Dining FAQs

ETSU Dining Services Fact Sheet

Revised 6/15/2020

Q. Why is dining on campus important?

A. Research done by the Association of College and University Housing Officers, International (ACUHO-I) and the National Study of Student Engagement have both proven that campus dining is a high-impact area for the university as related to student satisfaction and engagement. Based upon student feedback, we have been challenged to improve our dining service experience by providing more flexibility and the offerings of concepts similar to that of other institutions.

The ability to dine together throughout the day and seven days a week can have a direct impact on students residential experiences. This is especially true for the freshmen experience, which is that bonding time when first-year students are eating together in campus residence halls and dining venues where freshmen build not only friendships with each other but also tighter bonds with the University. In addition, research has shown that retention and graduation rates (not to mention strong alumni programs) are often directly affected by this type of meaningful program.

Living and eating on campus helps students form relationships and a connection to the campus experience that supports engagement and success. The planned renovation of our University Center and dining facilities has created an opportunity to step back and vision where we would like to go with our dining program over the next 5-10 years. The University's goal is to provide the best possible food service and dining experience for our students and community. In the fall, we worked with Porter Khouw Consulting, a national university food service consulting group, to conduct focus groups and a campus wide survey about the expectations and needs for the dining experience on campus, and talked with other institutions around the country who had changed their food service models. We also reviewed the plan offerings of other Tennessee Board of Regents institutions, and they all have a dining plan requirement of some type.

Anytime Dining will greatly enhance the dining offerings and service for our students and it will bring residential students to the university center on a daily basis to connect with students, programs, and activities that will enhance their overall student experience.

These plans will provide dining plan holders with unlimited access to marche-style (unlimited seconds featuring display cooking and made-to-order foods) dining in the Market Place Dining Commons seven days a week and the Tree House during all operating hours. This plan is designed to encourage community building. We are going to be able to offer a full set of food options whether students want a full meal, a late night gourmet burger, a cup of coffee, or a vegetarian/vegan meal.
Q. What will be the meal plan options for Anytime Dining?

A. Anytime 7 Day Silver Meal Plan This includes unlimited access to Marche-style (unlimited seconds featuring display cooking and made-to-order foods) dining in the Market|Place seven days a week and the Tree House during all operating hours. This dining plan include four (4) guest meal passes, and $100 dining dollars which can be used in retail dining locations. Students will have the ability to buy additional dining dollars through the semester, if they wish to do so.

Anytime 7 Day Gold Meal Plan: This includes unlimited access to Marche-style (unlimited seconds featuring display cooking and made-to-order foods) dining in the Market|Place seven days a week and the Tree House during all operating hours. This dining plan includes eight (8) guest meal passes, and $200 dining dollars which can be used in retail dining locations. Students will have the ability to buy additional dining dollars through the semester, if they wish to do so.

Anytime 7 Day Platinum Meal Plan: This includes unlimited access to Marche-style (unlimited seconds featuring display cooking and made-to-order foods) dining in the Market|Place seven days a week and the Tree House during all operating hours. This dining plan includes ten (10) guest meal passes, and $400 dining dollars which can be used in retail dining locations. Students will have the ability to buy additional dining dollars through the semester, if they wish to do so.

Anytime 5 Day Meal Plan This includes unlimited access to Marche-style (unlimited seconds featuring display cooking and made-to-order foods)dining in the Market|Place five days a week and the Tree House during all operating hours. This dining plan includes four (4) guest meal passes, and $100 dining dollars which can be used in retail dining locations. Students will have the ability to buy additional dining dollars through the semester, if they wish to do so.

There are also select Block Plans that convenient for commuter students and Buccaneer Ridge residents. More information for these plans can be found here.
Q. Who will have a meal plan?

A. A dining plan is part of the residential experience for all students living on campus, except for those living in the Buccaneer Ridge Apartments.
Students who move to Buccaneer Ridge Apartments during the agreement period may request to cancel their Anytime Dining Meal Plan and receive Anytime Plan refunds according to the University Refund Policy.
Q. Who can have a meal plan?

A. There are options available to all students. ETSU faculty and staff members may buy a plan through the ETSU Dining website.
Q. I am a commuter student. What plans can I purchase?

A. Commuter students may purchase any of the Anytime Plans or Block Plans.
Q. How do I sign-up for a meal plan?

A. Students who wish to sign up for any of the 5- or 7-day plans or the Block Plans can email housing@etsu.edu to request a meal plan application.
Q. How do I pay for my meal plan?

A. Fees for dining plans will be added to the student's Goldlink account. Commuter students buying any of the plans, or residential students buying a Block Plan, will have tax added to their plan totals.
Q. What is a Meal?

A. A Meal is a single swipe to enter the Market|Place or the Tree House for breakfast, lunch, and dinner or at selected other times.
Q. What are guest meals?

A. Guest meals function exactly like a regular meal at the students discretion. In most instances, guest meals are used to treat visiting friends and family to a meal in the Market|Place.
Q. How do I use my dining plan?

A. All of your dining plan information is placed on your student ID card and must be presented at each location where your meal plan or dining dollars are used.
Q. Can I change my dining plan?

A. Depending on the student’s Meal Plan Agreement, either Commuter or Residential, meal plans may be changed within a given time frame.
Q. Can I use a meal swipe at any dining location?

A. Each meal swipe may be used in the Market|Place or at the Tree House.

Anytime Dining Meal Plans may be used at the Treehouse Takeout, but swipes are not unlimited. If a meal plan is used at the Treehouse, that meal plan may not be used at the Marketplace or Treehouse until the next meal period begins. If a meal plan is used at the Marketplace, that meal plan may not be used at the Treehouse until 2 hours has passed. This policy is to insure that Anytime Meal Plans are being used for only one student.
Q. How do I know how many dining dollars I have?

A. You may obtain the information at each service location or by logging in to the ID system here.
Q. Do dining dollars roll over to the next semester or next year?

A. Unused dining dollars at the end of fall semester roll forward to the spring semester if the student is enrolled; however, unused dining dollars at the end of the spring semester are forfeited. Flex Dollars roll over from fall to spring if the student is enrolled. Unused flex dollars are forfeited at the end of the spring semester.
Q. When can I use my Anytime Dining plan?

A. For the 7 Day plans you may use it 7 days a week from 7:00am-12:00am at the Market|Place. For the 5 Day plans you may use it Monday-Friday from 7:00am-12:00am.

Block Plans may be used during any operating hours in the Market:Place.

All plans may be used during operating hours at the Tree House during the academic year with some restrictions at selected holidays and breaks.
Q. What locations can I use my Anytime Dining plan?

A. Anytime Dining Plans and Block Plans may be used in the Market|Place in the D. P. Culp University Center or the Tree House. Dining Dollars and Flex Dollars may be used at on-campus retail dining locations.

Anytime Dining Meal Plans may be used at the Treehouse Takeout, but swipes are not unlimited. If a meal plan is used at the Treehouse, that meal plan may not be used at the Marketplace or Treehouse until the next meal period begins. If a meal plan is used at the Marketplace, that meal plan may not be used at the Treehouse until 2 hours has passed. This policy is to insure that Anytime Meal Plans are being used for only one student.
Q. What if I have special dietary needs or food allergies?

A. Students with special dietary needs or food allergies are encouraged to meet directly with Dining Services staff to discuss and prepare a plan to meet your needs.
Q. What if I run out of dining dollars?

A. Students will have the ability to buy additional dining dollars throughout the semester through the ID Services website.
Q. What will be available in the Market|Place?

A. A premium salad bar with fresh fruits, vegetables, and proteins

Made-to-order sandwiches, wraps, and paninis

Classic comfort foods and carving station

Pizza and pasta made-to-order options

Hand-formed burgers, chicken sandwiches and sides

Vegan/vegetarian offerings and options to meet special dietary needs

Hot breakfast items

Charging station access

Variety of seating options, including soft seating
Q. Will there be dining services available during breaks and holidays?

A. Yes, there will be some service available, but with limited options and hours.