What are dining centers?

  • We have three all-you-care-to-eat dining centers (Friley Windows, UDM, and Seasons). Think of them as your favorite buffet but without the tips or taxes.
  • Conversations Dining (Oak-Elm) is now a GET & Go location.  You can order on the GET Mobile app from our GET & Go locations up to two times a day.

Which dining centers can I use?

  • You can use any of them!  Depending on where you live might help you determine which ones you might frequent more.  Friley Windows and UDM are located on the west side of campus and Seasons Marketplace and Conversations are located on the east side of campus.

How do I get into the dining centers?

  • You can swipe into the dining centers by either handing your ISU Card to the greeter or by scanning the GET Mobile app at the greeter stand. If you do not have a meal plan, you can pay at the greeter stand with a credit/debit card.

Can I take a to-go meal from a dining center?

  • While we do not offer a to-go meal from our all-you-care-to-eat dining center locations, we do have to-go options located in Conversations (Oak-Elm), West Side Market (UDCC), East Side Market (Maple-Willow-Larch), Lance & Ellie’s (Memorial Union – Breakfast only) and Whirlybird’s (State Gym) that utilize a dining center meal swipe.
  • Go to your GET Mobile app and order ahead.
  • GET & Go meals vary at each location, so check the GET app for meals that apply. You can use GET & Go meals up to 2 times a day!
  • You may take one piece of fruit and/or one dessert or coffee in a personal travel mug from the dining centers.

What are “required” meal plans?

  • Meal plans are convenient, flexible, and loaded with options. Your meal plan gets you access to 20+ dining locations all across campus with a range of menus and offerings.  You’ll get guaranteed value, whether you eat on campus three times a week or three times a day!  We’ve got you covered no matter which meal plan you choose!

How do I know if I have to have a meal plan?

  • If you’re a first-year student living in Oak-Elm, Birch-Welch-Roberts, Barton-Lyon-Freeman, Maple, Willow, Larch, Geoffroy, Buchanan, Eaton, Martin, Helser, or Friley Halls.
  • Here are plans to choose from.

When do meal plans start and stop?

Can I change my meal plan?

  • You can upgrade your meal plan at any time.  Please see our website for specific deadlines per semester. Changes can be made using StarRez.

What happens if I run out of meal swipes?

  • If you run out of meal swipes, you can upgrade to an unlimited plan or purchase a block meal plan or additional Dining Dollars anytime.

What are Flex Meals?

  • For the Campanile and Meal Block plans, you can use your meals as Flex Meals in all retail locations when you need a meal on the go. Your Flex Meal starting in Fall of 2024 is worth $12.50 and can be used to purchase all your favorites at our cafes, markets, and fast-casual restaurants.
  • If you’re unsure if the items you selected count toward your Flex Meal, just ask our employees and we will be glad to help you.
  • A Flex Meal will allow entry into any of our three all-you-care-to-dine dining centers.

What is the dollar value of a Flex Meal?

  • Flex Meals are each worth $12.50 (starting in Fall 2024).

How do I use a Flex Meal?

  • When paying, just tell the greeter or cashier that you would like to use a Flex Meal.

What if I spend over the dollar value of my Flex Meal?

  • The cashier will alert you of spending over the dollar amount of your Flex Meal if you go over.  They will ask how you want to pay the remaining balance.
  • You can pay the difference with Dining Dollars or credit. If you spend under the value, no refunds will be given.

What does it mean when you say “retail” locations

  • These are basically every location other than dining centers.  These include our fast-casual restaurants, cafes, and our c-stores.
  • You will use your dining dollars or Flex Meals in these locations if you are on a meal plan.

Can I use my meal plan at Panda Express and Sushi Do in the Memorial Union?

  • Dining Dollars can be used at Panda Express and Sushi Do in the Memorial Union. Flex Meals and meal swipes are not accepted at these locations.

What are Dining Dollars?

  • These spend dollar for dollar at any of our locations and are great when you need a study snack at 1 a.m. The Cardinal, Gold, and Campanile meal plans all come with Dining Dollars. They can be added to any plan if you run short!
  • Not on a meal plan? You can just buy Dining Dollars so you know you have money set aside for food. All Dining Dollars expire at the end of the spring semester.

What dining options and information is available to me if I have a food allergy or special diet needs?

  • We’re committed to offering food options that meet the needs of students on special/restricted diets. Reasonable accommodations are available to meet the needs of eligible students.

Can I pay for a guest using my meal plan?

  • Yes, you can! The Cardinal Plan will allow 5 guest meals per academic year.  For all other plans, Flex Meals and Dining Dollars can also be used at our dining centers.

How do I keep track of all of my meals?

  • You can check your meal plan balances anytime by using the GET Mobile app. GET Mobile not only shows your balances, but you can also order online at several of our locations.   You will need your Net ID and password to access your Flex Meals balance.

What is the GET Mobile App?  Do I need it?

  • You can scan into locations and pay without using your ISU Card (works with any meal plan).
  • Order from multiple locations and skip the lines!
  • Check your meal plan balances.
  • Load your credit card directly to the app and have an easier way to pay for the items you want!
  • You must use the GET app if you are ordering  GET & Go dining center meals.

Can I have my picture updated on the Get Mobile App?

  • After having a new picture taken in the Card Office, email dining@iastate.edu with your student ID number to request an update.

Can I purchase a meal plan if I live off-campus?

  • Off-campus students may select from any of the residence hall plans or create their own meal plan by purchasing meal blocks and Dining Dollars.

Can I eat in the dining centers or retail locations if I don’t have a meal plan?

  • Yes. All of our locations are open to the public.  If you do not have a meal plan, you can use credit/debit or Apple Pay to pay in any residential or retail location.

What if I am sick?

  • Students should consider acquiring a GET & Go meal at West Side Market, East Side Market, Whirlybird’s, Lance & Ellie’s breakfast, or Conversations GET & Go locations and return to their room or apartment to lessen the spread of infectious disease. GET & Go uses a dining center swipe and is a portable, low-contact meal option.
  • Students can also order a meal at any retail location using Dining Dollars to take back to their room or apartment.
  • When picking up a meal from GET & Go or a retail location.
  • When GET & Go is not available, students could utilize the dining centers during off-peak hours, wearing a face covering, and keeping a safe distance from others while seated.

What if I am sick and cannot leave my room or apartment?

  • In the instance where a student is not able to source a portable meal option on their own, recovery meals are also available at the dining centers.
  • To order a recovery meal, the ill student should email the closest dining center at least 2 hours prior to their desired pick up time.  The email should include the student’s name, phone number, student ID number, any dietary restrictions, time the meal will be picked up, and who (friend or roommate) will pick up the recovery meal.  The friend or roommate of the ill student will go to the dining center at the specified time and let the greeter know they are there to pick up a recovery meal.  Multiple meals can be ordered at a time for the day if desired.
  • After ordering a recovery meal, the facility manager will deduct meals from the student’s meal plan balance for the cost of the meal(s). If the student has exhausted all of their meals, the student will be charged for the meal. The facility manager will then compile meal items according to dietary requirements.
  • ISU Dining provides recovery meals to satisfy the needs of its customers and to minimize the risk of spreading illness.  Students with highly contagious symptoms should not enter dining facilities without proper face coverings.
Union Drive Marketplace udm-mgmt@iastate.edu
Seasons Marketplace seasons-mgmt@iastate.edu
Friley Windows windows-din-mgmt@iastate.edu
Conversations GET and GO convo-mgmt@iastate.edu