dining FAQ

All you need to know about our meal plans and what's on campus.

Meal Plans

What are Salem Bucks?
Salem Bucks come with your meal plan. These can be used at the Student Center Cafe working on the same principle as a debit card. Salem Bucks roll over from semester to semester and expire at the end of the academic year.
Running low on Salem Bucks? Recharge today and make your life easier! Salem Bucks are tied to a meal plan, you can add more or separately by adding Spirit Dollars. Any Spirit Dollars not used will not be refunded.
How do I reload Spirit Dollars?

Click here!

What is the difference between Meal Swipes and Meal Exchanges?

Meal Swipes are used for entry to our all-you-care-to-eat restaurant, The Refectory. Meal Exchanges are pre-determined combo meals at our retail location, Student Center Cafe, that includes one or more selections of an entrée and drink! Meal Exchanges give you more flexibility with your plan! If you would like a menu item not on that list, then you would use your Salem Bucks provided in your meal plan.

Where can I find dining hours and menus?

Salem dining has everything you need to find hours of service and our menus that change daily in The Refectory. If you have an allergy our menu allows you to filter out that allergen to show you all of the options available for you to eat! You can also find our hours on the entrances of campus dining restaurants.

Who can address my allergy and dietary need?

We take food allergies and sensitivities very seriously. Many students, faculty, and staff have allergies and/or sensitivities to foods such as nuts, wheat, milk, eggs, and others. We strongly recommend that everyone on campus who has such an allergy or sensitivity contact us before or upon their arrival on campus so that we may become familiar with their particular needs and concerns.

Campus Dietitian – 336.758.6410 | A contact form can be found on our Health and Wellbeing page.

We work diligently to make our dining hall as safe as possible for those with food allergies, we strongly encourage you to ask the chefs and/or servers questions about particular bakery or menu items and their ingredients. It is our mission that you find your dining experience to be a pleasant one, and we will gladly meet with you to help create an eating plan that meets your nutritional needs.

Am I required to purchase a meal plan?

On-Campus Residents:  All students living on campus are automatically enrolled in the All Access meal plan.

Off-Campus Students (Commuters):  All off-campus students are not required to purchase a meal plan but, many students take advantage of the convenience and value a meal plan has to offer.

Salem Bucks roll over from the fall to spring semester and expire at the end of the academic year. Running low on Salem Bucks? Recharge today and make your life easier! Salem Bucks are tied to a meal plan, you can add more or separately by adding Spirit Dollars.

In addition to the dining halls, where else can I eat on campus?

Salem Greens is the newest dining option on campus. Located in the Student Center Cafe, it offers fresh, made-to-order options.

Are reusable boxes available for to-go at the dining halls?

Yes! We have a reusable to-go box program in place.

How to get a green to-go box:

– Pay a $5 deposit for a reusable to-go box
– Fill it up with a wide variety of offerings
– Take it with you!

Upon return:

– Drop your green box into this box
– Ask our cashier for a clean green box to refill or a tag for another time
– You may be reimbursed for your $5 deposit at any time