Meal Plan FAQ
If you have any questions about your meal plan, the following frequently asked questions and answers will help!
MEAL PLANS
Q. AM I REQUIRED TO PURCHASE A MEAL PLAN?
A. Per University Policy, first year and sophomore resident students are required to have a meal plan for the entire school year. First- and second-year students living on-campus are able to pick from one of the First-and Second-Year Residential Meal Plan options. Students will select a meal plan through the housing application.
Upper class and commuter students are not required to purchase a meal plan, but are welcome to do so through Flashline. When you sign up through Flashline, your Student Account will be charged and a bill will be sent to you at a later date. For more information on which meal plan you are eligible for, please visit our Meal Plan page. For any questions about signing up, please email flashcard@kent.edu.
Q. What are the benefits of having a meal plan?
A. Meal plans are a great way for students to save while dining on campus! The all-you-care-to-eat dining halls and retail locations provide convenience, flexibility and healthy options from early morning to late night. All dining locations provide a space for students to sit and enjoy a snack or meal, as well as options for students on the go.
Q. Can I use my meal plan at off-campus locations?
A. Meal plans are only able to be used on-campus at the University Culinary Services locations. However, there are a number of off-campus locations that will accept Downtown Dining Dollars and FLASHcash. For more information on these meal plan features, chek out the Meal Plan Features tab on the Meal Plan page.
Learn more about the FLASHcard
Q. How does meal exchange work?
A. Using your FLASHcard, you will be able to exchange a meal swipe for a combo meal at select locations on campus Visit our Meal Exchange page for more information and meal period hours.
Q. Where will I be able to use my Declining Balance Dollars?
A. You will be able to use your declining balance at any dining location on campus. That includes locations such as the Markets & The HUB. You are also able to use your declining balance to pay the door rate to enter into the all-you-care-to-eat dining halls: Eastway & DI Dining.
Q. Do Downtown Dining Dollars expire?
A. Downtown dining dollars expire at the end of each semester on the last day of meal plan. Any remaining balance is non-refundable.
Q. What happens to my meal swipes, guest meals and declining balance dollars at the end of the semester?
A. At the end of each semester, any unused meal swipes and guest meals will expire. Any unused declining balance dollars will rollover to the next semester.
Q. Where can I find my rollover Declining Balance?
A. Login to find your Rollover Balance and Transaction History.
Q. Can I add money to my meal plan if my Declining balance starts to run low?
A. Yes, you are able to add value to your account at any time. You can add declining balance dollars to your FLASHcard through the FLASHcard website with a Mastercard, Visa or Discover. You can also purchase another meal plan within the same semester. To sign up for another meal plan, please visit the FLASHcard Office located on the first floor of the Kent Student Center or call 330-672-2273.
Q. How do i sign up for a meal plan?
A. If you are a First- or Second-Year student, you will select a meal plan through the housing application.
If you are an Upper class or Commuter student, you can purchase a meal plan through your Student Dashboard in FlashLine. You can also contact the FLASHcard Office at 330-672-2273 or by email: flashcard@kent.edu.
If you are a faculty or staff member, you can now sign up for a meal plan using payroll deduction. Sign up in Flashline, under additional employee resources. Select employee meal plan, fill out the form and you're ready to go! You can also contact the FLASHcard Office at 330-672-2273 or by email: flashcard@kent.edu.
Q. Am I able to change my meal plan after I HAVE SELECTED one?
A. If you decide to purchase a meal plan and wish to change your selection, you may do so by visiting your Student Dashboard in Flashline or by contacting the Flashcard Office. Students are not able to change their meal plan after the 2nd week of the semester.
- A cancelation will be approved and a full refund will be processed if a student requests to cancel a meal plan by the Add/Drop period and there has been no usage of any part of the meal plan.
- A cancelation will be approved and a full refund will be processed if a student requests to cancel a meal plan after the Add/Drop period, but within 2 business days of the purchase.
Q. Can I change my meal plan from semester to semester?
A. Yes, students are able to switch meal plans from semester to semester. The meal plan options available to a student will depend on the student's class standing before the start of the school year.
Q. What if i need to CANCEL OR request to not have a meal plan?
A. If you are required to be on a meal plan and want to request a food contract release, you will need to contact dietitians@kent.edu and complete the dining petition.
- If the request for canceling the meal plan is by the end of the Add/Drop period and there has been no usage of any part of the meal plan, the cancellation will be approved and a full refund processed.
- If the request occurs after the add/drop period and within 2 business days of the purchase, the cancellation will be approved and a full refund processed.
If you are an Upperclass or Commuter Student, you can cancel your Meal Plan before the second week of the semester by emailing Flashcard@kent.edu