Who Can Use Meal Swipes

Meal Swipes are for the student who is registered for the meal plan. Because each plan is designed to support an individual Miner’s dining needs:

  • Swipes cannot be shared
  • Swipes cannot be transferred
  • Swipes cannot be used to buy meals for others

This keeps the program fair, protects the value of every student’s plan, and helps our dining system run smoothly.

Using swipes for anyone other than the plan holder increases overall usage in ways the plans weren’t designed for. Over time, this can raise operating costs and may lead to higher meal plan prices for everyone.

Guests are always welcome and may pay with Miner Bucks, DBDs, or a debit/credit card.

One Swipe = One Meal

Meal Swipes are meant to be used for one meal.

Up to 3 Swipes Per Hour

To support students with busy schedules, you may use up to three Meal Swipes per hour. These can be used during the same visit, but each swipe must be processed as a separate transaction.

Example: If you won’t be able to return later because of classes, you can order three sub sandwiches at the sub shop. At checkout, each sandwich must be rung up individually, using one swipe per transaction.

Swipes Cannot Be Combined

  • No stacking multiple swipes for upgrades
  • No using extra swipes for add ons
  • No combining swipes in a single transaction

What a Meal Swipe Really Is

A meal swipe is not cash. It’s a prepaid entitlement to a meal under rules set by the university and the dining contractor.

When you swipe, the school and contractor reconcile it internally at a contracted rate — not at menu prices.

Common Meal Swipe Models

  1. All You Care to Eat Dining Halls
    • One swipe = one entry
    • Eat what’s available during that meal period
    • Based on breakfast/lunch/dinner windows
  2. Retail Combo Meals
    • One swipe = a predefined combo
    • Items are limited to control cost
    • This is where “fixed price meals” come from
  3. Swipe + Dining Dollars
    • Swipe covers the base meal
    • Dining dollars can be used for upgrades
    • Lets students customize without breaking cost controls

Why Fixed Price Meals Exist

Fixed price meals help keep dining predictable and affordable. They’re built around:

  • Projected participation
  • Average cost per swipe
  • Food, labor, and overhead costs

If swipes could be used for anything on the menu, the system would become financially unsustainable.
  • Meal swipes are prepaid access, not money
  • Fixed price meals are standard across universities
  • Restrictions help keep meal plans affordable
  • Clear communication helps everyone understand how the system works

Meal Swipe FAQs
  1. What exactly is a meal swipe?
    • A meal swipe is prepaid access to a meal — not a dollar amount — and follows rules set by the university and dining contractor.
  2. Why can’t I use my swipe for someone else?
    • Meal plans are designed for individual student use. Sharing swipes increase costs and can lead to higher prices for everyone.
  3. Can I use multiple swipes at once?
    • Yes — up to three per hour — but each must be a separate transaction, and each swipe must be used for a meal, not extras.
  4. Why do swipe meals sometimes look cheaper than menu prices?
    • Menu prices reflect retail value. Swipes are reconciled internally at a contracted rate, so the posted price doesn’t reflect the internal cost structure.
  5. Can I upgrade my meal?
    • Yes. Upgrades must be paid for with Miner Bucks, DBDs, or a debit/credit card.
  6. Can unused swipes be refunded or turned into cash?
    • No. Meal swipes are a prepaid service and cannot be converted to cash.