Do I need a meal plan?
- Residents: A meal plan is required for all students living on campus.
- Commuter Students: Although meal plans are not mandatory for commuter students, they can continue to enjoy the convenience of any of our meal plan while they live off of campus.
How do I order my meal plan?
Residential Students: Students sign up for their on-campus meal plans during the first semester of their housing contract process. Meal Plans are an annual contract, so the meal plan chosen in the fall will automatically get reassigned in the spring.
Grace Street Apartment Residents: Students living in the Apartments on Grace Street are required to have a Resident or Commuter meal plan. Apartment residents will pick their meal plan during the housing contract process each Spring or by contacting the office of Card Services.
Commuter Students: Signing up early has rewards! Meal plans can be purchased with JMU Dining Services in person at our tabling events at the beginning of the semesters or anytime through the office of Card Services. Visit the Card Services website here.
To be eligible for perks and rewards, please sign up at our tabling events or email us at dining@jmu.edu. If you would like to purchase through card services, please click here.
Meal Plan Changes: If you need to make a change, no problem! Contact the Office of JMU Card Services.
How can I change my meal plan?
Changes can be made at the beginning of each semester during the designated change period. See JMU Card Services for more details, including dates, processes, and change fees. Click here to learn more.
How do I access my punches or dining?
All meal plans are accessed via the JACard.
How can I check my balance?
Meal Punch or Dining Dollar balances can be checked on:
Where can I use punches?
Meal Punches are included with your meal plan and can be used three different ways:
1) as entry into our all-you-care-to-eat dining halls (E-Hall & D-Hall)
2) as a "Duke Deal" exchange at select retail and national brand locations
3) as a $7 equivalency for house-made items at select retail locations
What day do weekly meal plans renew?
Weekly meal plans renew on Sundays at dinner.
How do dining dollars work?
Dining Dollars are funds included with all JMU Dining Meal Plan options. The tax-free declining balance spends dollar for dollar and can be used at any JMU on-campus dining location, including dining halls, retail locations, vending machines, and concessions – purchases at the university stadium, arena & sports fields.
The Benefits
Since they’re tax-exempt, Dining Dollars offer guaranteed savings over cash, credit, or Flex Dollars! They also have more spending power than meal “punches” or “swipes”. Dining Dollars can be used for a guest if the cardholder is present at the time of purchase.
Do The Funds Roll Over?
Any unspent Dining Dollars in the fall semester will roll over to the spring. However, unspent funds at the end of the spring semester do not roll over to summer or the following academic year.
What if I run out?
If more Dining Dollars are needed, you can add Dining Dollars GOLD, at any time. Not only are they tax-free, but they also don’t expire. They remain available until the student graduates or un-enrolls. To purchase Dining Dollars Gold, or for questions, contact the JMU Card Services Office.
Does my meal plan automatically renew?
Meal Plans are purchased on an annual basis. If you are a student with a mandatory meal plan, your selected plan will roll over in the Spring semester. If you are a commuter student with a commuter plan, your meal plan will roll over unless you change your options. Follow us on social media for special offers and meal plan sales campaigns.
Do dining dollars roll-over?
Dining Dollars that are included with your meal plan roll over from Fall to Spring. After Spring semester ends, those Dining Dollars expire. Dining Dollars GOLD (additional Dining Dollars added to the meal plan) do not expire until you graduate. It is important to remember to utilize the initial Dining Dollars first, then add Dining Dollars GOLD if needed!
Can I treat a guest using my meal plan?
Only guest punches can be used to make purchases for friends or family at residential dining locations (D-Hall & E-Hall only). You can also utilize Dining Dollars, Dining Dollars GOLD, or Flex Dollars. Please note: The meal plan holder must be present at the time of purchase.
Fall 2024-2025 Meal Plans
- All-Access Plus: 12 Guest Meals Per Semester
- All Access: 12 Guest Meals Per Semester
- 14 Punch: Guest Meals Per Semester
- 10 Punch: Guest Meals Per Semester
- 100 Block: All meals available for guest punches each semester
- 75 Block: All meals available for guest punches each semester
- 50 Block: All meals available for guest punches each semester
