Meal Plans

Students living on campus may select from either a 19 or 15 meals-per-week plan. The 19 meal plan is required for all resident first-year students. We also offer seniors the option of a 10 meals-per-week plan.

Commuter students may purchase a five, 10, or 15 meals-per-week plan to be added to their tuition bill, please ask about this option at the Office of Residence Life.

Meals are served cafeteria style unless otherwise noted and “unlimited seconds” are provided at every meal, except for premium entree meals. Meal plans are nontransferable. Students also may pay individually for additional meals. 

COVID-19 Health & Safety Policies

Updated traffic patterns and safety procedures to prevent and reduce the spread of COVID-19. Below are some examples of how we're keeping our dining hall area safe. 

  • Guests can scan GET app or hand cashier an ID card at the cashier station.
  • A clockwise travel pattern will allow guests to efficiently move from the welcome station to their selected stations.
  • Self-serve stations require patrons to use disposable gloves.
  • Tables will be cleaned and disinfected after each meal period and free of any items like salt/pepper shakers or napkin dispensers
  • Adjustments in seating availability will be made in accordance with local government regulations and set capacity of the space. 

Review the dining policies below or take a look at our COVID-19 Campus Guidance for more information. 

Dining Hall Procedures & Traffic Patterns

Welcome Area and Instruction Signs 

  • Staff will offer a friendly greeting standing behind a plexiglass barrier and equipped with appropriate PPE at the checker stand. 
  • Guests can scan GET app or hand cashier an ID card at the cashier station. 
  • Enhanced sanitation procedures and hand sanitizing stations available.

Moving through the Server Area 

  • A clockwise travel pattern will allow guests to efficiently move from the welcome station to their selected stations. 
  • Self-serve stations require patrons to use disposable gloves. 
  • Stations will be attended by uniformed staff who are wearing and using appropriate PPE. 
  • Staff will frequently sanitize serving stations to ensure safety and instill confidence. 
  • Stations will be designed to ensure quality selection and service with optimal sanitation standards. 
  • Entrees, sides, and condiments will be portioned by the attendant. 
  • Reusable dishware and utensils will be stored behind the service area and distributed by the attendant in a sanitary fashion. 
  • Guests can expect visible, constant sanitation and cleaning by uniformed staff. 

Seating, To-Go Options, and Personal Containers 

  • Tables will be cleaned and disinfected after each meal period and free of any items like salt/pepper shakers or napkin dispensers  
  • Adjustments in seating availability will be made in accordance with local government regulations and set capacity of the space. 
  • To-go box option or dine in are available to all patrons. 
  • No personal refillable containers to be utilized in the dining room to ensure safety for our staff and guests. 
  • Traffic patterns will lead from the seating area to the exit with designated instructions along the way for returning dishes or disposing of packaging or waste into marked receptacles.

Please review the Sodexo website for updates.

Where Can I Use My Meal Plan?

Resident Dining Hall

The Student Union Dining Hall is where you will eat the majority of your meals. The hall offers all the comforts of a home cooked meal along with a variety of innovative American entrees, ethnically inspired foods, vegetarian selections, and much more.

Koala Bucks 

All students can purchase Koala Bucks to be put on their ID card anytime the Dining Hall is open. Koala Bucks are a declining pre-paid debit put on a student’s ID and may be used at any campus food facility. Koala Bucks can be purchased at the cashier's station, the Terrace Café, or online. 

Purchase Koala Bucks Online

Guests 

As we work to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we are not allowing guests in the food court. 

Terrace Café 

The Terrace Café is located on the second floor of the Student Union Building and offers a variety of deli meals and beverages. The café operates jointly as a Starbucks location. You may use your meal swipes on Starbucks coffee and other Terrace Café purchases. Keep in mind, if you use your swipe at the café, you're not allowed to enter the servery area of the dining hall without the purchase of an additional meal.  

On-Campus Meal Plan Costs

  • 19 meals/week: $2,185 (Required for First Years)
  • 15 meals/week: $2,125
  • 10 meals/week: $2,000 (Seniors Only)
  • 5 meals/week: $900 (Commuters Only)

Meals do not carry over to the next week. Meal plans are reset every Sunday morning. A valid Columbia College ID is required for use of all meal plans. If a student has lost an ID, a temporary ID can be obtained from the CCPD for short-term use until the ID is located. If the ID is not located within a few days, the student must purchase a new ID from CCPD. Questions about the meal plan should be directed to the Office of Residence Life and Housing. 

Additional Services

Take-Out Service

Take-out service is designed for students that have a meal-time conflict. It may not be used for resident dining. Take-out boxes are limited to one entree, two side items, and one beverage. Students requiring take-out service should take their class or work schedule to the Office of Student Affairs at least 48 hours prior to the conflict. No student may pick up another student's meal. Exceptions will be taken only in writing from the campus health center for sick students. Dining Services is not responsible for food that has been improperly stored after leaving the dining hall. All take-out boxes must be taken out of the dining hall prior to consumption. We will contact the Office of Student Affairs if you are eating from a take out box in the dining hall and have your name removed from the list.

Box Lunches 

If it is necessary to pick up your meal prior to mealtime, a boxed lunch (deli sandwich, chips, fruit, and drink) may be prepared for early pickup. This is ideal for student teachers. Please bring your schedule to the Dining Services Manager and fill out a boxed lunch request at least 24 hours in advance to schedule pickup. Dining Services is not responsible for food that has been improperly stored after leaving the dining hall.

Special Diets

Special diets prescribed by a physician can also be accommodated. Students should see the Dining Services manager for assistance


To access more information about dining choices, plans, catering, and Koala Bucks visit Columbia College Dining.