New Dining Plans

Is the dining plan mandatory?

• The only students required to have a dining plan are those residing on campus. First year residents must select either the Unlimited 600 and Unlimited 225 plans. Upperclass students residing on campus may choose from the On-Campus Plans or either of the Unlimited plans.

Why are all residents required to have a dining plan?

• To ensure that our students are eating, living, and learning in healthful way, Dining Services require all on-campus students to purchase a dining plan. Our dining centers are social and educational hubs that help build community, encourage wellbeing, and enrich the college experience. Oh, and the food is good!

Where do you select your dining plan?

• Students will select their dining plans by using StarRez. If you are living on campus, you will automatically be signed up for the Unlimited 225 plan. You can change your dining plan by using StarRez (link).

Can students change their dining plan at certain points of the year?

• Students can adjust their dining plan selection until 11:59 p.m. the day before they go into effect each semester. Students with a dining plan for the fall semester will automatically be assigned and billed for the same dining plan for the spring semester. Dining plan changes can be made in StarRez.

Where can I go to see my account balances/transaction history on-line?

• Students may make deposits, view balances, and view transaction history via Online Services on the Hokie Passport website.

What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?

• Our dining centers offer allergen-friendly foods, ingredient transparency, and staff trained in food safety protocols. Students can also meet with our registered dietitian for personalized guidance.

How do unlimited dining plans support students with non-traditional schedules and throughout the semester?

• Unlimited access means students can eat when it fits their day—whether it’s breakfast before classes or dinner after extracurricular activities. It’s designed for flexibility and guarantees that you will not miss a meal throughout the semester.

Where can Unlimited Plans be used?

• The unlimited plan will only be used in D2 at Dietrick Hall. An Unlimited swipe resets an hour after each use during operating hours to provide guests flexibility to come and go throughout the day.

I have purchased the Unlimited dining plan; can I share my dining swipes with guests or my friends?

• Meal swipes are to be used by the student who purchased the plan and cannot be used for friends or guests. Students are not allowed to use another resident’s Hokie Passport.

How do guest meals work?

• As part of the Unlimited plans, you will receive five guest meals per semester to use at D2 at Dietrick Dining Hall. These meals can be used for guests or friends at any time. Once guest meals are used up, you can use your Declining Balance Dollars or Dining Dollars to buy meals for others at the door price per meal.

Will the dining center offering unlimited access be open throughout the academic year?

• D2 at Dietrick Dining Center will be operating seven days a week except during break weeks. Hours of operations will be published and updated on the Dining Services website.

Can I take my meals to go from D2?

• It will be evaluated, but not at this time.

Where can Declining Balance Dollars be used on campus?

• Declining Balance Dollars are declining dollars that a student can use at any dining location on campus operated by Dining Services. Think of them like cash on a debit card.

What is the rollover policy for Declining Balance Dollars?

• Declining Balance Dollars will roll over from fall to spring semester. Declining Balance Dollars will need to be used up prior to the close of business on the last day of spring semester exams. They do not carry over to the next year.

Can I add additional Declining Balance Dollars to my account?

• Once you have used your Dining Balance Dollars plan allotment, then you will use an established Dining Dollars account.

Will Faculty Staff Dining Plans be available beyond the 2026 Spring Semester?

• Dining Services will continue offering the Faculty/Staff dining plans moving forward. This isn’t a one-time offer—we designed these plans to provide a convenient, flexible option for you whenever you’re on campus.

Am I able to purchase additional funds if I use my declining balance before the end of the semester?

• The $250 Declining Balance plan is designed to provide enough funds for use in our dining centers throughout the semester. Additional Declining Dollars cannot be added to this plan.

Am I able to purchase more than the $250 plan amount to maximize my 7% bonus?

• No. The $250 plan amount cannot be increased, and additional funds cannot be added to maximize the 7% bonus.

Am I able to add small increments to my plan, similar to student flex additions?

• No. The current Flex Plan will be discontinued for students after this year, pending Board of Visitors approval this spring.

Will there be a Faculty Staff Dining Plan available over the summer?

• The Faculty/Staff plans are currently available only during the academic year.

What happens if I don’t use my declining balance funds before the end of the semester?

• Declining Balance Dollars will roll over from fall to spring as long as a spring plan is purchased. All remaining funds must be used by the close of business on the last day of spring semester exams. They do not carry over to the next academic year.

Does the Faculty Staff Plan give me access to the same discount that students get with their plans?

• The current student Flex Plans include a set base cost that allows students to make purchases at a discounted rate. These plans will be replaced by a new dining plan structure pending BOV approval this spring, and the base cost will be removed. Declining Balance Dollars will not receive discounts and will be spent dollar‑for‑dollar in our dining centers.

Is there a Declining Balance Plan refund policy?

• If you need to cancel your Faculty/Staff Declining Balance Plan, a $17.50 administrative fee will be assessed, and your remaining balance will be refunded.

Does the plan apply for DC area or Roanoke employees?

• No. The Faculty Staff Dining Plan is only available at our Blacksburg campus.