Meal Plan FAQ
Welcome to the Resident Meal Plan!
The current Meal Plan came into being as a direct result of student surveys conducted over the last few years. The survey findings were then combined with information obtained from other similar educational institutions to determine the meal plan size, the hours of operation, selection of meal choice options and other aspects. The plan is accessed conveniently through your student ID card. What is the Meal Plan?
The Meal Plan is the Board portion of the semester Room and Board fee for living on campus. The card is activated with a predetermined value at the beginning of each academic semester that can be used at all dining facilities within the University. Every time you use your card, the value is deducted from the total semester value in your bulk food account.
What is the value amount on the Meal Plan?
The Meal Plan value is your bulk pre-semester purchase of food for each semester. The value is placed on the ID card and becomes the means of keeping track of the various meal time and snack time uses. The basic meal plan value is directed toward the medium student appetite. The entire value amount must be used during the semester of purchase with limited roll over privileges. (Please see, "What if I dont use all the Meal Plan value by the end of semester?")
What is a major advantage to this Meal Plan?
Purchasing this Meal Plan means you eat a la carte, offering you opportunity to eat what you wish, when you wish, and where you want to eat on campus. Remember: All Meal Plan value is intended for use in the semester purchased. (Please see, "What if I dont use all the Meal Plan value by the end of semester?")
The Canadian government has made a provision for the University to provide this Meal Plan free of the Harmonized Sales Tax, which is a saving of fourteen percent (14%) on each transaction. Many of the guidelines in this brochure are a direct result of the agreement with the Canadian government.
How does the Meal Plan work?
As a resident student, you are required to purchase the mandatory Room & Board value package, which includes the Meal Plan. The basic meal plan value portion is set each spring for the next academic year and is to be used during the semester purchased. It is possible to buy extra increments to enhance your plan. The basic meal plan value is directed toward the medium student appetite.
What if I dont use all the Meal Plan value by the end of the semester?
Any unused portion of the Meal Plan value on your ID card from the fall semester will be moved on top of your spring semester Room & Board value plan. The change in semesters from fall to spring is the ONLY time in which you may transfer semester remainders of the Meal Plan value.
All Meal Plan values including regular and bonus amounts are forfeited at the end of every Spring semester and cannot be forwarded, removed or used elsewhere on campus.
Are there any foods I cannot obtain with my Meal Plan value?
Some foods are excluded from the Meal Plan because they are not HSTexempt. Goods and Services exemptions are controlled by Federal legislation. Changes to this legislation may alter your tax exemption status and impact the food offerings. TWU assumes no liability for these changes.
What if I think I may eat more than the basic value for food during the semester?
You have the important added option to purchase any additional food value anytime you wish. Increments can be purchased at the Campus Service Centre or at the Registrar's office at any time during the semester. The Campus Service Centre offers the convenience of accepting debit/credit cards as well as transferring funds from your student account.
How do I know how much remaining value I have in my Meal Plan?
This can be determined in one of two ways. First, you may request a receipt at the point of sale anytime of usage, which will indicate the remaining balance or you can inquire at the Campus Service Centre.
Where can I access the Meal Plan?
Your Meal Plan works in either the Reimer Student Centre Dining Room or the "Lower Caf" in Douglas Centre or "The Cog" in Northwest Bldg. Lighter meals and quick foods are available in the latter. Please note that service hours in each facility are seasonally adjusted.
How can I make the best use of my Meal Plan?
The basic meal plan is geared to eating the majority of meals on campus. Some consideration has been given to the fact that students may take some meals off campus from time to time. The student lifestyle is difficult to predict, but there is some allowance for students to not eat every single meal on campus. The light to medium appetite will be well served by the basic meal plan. It is also important to remember that there are no refunds in the meal plan. (Please note "Can I obtain a full refund on the unused portion of my Meal Plan? below)
Can I obtain a full refund on the unused portion of my Meal Plan?
The simple answer is no. The only exception requires full academic withdrawal on or before the last day to withdraw listed in the current Academic Calendar of Trinity Western University. In this case you will be charged an administration fee of $100.00, and the amount of food eaten to that point in the semester, with HST added, will be deducted from the remaining value on your Meal Plan. A refund cheque will be forwarded to you within 6 to 8 weeks after full academic withdrawal.
There are no refunds at the end of any semester regardless of the value left in the Meal Plan. All Meal Plan values must be used prior to mid-year (ie. fall semester) departure from the Room & Board plan if a student is not returning as a resident student. All "rolled-over" values from the fall semester are added on top of the spring Room & Board and must be used by semester end in April.
How do I as a student get an ID card?
You will receive an ID card during your first registration and will retain this card for your entire academic career at TWU.
Will I receive a new ID card each semester?
No. Your initial ID card issued during registration for the first semester of attendance at the university will be used throughout your academic career at TWU.
Can I loan my ID card to another individual or share a Meal Plan with someone else?
No. The Meal Plan value is completely non-transferable. As a safety feature, your photo on your ID card verifies that you and you alone are eligible to use the value from your Meal Plan. You may purchase for someone else, but you may not use any ID card but your own.
Anyone caught using an ID card which does not belong to them will have the card confiscated and may face disciplinary action.
What if I damage or lose my ID card?
Your damaged ID card will need to be replaced through the Campus Service Centre during regular business hours. Replacement card reproduction fees are set each spring for the immediately following academic year.
You are responsible for all activities transacted with your ID card, which include all the transactions that might occur during the time of the loss and up to the reported loss.
Why is it important not to lose my ID card?
Your ID card does have a real value so it needs to be kept safe and secure at all times. If you lose your ID card during regular office hours notify the Campus Service Centre immediately. Your lost card will be cancelled. If you lose your card after hours or on a weekend, notify the Dining Services Supervisor who will make arrangements so you can continue dining. You need to remember the importance of your personal ID card and its access to your Meal Plan value.
