Frequently Asked Questions

This is my first semester at CSUMB. How do I figure out which is the right meal plan for me?
Choosing the right meal plan really depends on your personal eating habits, combined with your class, work and/or activity schedule. A couple questions you can ask yourself - do you usually have 2 or 3 meals a day? Will you be going home for the weekends? Then refer to the block plans and decide which may be right for your personal needs.

My meal plan doesn't fit into my current schedule of school and/or work/activities. What are my options?
You may change your meal plan options during the first two weeks of each semester, or prior to the start of the next semester.

How does the block plan work?
Once you select a plan, you are entitled to that amount of meals each semester. Each time you enter the dining room, a swipe of your ID card will reduce the amount of meals left on your balance. Once you are in for a meal period you can eat any food offered, thus the name "All You Care to Eat".

What if I run out of meals from my block plan prior to the end of the semester?
You could upgrade your meal plan with Add-On Blocks of 10 meals for $46.00. Or, you may use your Flex Dollars to eat at the DC Marketplace at a discounted door price.

What if I run out of Flex Dollars?
You may purchase Otter Bucks from CSUMB. Otter Bucks work the same way as Flex Dollars and may be used at the same restaurants on campus.

I have left over meals on my block plan at the end of the semester. What happens to it?
The balance is cleared and will be reloaded with the new semester meal plan amounts. It is very important to select the right meal plan that meets your dining requirements.

What if I have Flex Dollars left at the end of the semester. What happens to my balance?
The balance that is left at the end of the fall term is carried over to the spring term. However, at the end of the spring term, all balances are cleared.

Can I take food out of the DC Market Place?
You may eat as much as you like while dining in the DC Marketplace. However, upon leaving, you may take a piece of fruit or other small dessert or beverage with you. If you would like to "take" more than this, please make arrangements with your Food Service Manager to purchase items in bulk.

What are your locations and hours of operation?
Dining Locations and Hours of Operation are updated on our Dining Locations page.

Can I use my meal blocks at any other location on campus?
Each of your meal blocks will have a cash equivalency allowing you to use your flex cash and or meal block to dine in any location on campus.

How can I learn more about what you have to offer?
Check out our website at: http://csumb.org/dining. You will find all the information you need about what we have to offer, including our sustainability programs, nutrition information, updates on our renovations, and event calendars and so much more.

Returning Students Frequently Asked Questions

About the Meal Plan...
Can I use my flex cash to pay instead of a block?
You have a choice of using any tender you desire, but it is up to you to specify which one when you approach the cashier. Flex cash may be used at any of the food service locations on campus: The MarketPlace, The Otter Express, The Otter Bay CafŽ or the Black Box Cabaret.

What is the block equivalency on a block when I spend it at another location?
The block equivalency is $5. You can spend this at any other of our dining locations. You are allowed three block equivalencies per transaction. The block equivalency may be used in the Otter Express or the Otter Bay CafŽ.

Can I treat my friends to a meal using my blocks?
Abolutely! There is no limit on how many blocks you can use during one meal time at the DC Market place. If you would like to treat a friend, professor or a visiting relative, go right ahead.

Is the cost of my meal tax exempt?
Yes it is when you use your blocks or flex cash or Otter Bucks. The price will be taxed if you use: Credit Cards or Cash.

Can I use my BSID number if I forgot my card?
For you own protection we do not allow you to use you BSID #.

About the MarketPlace...
What are my options?
Made to order Grill, Classics, il Piatto hand worked crust pizzas, Traditional Taqueria, Self-serve Deli, Salad Bar, Soft Serve Ice Cream and much much more....

Are the platforms the same?
Each platform is unique and has a daily fare and special.

How will I know what the specials are?
Posted in the entry ways of each location is a welcome board that will identify our daily offerings and specials. You will also find posters and signage at each station and through out the building.

How much food can I ask for?
You are welcome to prepare yourself as many plates as you can eat however we do ask if you want more than the portion that you are served that you wait until you have finished until returning to ask for more. Keep in mind we are counting on you to help reduce waste that goes to the landfill and also to keep costs down. In the long run, everyone comes out a winner!

Why are there no trays?
At the MarketPlace we are conscience and proactive in waste management. It is proven in all-you-care-to-eat environments more food is thrown away by those who use trays. We suggest that you select your food of choice, find a place to sit and come back in to select your beverage of choice.

Where do my dishes go?
We have two busing station on either end of the MarketPlace in front of the dining rooms.

Do I get a new plate if I want more food?
Yes, feel free to get up put your used plate in the busing station and grab more food.

Are we still a sustainable dining service?
Yes we are, more than ever before! By eliminating paper goods we have cut down on our waste stream, creating a more sustainable dining service. All of our dishes are washed with recognized and certified green seal chemicals. However, when we do offer paper ware for special occasions, the majority products used are spudware and corn plastics.