Frequently Asked Questions
If I live in the Residence Halls, do I have to have a meal plan?
It is the University's policy that all students living in the residence halls have a meal plan.
When do I sign up for a meal plan?
New students choose a meal plan on their housing contract (Housing selection and meal plan information is mailed out in late May to admitted Willamette University students). Returning students select a meal plan during spring sign-up for the following academic year.
If I want to change my meal plan, when and how do I change it?
Meal plan changes are accepted during the first two weeks of Fall and Spring Semester. All requests must be done in writing. Forms are available on-line by accessing your Jason Account (Joint Academic/Administrative System), emailing housing@willamette.edu or available in the Residential Services Office during the meal plan change period. No meal plan changes are accepted after the second week of the Fall and Spring Semester.
Who do I see if I have medical or dietary restrictions?
Make an appoitment with a Bon Appétit manager if you have medical or dietary restrictions. They will listen and direct you to the available options.
Are Meal Plan Points considered actual money?
Points are not real money. It is a method of assigning values for the different meal plan options.
Do I get a cash refund if I have Points left over?
No, there is no compensation for left over Points.
What happens to my Points at the end of the semester?
At the end of the Fall, the Points are carried forward to your Spring semester meal plan if you remain on campus (excluding residents of sororities, Haseldorf and University Apartments and students going abroad). At the end of Spring semester, you must use up your Meal Plan Points. Points will not carry over to the next Fall semester.
How can I check my Point account balance?
Your balance is listed on the register each time you make a purchase or you can check your balance on-line at willamette.edu/compasscard/cardoffice/. The average Point usage charts posted on the information board in Goudy Commons are figured for breakfast and lunch at Goudy and the CAT. If your spending pattern does not correspond to the daily average, consider changing your meal plan at semester.
If I run out of meal plan Points what can I do?
You can add money to your Compass Card. Voluntary money that is put on your card is known as Compass Cash and can be used in several locations on campus. There are many ways you can add funds to your Compass Card. Some of them include: cash-to-card machines located around campus, going to the Campus Card office, or online at willamette.edu/compasscard/cardoffice/. Funds added to your Compass Card account are not refundable except upon graduation, withdrawal or termination from the University.
Are dinners and brunches deducted from my Points?
On Plan A, B, C and D, dinner and brunch meals are part of the "all-you-can-eat" (AYCE) meals and are not deducted from your Meal Plan Points. Your meal plan covers all of these meals for the entire semester. The JS Plan (junior/senior) includes 3 AYCE meals per week. Additional AYCE meals are deducted from the points portion of the plan.
Can you give me an example of how Points work for breakfast and lunch?
Every food item has an individual price. Whatever items you select are totaled at the cash register and automatically deducted from your Points.
What happens if I miss a dinner or brunch? Do I get compensated for that missed meal?
No, there is no compensation for a missed meal, but students who are going to miss a meal can request a replacement sack meal 24 hours ahead at no additional cost.
Do my meal plan Points work at the Cat Cavern, or Montag Center C-Store?
Yes. Points may be used at the Cat Cavern, Goudy Commons, and the Montag Center C-Store. If you plan to use Points at Montag for evening snacks, consider selecting a larger plan.