Starting this summer, Sodexo Dining Services and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette will implement new meal plan changes to accommodate both on-campus and commuter students. The changes will include the option to purchase declining balance funds in small increments, as well as introduce a new fund-rollover feature.

According to a report from The Vermillion, Sodexo conducted surveys and questionnaires on campus to better understand how students are using the current meals plans and identify where any changes needed to be made. The first of the new amenities at UL Lafayette will be Flex Meals. These meal swipes enable students to get pre-packaged food out of a cooler, such as a sandwich, chips or fruit and a drink, and do so without having to spend Declining Balance Dollars.

Another new feature being added is Meal Solutions, pre-packed dinner boxes that will be made available at UL Lafayette’s on-campus food location, Café Fleur de Lis.

In addition to new meal plans, Declining Balance Dollars will also add a new feature where commuter students can load funds in increments of $25 to their Cajun Cards for use at on-campus food locations. Declining Balance Dollars are included in all meal plans and can be used just like cash via the Cajun Card. The funds can be used for tax-free purchases at any of the retail dining locations on UL Lafayette’s campus that are operated by UL Lafayette Dining Services.

The Declining Balance Dollars will also roll over not only from fall to spring semesters, but also from spring semesters to future semesters as long as students are still enrolled. The student can also be refunded the remaining balance upon graduation.

Any student currently enrolled can purchase a meal plan, along with university faculty and staff. All meal plans are available for purchase through Sodexo’s website. Students residing on campus must purchase their initial meal plan through UL Lafayette’s Housing Department.