-profit 5013c organization and receives no funding from the State of Kansas. All revenues go directly back into dining programs and facilities. Here is the breakdown for those allotments:
That's okay. KU Cuisine Dining Plans are available to any KU student. All you need is an active KU Card. Where can I get more information on KU Cuisine Dining Plans?
The KU Dining website should answer most questions. If you need further clarification, please call KU Dining at 785-864-7274. For specific financial questions, please call the Department of Student Housing at 785-864-4560. How long does it take after I fill out the application until I can use my KU Cuisine Dining Plan?
If you do not live in University housing, you may sign up for a KU Cuisine Dining Plan through the Department of Student Housing or select the KU Cuisine Dining Plans link for a printable dining meal plan form. It will be in the system 2-3 business days after you submit the application. How can I change my KU Cuisine Dining Plan?
You may change your plan according to semester deadlines. Please visit the Department of Student Housing, located in the basement of Corbin Hall or send an email to housing@ku.edu with your name, KU online ID number and what plan you prefer. Please note ¨Dining Preference Change¨ in the subject line if making the request via e-mail. Fall semester deadline is August 31, 2012, 5:00 p.m. Spring semester deadline is February 1, 2013, 5:00 p.m. How can I view my dining plan usage and KU Cuisine Cash balances?
You may check your KU Cuisine Cash on-line through the Kyou Portal under the Finances tab then click the drop down window for KU Card. It will show the past few days, but there is a "View card history" link that will give more options. For plans that have meal swipes, the balance can be given at the cashier's station when the plan is used. The Dining Center meals, Bring a Friend meals and Free Za Pizzas that remain at the end of the semester are forfeited. What happens to the KU Cuisine Cash at the end of the Fall semester?
The KU Cuisine Cash balance that remains at the end of Fall semester will roll over to spring semester with an active spring semester KU Cuisine Dining Plan. The other half of the KU Cuisine Cash will be added to the account at the beginning of Spring semester. What happens to the KU Cuisine Dining Plan at the end of the academic year?
All Dining Center Meals, KU Cuisine Cash, Bring a Friend meals and free Za pizzas are forfeited at the end of the academic year. What if my KU Cuisine Cash balance becomes low?
You may add money to your KU Card in your Beak 'Em Bucks account. Beak 'Em Bucks is a declining balance account that is automatically set up for you when the KU Card is issued. In order to use Beak 'Em Bucks, you need to add to the account. There are several options available: (1) on-line via the Kyou Portal at www.ku.edu under the "Finances" tab, (2) selecting it through Optional Campus Fees at www.ku.edu/~options, or (3) at a campus cash-to-card machine. Beak 'Em Bucks can be used for food purchases, printing, photocopying, and laundry. For additional information, please contact the KU Card Center at (785) 864-5845 or kucard@ku.edu. What if my meals run out before the end of the semester?
Blocks of 10 meals can be purchased at any time during each semester if you have one of the following active KU Cuisine Dining Plans: Crimson Flex $200, Basic Blue $100 or Campanile Apartment plans. You may email the
Department of Student Housing using the subject line "Block of 10 Meals". Please include your name, student online ID and specify what you want (example: 10 meals for $81 or 30 meals for $243). Your university account will then be billed for the meals. Meal block purchases are non-refundable, and all remaining meals will be forfeited at the end of the semester in which the block was purchased. You may use a Bring A Friend meal, KU Cuisine Cash or pay the guest meal price. KU Cuisine Cash is not charged tax at the Residential Dining Centers (Mrs. E's and Oliver Dining Center). Am I able to use my dining center meals to feed my friends?
The University policy is that the KU Card is non-transferable; KU Cards cannot be loaned to another student. This includes the students' dining plan. The Bring a Friend meal are included in the dining plan to provide opportunity to host a guest. We ask that the student contact Sheryl Kidwell, Asst. Director for Residential Dining at 785-864-4627. Due to allergies, doctor's orders, or religious reasons, a student may request a special diet and will require meeting with the dining manager to make appropriate accommodations. Special diets will be provided on an individual basis. We encourage students to contact the KU Disability Resources and register if allergies or intolerance is severe at 785-864-2620. What happens if I have lost my KU Card?
If your KU Card has been lost or stolen, it must be deactivated immediately online via the Kyou portal (Login -> "Finances" -> "Report your KU Card lost or stolen"), or by calling the Card Center at 785-864-5845 (during business hours). You may also go to the Card Center (M-F, 8:00am-4:00pm), located on the fourth floor of the Kansas Union, to deactivate your card. Please note that KU Dining Services is not liable for financial loss or criminal repercussions associated with lost, stolen, damaged or fraudulently used KU Cards. Occasionally, students will move into the residence halls earlier than when they have had the opportunity to get their KU Card or get enrolled in classes. The meal plan contract begins on "move-in day", so this is a temporary solution to allow students to eat in the Dining Centers locations.
Cashiers at any of the Dining Center locations (Ekdahl "Mrs. E's" Dining Commons, Oliver Dining, and North College Cafe Dining) will issue a temporary card after verifying the student has a KU Cuisine Meal Plan. The student will sign a Temporary Card Form to document which card the student has been assigned.
We encourage students to resolve their card issues as quickly as possible.
Important information:
What if I'm not living on campus?
What if I don't have my KU Card at the Dining Centers during the year?
You will be asked to go get your card. If that is not possible, the cashier will give a Meal Pass.
Meal Pass Policy
Each meal pass will be written for two business days. This will allow you time to purchase a replacement KU Card. There will be a $5.00 charge for each meal pass.
To replace your KU Card, go to the KU Card Center, Kansas Union, Level 4, from 9:00am to 4:00pm, Monday through Friday. Once you have purchased the replacement KU Card, the old one is invalidated by the KU Card Center and may no longer be used. There is a $15.00 replacement fee for the new card.
Important information:
Who do I contact if I have concerns or questions about KU Dining Services?
What if, as a parent, I have questions regarding my student´s dining account?
In accordance with KU Student Records Policy, the Federal Educational Right to Privacy Act (FERPA) requires that students provide written authorization to the Bursar's Office before we can release financial information to anyone. We understand that many parents, spouses, or other individuals pay or need to discuss charges on a student's account. To assists students who want the Bursar's Office to communicate with other individuals, the student must complete and deliver the Financial Information Release form to the Bursar's Office. This form is available through this website www.bursar.ku.edu on the main page by selecting FORMS. The form is also available at the Bursar's Office reception desk in Carruth O'Leary, Room 20.For general questions regarding KU Cuisine Dining Plan accounts, contact Karen Cross, Dining Access Coordinator, kcross@ku.edu.
Does KU Dining Services offer a healthy selections program?
KU Dining services offers a variety of options. Vegetarian options as well as fresh fruits and vegetables are offered in all locations. Many items are labeled as "Better Bites" (BB). The Better Bites concept is a part of the campus nutrition and wellness campaign to provide students, faculty and staff with healthier meal options at convenient locations. It is based upon the American Heart Association guidelines.
Who do I talk to if my card isn't working?
The general answer would be the KU Card Center located on the 4th floor of the Kansas Union. But, it depends on why it's not working. If the card is damaged (scratched or broken) the card holder will need to go to the KU Card Center (864-5845) located on the 4th floor of the Kansas Union to get a new card. There is a $15 charge to replace the card.
The card may not "work" if the KU Cuisine Dining Plan has not been credited to the account. Remember, there is a 2-3 business day processing time after the application is submitted until the KU Cuisine is activated.
Or the card may not "work" if you have not enrolled for the semester.
Where can I find nutritional information of the foods served at campus dining locations?
NetNutrition is our online nutrition analysis program. This service provides a convenient method to calculate the approximated nutritional values of your food selections from our various campus dining locations. These Daily Value percentages are based upon a setting that averages the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for males and females between the ages of 19-24. NetNutrition is best viewed in Internet Explorer. It is located here.
What does KU Dining do in regards to sustainability?
KU Dining Services is proud to say it is an active campus partner in the sustainability effort. From our conservation and recycling partnership with KU Recycling Programs to our Biodiesel Initiative to staff and consumer education and our efforts to buy local we show our dedication to sustainability. Check out our special sustainability page to see all that we are currently doing - and plan to do in the near future - in this increasingly important area.
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