student selecting food from serving line
Apr 25

Campus Meal Plan 2025 spring semester account check in

With just two weeks left in spring semester approaches, students are reminded to review their spring semester Campus Meal Plan account and if applicable, adjust their plan in eLiving to meet their needs. 

>>> The options that are available to each student will depend on the student's current Campus Meal Plan level AND their current dining dollar balance. Students will receive an email with instructions based on their individual account scenario.

There are four scenarios:

  1. No or low dining dollar balance. Overdraft protection is available through LionCash. If a student's dining dollars balance reaches $0.00, the register system will automatically transfer funds from LionCash to the meal plan account to cover the cost of the purchase at the same discounted meal plan rate structure, as long as there are LionCash funds available. LionCash funds do not expire at the end of the semester.
     
  2. Level 1 high balance. Since a level 1 is the minimum level required, remaining funds are not available for refund. Students are encouraged to spend their remaining dining dollars before leaving campus.
     
  3. Excess funds available to withdraw. Students with a level 2 or 3 but not enough dining dollar funds to reduce to a lower level may be eligible to withdraw excess funds. A minimum balance of $897 for level 1 must be maintained for the entire semester. Eligible students have the unique opportunity to withdraw a portion of unused dining dollars, which will be credited to their LionPATH account. This option is available starting April 18.
     
  4. Level 2 or 3 can lower plan OR withdraw excess funds. Students with a level 2 or 3 meal plan and a high dining dollars balance may be eligible to lower their meal plan level. A minimum balance of $897 for level 1 must be maintained for the entire semester. Eligible students can choose to lower their meal plan level or withdraw excess funds, which will be credited to their LionPATH account. This option is available starting April 18.

Students who lower their Campus Meal Plan level or withdraw excess funds will still have Overdraft Protection with LionCash if their dining dollars balance runs low before leaving campus.

Deadline

Deadline to modify the Campus Meal Plan level or withdraw excess funds in eLiving is noon, Friday, May 9.

The student's eLiving account will indicate if they are eligible to lower their meal plan level and/or withdraw excess funds. These options will not display if the student's account is not eligible for either option.

  1. Log in to eLiving
  2. Select My Info > My Meal Plan
  3. Select Spring 2025 for the contract period drop down menu
  4. Review account information. If needed, follow the instructions to select a different level or withdraw excess funds.

Spring semester meal plans will deactivate when a student checks out of housing OR at 4 p.m., Sunday, May 11, whichever occurs first.

Dining Dollars Balance

Any remaining dining dollars balance at the end of the spring semester will expire. Students are encouraged to spend excess funds before leaving campus.

 

Swipe Out Hunger

Students who have a high balance of dining dollars can practice social sustainability during Earth Week by helping to care for our fellow students with the donation of dining dollars. Learn more about the Swipe Out Hunger Campaign, available April 20-26. 

 

Food Assistance Available

Students who are struggling to access food or other basic resources can access support though Student Care and Advocacy: 814-863-2020 or studentcare@psu.edu. Students can also complete the Basic Needs Request Form.