Frequently Asked Questions

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What are Flex Dollars ?

Flex Dollars are prepaid cash value credits that permit students to purchase meals on campus and other food items without having to carry cash. The credits are simply loaded into a special dining service account which is accessible by scanning the student ID card.

Flex Dollars may be used to purchase meals in the Ordal Dining Room at the posted on-campus meal rate, order delivery pizza from Domino's, concession stands and purchase a la carte food items in the Viking Huddle.

What is the difference between Flex Dollars and Viking Bucks and how do each work with my dining needs?

Flex Dollars are prepaid credits that are built into the "Block" meal plans . Viking Bucks are used just like Flex Dollars but is purchased separately from meal plans. In fact, Viking Bucks can be purchased by anyone with a college ID card, whether they have a meal plan or not. Students, faculty and staff have the flexibility to add Viking Bucks to their account at any time during the academic year.

Flex Dollars balances can be rolled over from fall to spring semester, but must be used by May 19, 2012 or the cash value will be forfeited.

Viking Buck$ balances can be rolled over from semester to semester and year to year. Unlike Flex Dollars, Viking Buck$ are not accepted at Domino's Pizza.

What is a "Block" meal plan?

Block plans provide the convenience of a pre-determined number of meals for the entire semester. Some students worry about missed meals during the week if they are on a "Traditional" plan - no need to worry with a block plan because the number of meals in the plan are "blocked in" for the entire semester. This plan also has the added flexibility of permitting friends, family, anyone...to dine on your block meal plan.

With the Augie Gold and Augie Blue Block Plans, students are able to convert meals to Flex Dollars at a rate of $5 per meal on the following dates:

Fall Semester 2011: September 16th, December 2nd.
Spring Semester 2012: February 10th, April 20th.

What happens to my unused meals at the end of the semester if I am on a block plan?

All Fall semester meal plans end on January 12th, 2012. Flex Dollars and Viking Bucks balances will roll over to the Spring semester, but any unused meals from the Fall semester will be forfeited on that date. All unused meal and, Flex Dollars balances will be forfeited May 19, 2012.

What is a "Traditional" meal plan?

Traditional meal plans are set up to give students a predetermined number of meals each week that classes are in session.. The cost for meals with traditional plans are less than block plans because students may miss some of the weekly meals on their plan.The Viking, our traditional plan, has Flex Dollars built in, and students who would like even more flexibility for purchases in the Huddle and for ordering a pizza from Domino's may purchase additional Viking Bucks at a 15% discount.

Flex Dollars must be used by May 19, 2012 or they will be forfeited.

What can I do if I find that I need to eat more meals a week than my meal plan permits - or that I have too may meals to use before the end of the semester?

If you're found that you have too many meals allotted per semester, you will have the opportunity to convert meals to Flex Dollars at a rate of $5 per meal two times a semester. In the Fall, those two days are September 16th and December 2nd, for Spring those two days are February 10th and April 20th.

All of the information about meal plans describe the dining services program by the semester. How do the meal plans work during the Interim (January term)?

Fall and spring semester meal plans cover the Interim. Specifically, the fall semester plan provides meals through the first half of January and for students enrolled during the spring semester, your spring plan will cover meals during the second half of January. Please note that for students enrolled only during the fall or spring semester, meal plans are limited to the semester of actual enrollment.

Tell me how the pizza delivery program works with my meal plan?

Students who have purchased a meal plan with Flex Dollars in their dining account may order pizza from Domino's Pizza. Special prices for Augustana students are deducted from Flex Dollar accounts when the pizza is delivered.

Pizza delivery comes from the Domino’s Pizza store closest to the campus (1001 S. Minnesota Ave.) so pizza delivery must be limited to the area within the local neighborhood surrounding the campus.

Pizza delivery using Flex Dollars is available during the following days and times of the week when classes are in session:

Monday - Thursday................................11:00 a.m. - 1:00 a.m.
Friday - Saturday....................................11:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Sunday.....................................................11:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.

I have a need for special dietary accommodations. How do I go about making arrangements with my meal plan?

Our dining services staff will provide special diet meals for students with medical, religious or cultural requirements. Prescribed diet requirements must be documented in writing by a doctor or other nutritional professional.