MEAL PLAN CONTRACT  Fall ’26

Meal Plans and Benefits:

1. Purpose and Scope

   This agreement regulates the student’s participation in the University of Rhode Island Dining Services meal plans for the Fall 2026 semester. It applies to the use of Mainfare and Butterfield Dining Halls, Dining Services retail outlets, off-campus merchants, and authorized campus mobile ordering platforms. By selecting a meal plan, the student acknowledges having reviewed and agreed to this agreement.

2. Eligibility and Requirements

   Students residing in University-owned or University-operated housing are required to purchase a meal plan. Students in traditional housing without full in-unit kitchens must purchase a Campus (Unlimited Access) Plan. Students in approved non-traditional housing with full kitchens or designated communities may select either a Campus (Unlimited Access) Plan or Flex Plan, based on housing location eligibility criteria. Students living off campus may purchase a meal plan on an optional basis.

   If a required meal plan is not selected by the stated deadline, the University will assign an appropriate default plan based on housing status and location. Plan offerings are published by Dining Services (https://web.uri.edu/dining/meal-plans/)and may be updated as needed throughout the year.

3. Meal Plan Types and Use

   Campus (Unlimited Access) Plans provide unlimited entry to designated dining halls during posted hours for the agreement’s term; meals are primarily for on-site consumption, except where limited take-out or mobile ordering is expressly authorized.

   Flex Plans consist of declining balance funds usable at participating Dining Services locations, including for individual entry at posted rates to the dining halls, and are subject to the same conduct and use rules.

   All meal plans are for the personal use of the assigned Student and are non-transferable. Access is provided through a valid University-issued identification credential (physical or approved digital). Permitting another person to use one’s credentials, using another’s credentials, or obtaining food for others constitutes a misuse of student funds and may result in disciplinary action, additional charges, restriction or termination of privileges, and other remedies. If a student loses dining privileges due to misuse, a refund is not guaranteed, but the University may consider a prorated refund based on the remaining term and the circumstances of the suspension or revocation.

4. Identification and Access

   The student must maintain a valid University identification credential recognized by Dining Services systems and promptly report any loss, theft, or compromise. Access locations, hours of operation, and procedures are published by Dining Services and may be modified as needed for operational or safety reasons.

5. Dining Dollars and Ram Account

   Dining Dollars, when included in a plan, may be used at participating Dining Services locations, including certain dining hall entries, retail purchases, or on-campus mobile orders. Dining Dollars become available at plan activation, carry from Fall to Spring within the same academic year, and expire at the end of Spring; remaining balances do not roll to future years and are not refundable except where required by this agreement or applicable law.

   The Ram Account is a separate stored-value account and not a meal plan. Funds may be used at designated participating locations; participating vendors are subject to change. Balances may carry forward while the student remains enrolled and the account remains active. Upon separation from the University, the Student may request a refund of any remaining Ram Account balance, funded directly by the student, net of outstanding charges and subject to any published processing fee. Restricted or promotional funds are not refundable. If no qualifying activity occurs for 30 days, the account may be treated in accordance with applicable law.

6. Facilities and Conduct

   While using Dining Services facilities, the Student and guests must comply with all University policies and codes of conduct. Appropriate attire, including shoes and shirts, is required. Removal of property, including equipment and service ware, without authorization is prohibited. Animals are not permitted in dining areas, with the exception of service animals as required by law or as otherwise permitted by applicable University policy. Violations of this agreement, University policy, and/or the code of conduct may be referred to the Dean of Students and/or the University of Rhode Island Police Department, depending on the action’s severity. The University is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings in Dining Services locations.

7. Meal Plan Term and Renewal

   Meal plans are contracted by semester. For students required to maintain a plan for the academic year, the Fall plan will be continued in Spring unless changed during a designated Spring Change Period. All selections, renewals, and changes must comply with deadlines published on the Dining website and this agreement.

8. Changes, Cancellations, and Forfeiture

   A Change Period, which consists of the first two weeks of the semester, allows eligible changes between plan types through the official University process. Changes are effective when recorded by Dining Services and the billing system.

   If a plan is changed within the Change Period, usage before the effective change will be billed at current cash or individual rates. Requests submitted after the Change Period may be denied.

   After the Change Period, the meal plan is a binding financial obligation for the semester. Cancellations or reductions are only considered in limited circumstances, including official withdrawal, approved leave, graduation, academic dismissal, documented medical or disability-related needs not reasonably accommodated within the existing plan, approved housing changes that alter eligibility, belief-based needs, or other exceptional circumstances as determined by the Director of Dining Services or designee. Without an approved exception, no refund or release is granted for non-use, personal preference, or dissatisfaction where services remain available.

   The University may correct administrative errors, address system issues, or respond to operational or public health requirements by adjusting plan components or access, providing substantially equivalent value where practicable. Meal plans and associated benefits are non-transferable; unless expressly stated otherwise or required by law, unused meals, swipes, or Dining Dollars at the end of the year do not roll forward, convert into an alternate university tender (e.g., RAM Account), or convert to cash.

   Approved refunds or adjustments follow the University’s refund schedule; unused meal plan swipes or Dining Dollars alone do not guarantee eligibility.

9. Accommodations

   The University complies with all applicable laws governing the rights of individuals with disabilities. Students seeking a reasonable accommodation must submit required documentation and participate in the accommodation process with the Office of Disability, Access, and Inclusion (DAI). Students are also strongly encouraged to consult the Dining Services Dietitian to identify safe and appropriate dining options.

10. Service Modifications and Force Majeure

    Dining operations, locations, hours, and service formats may be adjusted during holidays, breaks, or special schedules, and in response to circumstances beyond the University’s control, including severe weather, utility failures, public health directives, labor actions, or other emergencies. The University will make reasonable efforts to provide alternate dining access or comparable value; however, such adjustments do not automatically entitle the student to a refund. Any credits or refunds will be determined by the University based on the nature and extent of any disruption and/or adjustment, and in accordance with University policy and applicable law.

11. Pricing and Single-Entry Access

    Retail pricing, individual dining hall door rates, and guest meal prices are established by Dining Services and may change without prior notice. Campus (Unlimited Access) Plan holders are entitled to unlimited dining hall access during posted hours, subject to the terms of this agreement. Use of Flex Plan or Ram Account funds for access is at the then-current rates.

12. Financial Responsibility, Billing, and Collections

    By selecting a meal plan and remaining enrolled after the Change Period, the Student accepts responsibility for all associated charges, regardless of usage. Charges are billed to the Student’s University account and are due in accordance with Enrollment deadlines. The University may apply scholarships, grants, loans, sponsorships, or third-party payments as allowed by the particular funding source; any unpaid balance remains the student’s obligation.

    Failure to pay may result in late fees, inability to register for the coming semester, restriction of services (including meal access), and referral to collection agencies or legal action.

13. Dispute Resolution and Appeals

    Concerns regarding charges, usage, or administration should be submitted in writing to the ID and Dining Office within two weeks of the issue, with supporting information and the requested resolution. Dining Services will review and respond in writing as promptly as possible.

    If dissatisfied, the student may submit a written appeal to the Director of Dining Services or designee within fifteen (15) calendar days of the response, stating specific grounds and including supporting documentation. The Director or designee will issue a written decision, which constitutes Dining Services’ final determination for purposes of this agreement, subject to any applicable University-wide grievance or civil rights procedures. Failure to follow timelines without good cause will result in the matter not being reviewed further.

14. Allergens, Nutrition, and Student Responsibilities

    The student is responsible for managing individual dietary needs and for reviewing nutrition and allergen information made available through signage, online resources, and staff consultation. Students with allergies or medical conditions are strongly encouraged to register with the Office for Disability, Access, and Inclusion and meet with the Dining Services Dietitian.

    The University endeavors to provide accurate information and reasonable options but does not guarantee an allergen-free environment. The student must exercise caution and seek clarification when uncertain.

15. Plan Rates, Modifications, and Notices

    Meal plan rates are approved through University processes and published on the Dining website prior to the term. The University may modify meal plan structures, benefits, and rates for future terms; such changes will not retroactively increase the contracted charge for the current term except as may be permitted by law.

16. Privacy and Communications

    Personal information used to administer meal plans will be managed in accordance with applicable privacy laws and University policies. Official communications regarding meal plans, billing, and account status will be sent to the Student’s University email, which the student is expected to check regularly.

17. Entire Agreement; Amendments; Severability

    This agreement, together with incorporated University policies, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties regarding the Fall 2026 meal plan and supersedes any prior representations concerning this subject. Amendments or waivers must be in writing and authorized by the University.

    If any provision is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in effect and be construed to best reflect the parties’ intent and University policy.

18. Digital Acceptance

    Submission of a meal plan selection through the University’s approved electronic process constitutes the student’s electronic signature and acceptance of this agreement. The student affirms having had the opportunity to review these terms prior to selection.

    If the Student is under 18, both the parent/guardian and the student are required to sign this agreement and accept the financial responsibilities specified herein.