Meal Plans

First-Year Meal Plan Requirement

All students entering SHSU within 1 year of high school are required to reside on-campus and purchase a University Resident Meal Plan their first year of college, usually fall and spring semesters.

Meal Plan Contract Terms and Conditions

Prospective and current students are strongly encouraged to review the terms of the Meal Plan contract carefully. By submitting the contract online, students agree to the terms outlined in the documents below. It is important to understand these details, as they cover key information on student responsibilities, cancellation process and refund deadlines. Click here for more details.

2024-2025 Meal Plan Terms and Conditions

2025-2026 Meal Plan Terms and Conditions

Cancellation of Contract

→ Refund Deadlines Before Start of Contract Period

First-Year students with approved meal plan waivers will receive a full refund of meal plan prior to the beginning of the term. First-year students without approved meal plan waiver will have dining charges added to their fee statement prior to the beginning of the term.

Upperclassmen students may add and cancel the meal plan in full with no penalty prior to the beginning of the term.

→ Contract Termination After Start of Contract Period

Students who request a contract termination after the term has begun will need to apply to terminate the contract. Meal Plan Contract Termination forms are available in the Residence Life Office. 

Meal Plan Termination Refunds

If early termination is approved, the student will follow the dining refund schedule as published below.

Early termination of the meal plan contract will be cause for immediate cancellation of the associated Bearkat Bucks. If the student has used part or all of the Bearkat Bucks and thereafter cancels the meal plan prior to the conclusion of the semester, Bearkat Bucks will be prorated through the end of the day that the cancellation occurs. The student is required to reimburse the University for any Bearkat Bucks used over the allotted amount. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of Frequently Asked questions (FAQ's) related to dining and meal plans. If you do not see your question answered below, please do not hesitate to reach out to hall staff of contact the Residence Life office at (936) 294-1812.

FAQ's | Dining & Meal Plans

• How do I request my Bearkat OneCard (Student ID)? Updated

  Bearkat OneCards are issued by Student Account Services. Please watch the video below to learn how to request a card. If you lost your card or require a replacement, please call Student Account Services at 936-294-2273 or email at bearkatone@shsu.edu

• How do I sign up for a meal plan?

  All residential students (except those residents in Bearkat Village and Copper Village) will have the all access plan added automatically to their student account. Before the academic year begins, students may adjust meal plan to the Unlimited or 15 meals per week plan through the MySam Portal. Commuter students may purchase any meal plan through the MySam Portal.

• What is the difference between Bearkat Bucks and the VibeAccount?
  • Bearkat Bucks is a pre-paid balance account that can be used at any of the Aramark facilities on campus.
  • The BankMobile Vibe Checking Account is an optional account designed specifically for students. More Information
• How much does a meal plan cost?

  You can see the rates for all meal plans here.

• Am I required to live on campus and purchase a meal plan?

  Beginning first-year students are required to live in university residence halls and participate in a meal plan during the fall and spring semesters. A "beginning" first-year student is defined as a student who graduated from high school within the previous year. All on-campus residents, excluding those staying in Bearkat Village Apartments, must purchase a meal plan, regardless of classification. Click here for housing and dining rates.

• How long am I under contract if I sign a meal plan?

  All meal plans, regardless of type, are valid for the entire academic year.

• Can I eat without my Student ID card?

  No, you may not eat without a valid Bearkat OneCard. If you require assistance with your card, please contact Student Account Services at 936-294-2273 or bearkatone@shsu.edu

• Where can I eat with my meal plan?

  On the meal plan, you can eat at a variety of places during hours of operation. Please visit the dining website for locations.

• What are Bearkat Bucks and where do I use them?

  The Bearkat Bucks is a pre-paid balance account that can be used to purchase items at the dining locations on campus. Students can deposit money into the Bearkat Bucks account online. A minimum of $25.00 is required to make a deposit. After the payment is received and verified, the Residence Life staff will add the Bearkat Bucks to the student account, and will notify the student when the funds are available for use. Funds are normally available at the end of the next business day. Bearkat Bucks are accessed through the Bearkat Onecard.

• How can I check my Bearkat Bucks?

  Students can go to MySam to view their Bearkat Bucks balance.

• Are my Bearkat Bucks refundable?

  All Bearkat Bucks accounts are cleared out at the conclusion of Summer Session II classes. This means that any balance on those accounts are cleared to a zero amount and no refunds are given. The best thing to keep in mind regarding this issue is to use it or lose it. The only exception to this rule is if you resign from school (only your deposits are refunded, not bonus points included with your meal plan).

• What are the hours of operation for the dining facilities?

  Students can view hours of operation for each dining facility at http://shsu.campusdish.com .