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Who will be required to take the All Access Meal Plan?

Current students will not be affected by this new meal plan requirement. Students who enter the college in the Fall 2024 will be assigned an All Access Meal Plan until graduation. This will apply to new first year students and new transfer students.

Students, new and returning, living off campus will continue to be allowed to select a smaller meal plan. Returning students for the 2024-2025 school year will continue to choose from a 2/Week Plus, 4/Week Plus, 6/Week Plus, 8/Week Plus, 10/Week Plus or All Access Meal Plan.

If an incoming student becomes a Patterson Court member a following academic year, how will they know what their plan looks like?

The college will work with Patterson Court leaders to establish options that will reflect the array of meal plans that houses currently provide. Each of these Patterson Court plans will have a corresponding college dining plan.  Together they will provide the equivalent of 21 meals per week. This only applies to incoming freshmen (Class of 2028,) transfer students, and all classes that follow.  Returning students will continue to work directly with their Patterson Court houses regarding meal plan choices and billing.

What if I don’t want a full meal plan?

The full meal plan (All Access Plan) will be required of all students beginning with students entering the Fall of 2024 and going forward. Students that have documented dietary conditions for which the college cannot provide suitable meals, can seek an exception to or modification of this plan through the Office of Disability Services.

I am receiving financial aid.  Will my financial aid cover the full meal plan/All Access Meal Plan every year?

Yes, financial aid will continue to cover the cost of the All Access Meal Plan each year that a student is at 51¹ÙÍø. All financial aid packages are designed to cover the full cost of attendance beyond the calculated parent contribution. The full cost of attendance covers tuition and fees, an All Access Meal Plan, and a room rate.

Will I need to pay out of my own pocket to cover a Patterson Court Meal Plan?

No, each student, incoming and transfer, beginning fall 2024, will be billed for an All Access Plan by the college. The college will distribute necessary funds to each Patterson Court house to provide for the meal plans students receive there. Note that any national dues or social dues a house may charge its members will not be covered by the college or through financial aid, so this will constitute an out of pocket expense to a student.

If I have a busy schedule, will I be able to take advantage of an All Access Plan?

Beginning Fall 2024, Vail Commons will be available uninterrupted from opening to close. Combined, campus dining options are open from 7:30 a.m. to midnight Monday-Friday and 9:30 a.m. to midnight Saturday-Sunday, excluding college breaks. Students may use their Dining Dollars at these retail locations at any time they are open.

Meal Plan Equivalency FAQ

Can I use a meal swipe at any location other than Vail Commonsommons?

Meal equivalency swipes are only available if you have the All-Access Meal Plan. You receive six equivalency swipes per week on the All-Access Meal Plan, and can be used at any location. If you have any other plan, meal swipes may only be used at Vail Commons.

How many meal equivalency swipes do I get per week with the All-Access Meal Plan?

You receive six equivalency swipes per week.

How much is each meal equivalency worth? 

Each meal equivalency swipe has UP TO $12. If you use an equivalency swipe for a bill less than $12, the entire swipe is given anyways. If a bill is higher than $12, any remaining balance after using the equivalency swipe may be reconciled with Dining Dollars, Flex Dollars, credit card, or debit card.

Do meal equivalency swipes carry over from week to week?

You receive six meal equivalency swipes per week on the All-Access Meal Plan. They reset every week on Sunday morning at 4 a.m.,and any unused equivalency swipes will be lost.

Can I use more than one equivalency meal swipe for a single meal?

You may only use one equivalency swipe per meal period. There are four meal periods per day. Breakfast is from 6 a.m. to 10:59 a.m. Lunch is from 11 a.m. to 4:59 p.m. Dinner is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Late night is from 9 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.