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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

2024-2025 Dining Plans

What are residential weekly dining plans?

Weekly dining plans offer maximum variety, flexibility, and peace of mind, knowing meal swipes are refreshed weekly.

  • Weekly dining plans apply to the semester of purchase. Each week, a set number of swipes are loaded Monday morning and expire Sunday night.
  • Each weekly plan includes Dining Dollars and guest meals for maximum flexibility and value.
  • Dining Dollars can be used at all food venues.
  • Guest meals allow the dining plan participant to have a block of meals available to use as needed for a friend or for themselves.

What are residential block dining plans?

Residential Block dining plans have a set number of meals to use at Buster’s Kitchen, SouthFork Dining, and Chaffee Late Night Grill each semester. There’s no limit on the number of meals used during a day or week or on the number of guests treated to a meal as long as the card owner is present. Block plans are available to all sophomore and above students living on campus.

What are commuter dining plans?

Whether you plan to dine with us once a week or every day, you can select a plan to suit your schedule and dining needs.

  • Commuter dining plans are activated at the time of purchase and expire one year from the date of purchase.
  • Most plans come with Dining Dollars that can be used at participating locations and vending machines.

What are dining dollar only plans?

Like cash, but better! Dining dollar plans are pre-paid funds, like a gift card, loaded to your Bronco Card and offer bonus value with each purchase.

  • Dining Dollar plans are loaded on your Bronco Card and expire one year from purchase.
  • Dining Dollars offer cashless flexibility for your dining habits and are accepted at all campus dining locations, and can be used online through our food order mobile app, Boost.

What if I want multiple residential block plans for the semester?

You can request an additional block plan by filling out this form(request an additional block plan) by the 10th day of classes.

Why do I have to have a dining plan if I live in an apartment or have a kitchen?

If you live in sophomore and above housing spaces, you don’t have to have a dining plan, but we encourage you to consider one of the 6 plans available to you. Between classes, work, homework, group projects, and social lives, students are busy. Having access to healthy food choices that you don’t have to take time to prepare can be a game changer on busy days.

If I am a sophomore, can I get a weekly dining plan? Or can I only have a block plan?

Yes, you can have a weekly dining plan. There are six plans to choose from for students living in sophomore and above housing spaces: three weekly and three block plans.

If I am a freshman, can I have a block plan? Or can I only have a weekly dining plan?

As a first-year student, you’ll have your choice of three weekly dining plans. Because the first year can be filled with transition and challenges, most students want to rely on someone else to plan, shop, cook, and clean up. Eating in the dining hall every day, or almost every day, helps students make friends and build their circle of support.

Block plans have been developed specifically for older students who’ve made the transition to college life.

Can I buy a residential plan if I am living off-campus?

No, residential plans are designed for students who live on campus. We have four commuter dining plans for you to choose from.

Is there a meal swipe option closer to the west side of campus?

No, unfortunately, we don’t have that option in place at this time. It is a quick walk to Buster’s Kitchen and SouthFork, or take the Bronco shuttle.

How do I opt out of sophomore dining plans?

Fill out this form to opt out of your sophomore and above dining plan  by the 10th day of classes. The dining plan will be removed from your account within 3 business days. The charges will be removed from your student account within 5-7 business days. If you have opted out for the Fall semester, it will apply to the Spring semester. If you wish to opt back in to a Soph+ Dining Plan, please email us.

When do dining plans activate?

Residential Dining Plans, including Dining Dollars and Guest Meals, will all activate on the first day of move-in for housing. All other Commuter and Dining Dollar Only plans will activate at the time of purchase.

What do I do when my dining dollars get low?

You can reload your Dining Dollars at any time. Keep in mind Dining Dollars are available during fall or spring break when the dining halls are closed. Save up if you plan on being here during semester breaks.

Dining Dollar Only Plans may be purchased via the online Boise State Dining store at any time.

What happens if I leave Boise State?

Any remaining meal swipes or Dining Dollars will be forfeited.

Dining Terms and Conditions

What if I have a food allergy or special diet?

  1. Notify the Boise State Dining team of your allergy(ies). Email Jessica Butler to schedule a meeting with our Registered Dietitian, Food Service Director, and Executive Chef to develop a plan for navigating the dining halls.
  2. Be proficient in the self-management of your food allergy(ies):​
    1. Avoid foods you’re allergic to.​
    2. Recognize symptoms of allergic reactions.​
    3. Know how and when to tell someone you might be having an allergy-related problem.​
    4. Know how to properly use medications to treat an allergic reaction.​
    5. Carry emergency contact information with you at all times.​
  3. Read the station signage, menus, and ingredient information made available upon request by emailing Jessica Butler or on Dine on Campus.
  4. When in doubt regarding ingredients in a particular food or dish, direct your questions to our Registered Dietitian, Food Service Director, Assistant Director, or Executive Chef. If you do not know who these individuals are, please ask an employee on duty to contact them. ​
  5. Due to the nature of the residential dining halls and retail locations, if you have been prescribed an EpiPen, carry it with you at all times. ​
  6. If you notice something that is problematic for your allergy, please notify our Registered Dietitian, Food Service Director, Assistant Director, or Executive Chef on duty so that they can look into your concern.​
  7. If you have a question at any point, please ask our Registered Dietitian, Food Service Director, Assistant Director, or Executive Chef on duty. If we do not hear from you, we believe that you are successfully navigating the dining locations.
  8. Contact the Education Access Center if you need accommodations.

How do I pay for my residential dining plan billed to by student account?

You will pay for your residential dining plan in the same place you pay for housing and tuition, your student account via Campus Solutions Student Center.

When will I see residential dining plan charges posted to my student account?

Dining plan charges will be posted to the student account for payment initially upon housing assignment or by the first week of July, along with your housing charges.  Any dining plan credits/refunds for any plan changes or cancellations will be posted to your student account within 3-5 business days.

How do I request an additional residential block dining plan?

You can request an additional block plan by filling out the form by the 10th day of classes.

External Catering

What is an external caterer?

An external caterer is any vendor (catering company, restaurant, grocer) that provides food and/or beverage.

Can I use an external caterer for my event?

Yes, allowing external catering on campus provides a diverse range of options for events and gatherings. All caterers serving or providing food and beverages for campus events over $350 must have a contract with the University. Contracting with the University ensures that the caterers meet certain standards and guidelines, ensuring a smooth and reliable catering service. The department or organization hosting the event is responsible for ensuring food quality, safety, and proper and thorough cleanup of the event and supporting spaces.

If your desired caterer or food truck is not contracted, please send the vendor this link to begin the contracting process. You can find a list of contracted external caterers and food trucks here. 

If your catering order exceeds $2000, a scope of work is needed for the order.

Find more information and a list of contracted caterers on the University’s external catering site.

Can I hire a food truck for my event?

Yes, allowing food trucks on campus can add a fun and dynamic element to events and provide a wide variety of delicious food options for everyone.

Just like with external caterers, it’s essential that food truck vendors are contracted with the University before they can participate in any events on campus. This process helps ensure that the food trucks meet the necessary standards and regulations required by the University.

For those interested in hiring food trucks for their events, they can find more information and a list of contracted food trucks on the University’s external catering site. This resource should provide details about the different food trucks available.

It’s crucial to consult with the Event Parking department before hiring a food truck. This will help identify suitable locations where the food truck can serve without causing any disruptions or parking issues.

I am buying snacks for our team from Albertsons for under $350. Is a contract and scope of work necessary?

No, purchases under $350 for external catering do not require a formal contract, scope of work, or prior notification to Boise State Dining.

I am picking up a meal for a meeting. Does the restaurant need a contract and scope of work?

Regardless of the service type (serviced, delivered, and pickup), if the order is over $2000 and the meeting or event is hosted in a Boise State building, a contract with the restaurant or catering service and a scope of work are necessary.

For those organizing events or meetings that meet these criteria, it’s essential to visit the external catering site provided by Boise State Dining. The site contains relevant information about the process of contracting with caterers, a list of contracted caterers, and any other details needed to facilitate the catering arrangements.

As always, it’s best to follow the specific guidelines and procedures outlined by Boise State University to ensure a smooth and successful event.

We are hosting an event with a contracted caterer. Can the caterer serve alcohol with dinner?

All alcoholic beverage services on campus must be exclusively provided by Carved and Crafted Catering. This means that any event or gathering where alcohol is served should be arranged through this specific catering service.

Having an exclusive alcohol provider can streamline the process and ensure responsible alcohol service, as Carved and Crafted is familiar with the university’s policies and regulations regarding alcohol consumption on campus.

I received a donated meal from a local restaurant. Does the restaurant need to be contracted? Does a scope of work need to be completed?

Regardless of any donations or funding involved, a contract with the restaurant and a scope of work are required for catering services if the order is over $2000 and the event is hosted in a Boise State building. This ensures proper documentation and understanding of the catering arrangements, regardless of the funding source.

For anyone organizing events that meet these criteria, it’s important to refer to the external catering site provided by Boise State Dining. This resource should contain all the necessary information about the catering process, a list of contracted caterers that are approved to provide services on campus.

By following the university’s guidelines and utilizing the appropriate resources, event planners can ensure a smooth and successful catering experience for their events.

Outside Food and Beverage

Can I host a potluck on campus?

Student organizations and campus departments are permitted to bring food (not paid for with University funds) to campus for personal or internal work-group or student organization consumption so long as the building permits outside food. Common examples include snacks, brown bag lunches, and internal office or internal student organization potlucks with members only. Individuals and/or work groups are responsible for food and beverage cleanup. Find more at Outside Food and Beverage Guidelines.

Can I buy Pepsi products for my event?

No, University-recognized departments are eligible for departmental funds-purchase of  beverages (Coca Cola family of products only).

Coca-Cola offers limited beverage product donations and marketing dollars per year to the university. Student organizations and departments may request beverage donations and marketing dollars to enhance programs and events on campus for students, faculty, and staff that support and celebrate student life. Submit a product donation request form online no less than 2 weeks before the event date for consideration. All requests shall be considered but are not guaranteed. Requesting parties will be informed in writing of the decision. For guidance in product or marketing dollar donation consideration, please contact the contract administrator Nicole Nimmons, at nicolenimmons@boisestate.edu.

Departments can order Coca Cola products here.Â