Q. Why are meal plans required?
A. The first year or two of college is a transition time for most students as they mature and learn to be more independent. The University assists in this process by providing a structured housing and dining program. When the needs for food and shelter are met, students can focus on their studies and on adjusting to college life. BGSU Dining Services operates as an auxiliary service without receiving state funds or general fee allocations. All expenses are paid from residential meal plans and cash sales from non-residential customers.

Q. How will a student know how many points he or she has spent or is remaining on his or her meal plan?
A. You may access your My BGSU and click on the BG1 tab or you can swipe your ID at the Balance Inquiry station at either the Information Desk at the Student Union or at the Kreischer SunDial to obtain your meal plan balance.

Q. Does a student get a meal plan card?
A. No. The student’s BGSU Photo ID (BG1) Card is used to make meal plan purchases. The student hands the card to the cashier and the computer automatically deducts the amount of the purchase from the prepaid meal plan account by swiping the card to access the encoded magnetic strip, similar to a credit card.

Q. What do I do if I lose my BGSU ID?
A.You will need to go in person to the Photo ID office in the Bowen Thompson Student Union (419-372-6081) to report your card as lost and purchase a new card. After One Card office hours you may report it lost to the University Police (419-372-2346).

Q. How do I pay for a meal plan?
A. Meal plan charges are included with housing, tuition and fees in the Bursar statement you receive prior to each semester. You may pay in full or use the Installment Payment Plan.

Q. If a student misses a meal, will they be charged ?
A. No. Students only pay for food when they make purchases in the dining facilities. Items are individually priced so students only pay for those items they select.

Q. Which residence halls do not have meal plan requirements?
A. Chapman is the designated residence hall in which students are not required to have a meal plan.

Q. Which plan do you recommend?
A. The Silver plan is recommended for students who eat an average amount of food each day, but many students choose the Bronze plan.

Q. What assistance can you offer in budgeting a meal plan to last for the entire semester?
A. BGSU Dining Services has developed meal plan spending guidelines to let you know how much of your meal plan should be remaining at selected dates during the semester. You can view the spending guideline by clicking here.

Q. What student employment opportunities are available in Dining Services?
A. BGSU Dining Services is one of the largest student employers on campus. Please click here for more information and to apply online. (Application link at the bottom of the page)

Q. Where can students eat using their meal plan points?
A. Meal plans points can be used in any residential dining center, snack bar or marketplace for food items. Non-food items must be paid for with cash, credit card, or BG1debit account.

Q. What are Flex?
A. Flex are the amount of points included in the meal plan that a student can spend in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union for food including the Falcon’s Nest Food Court, Starbucks®, the Bowling Greenery, Zza’s @ Night, Wendy’s® and the Black Swamp Pub (food only). The points can also be spent in any of the dining centers.

For questions or more information, contact: