Academics
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Gallaudet University offers a choice of four meal plans to all students.

Academic Year Fall 2025 through Spring 2026
Block Plans Dining Dollars Rate Per Semester Approximate Meals Per Week
250 Meal Plan $50 $3,952 15 Meals
220 Meal Plan $50 $3,799 13 Meals
190 Meal Plan $150 $3,799 12 Meals
150 Meal Plan $150 $3,668 10 Meals

 

Academic Year Fall 2024 through Spring 2025
Block Plans Dining Dollars Rate Per Semester Approximate Meals Per Week
250 Meal Plan $50 $3,728 15 Meals
220 Meal Plan $50 $3,584 13 Meals
190 Meal Plan $150 $3,584 12 Meals
150 Meal Plan $150 $3,460 10 Meals

 

Meal Plan Eligibility Block Plan Dining Dollars
Residential Student Lives on-campus Yes – Required Optional
Commuter Student Lives off-campus Yes – Optional Optional

 

Blocks vs. Dining Dollars Value Expiration Refundable
Block Meals 1 block = 1 meal End of each semester Prorated based on an approved withdrawal from the University or Leave of Absence (LOA)
Dining Dollars 1 Dining Dollars = $1.00 USD Never expires

No

Bison Bucks 1 Bison Bucks = $1.00 USD Never expires

 

No
Campus Eateries Dining Style Meal Blocks Dining Dollars Bison Bucks Cash or Credit Card
Plaza Dining Hall All you care to eat Yes Yes Yes Yes
The Bistro at KCH All you care to eat No Yes Yes Yes
Java Corner A la carte No Yes Yes Yes
Marketplace Cafe A la carte *Meal Exchange Yes Yes Yes
Rathskellar Pub A la carte *Meal Exchange Yes Yes Yes
GrubHub Online Ordering App No Yes Yes Only Credit/Debit Card
* A Meal Exchange option will vary by location but will guarantee a full on-the-go meal with an entree, side and beverage, costing one block.
Important Meal Plan Info 2025 – 2026 Fall Semester Spring Semester
Start Dates First date of the semester August 23, 2025 – Brunch January 18, 2026 – Brunch
End Dates Resident hall closing day December 13, 2025 – Brunch May 9, 2026 – Brunch
Does Not Cover All students are responsible for their meals during these periods. Winter Break Commencement Week
**Downgrading meal plans August 29, 2025 January 23, 2026
**Upgrading meal plans Anytime Anytime

For Assistance If you are uncertain which meal plan to choose, you can always contact Food Services, a team member will work with you to select the best meal plan based on your eating habits. **Meal plan upgrades or downgrades should be communicated via to Food Services.

FAQ

  • Which meal plan is the most popular?
    • 190 Meal plan is the most popular plan
  • What is a block meal?
    • 1 block = 1 meal
  • Can I change my meal plan once the semester has begun?
    • You have until the same day of class drop/add to downgrade your meal plan
  • How do I know which meal plan to choose?
    • Start with a low block meal plan
    • Block meal plans can be upgraded anytime throughout the semester
  • What if I run out of Dining Dollars?
    • You can add dining dollars at any time from your WorkDay
    • Dining dollars will be added to your ID within 24 hours
    • The charge will be posted on the Student’s Bill
  • What if I run out of Bison Bucks?
    • You can add Bison Bucks at any time from your eAccounts
    • Bison Bucks will be added to your ID immediately
    • The charge will be debited from your Credit/Debit card
  • How can I check my dining dollar or block meal balances?
    • Your balances are at the bottom of your receipt
  • Can I treat a friend/guest?
    • Yes, but you and your ID must be present at the time of purchase
  • What if I lose my ID?
    • Contact us as soon as possible
    • Go to DPS for a new ID as soon as possible
  • What if I’m diabetic and need to eat after the cafeteria is closed?
    • Contact us to let us know
    • Provide medical documentation for approved kitchen access
  • What is a Meal Exchange?
    • Offered at the Rathskeller and MarketPlace only
    • With a meal exchange, block meal plan members can use one of their “meal swipes” at the Rathskeller or MarketPlace to add even more variety to the many dining options available to students.
    • Meal Exchange options vary by location but will guarantee a full on-the-go meal with an entree, side and beverage.
  • What if I take a leave of absence or withdraw from Gallaudet?
    • Your meal plan will be prorated based on the day we receive formal notification from the Registrar’s Office of your leave of absence or withdrawal AND Residence LIfe confirms you have moved out of the dorm.
  • Can I convert all Blocks to Dining Dollars?
    • No
  • What is GrubHub?
    • Grubhub is an online and mobile food ordering and delivery service that connects diners with local restaurants. It allows customers to place orders for delivery or pickup from a wide selection of restaurants, including national chains and local eateries.
Board Waiver

Explore Gallaudet University's Board Waiver program for student meal plans. Discover flexible dining options tailored to your needs and enhance your campus experience!

Campus Services

Guideline Type: Procedures

Summer Meal Plan

Explore Gallaudet University's Summer Meal Plan! Enjoy flexible dining options designed for students during the summer session. Nourish your body and mind!

Campus Services

Guideline Type: Rates

Contact Us

Campus Services

College Hall 314

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