Residents
Our resident meal plans are designed to meet the unique needs of students living in our traditional resident halls, who are required to purchase a meal plan. Our resident plans come with varying amounts of meal swipes to be used primarily in the Gold Rush Dining Hall, and Dine Dollars, which is a declining balance account similar to a debit card. Each plan also comes with the meal equivalency option available at select retail dining locations for menu options up to a certain value. Multiple resident meal plan options are available for you to choose from based on your dining preferences and needs.
| Plan Name | Meals | Dine Dollars | Cost per Semester | Meal Equivalency Available? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 Meal Plan | 19 Meals per Week | $225 | $2575 | Yes |
| 14 Meal Plan | 14 Meals per Week | $225 | $2475 | Yes |
| 10 Meal Plan | 10 Meals per Week | $225 | $2375 | Yes |
Vulcan Village Residents & Commuters
Available to upperclassmen and seniors living in the Vulcan Villages as well as students living off campus. These plans are value oriented and designed specifically for our students who may not spend as much time on campus as our traditional resident students. These meal plan options provide flexible access to all dining locations across campus, with meal swipes and Dining Dollars to fit a variety of dining preferences and lifestyles. These students can choose any of the above plans as well as the following plans.
| Plan Name | Meals | Bonus Dollars | Cost per Semester | Meal Exchange Available? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75 Block | 75 Meals per Semester | $125 | $850 | Yes |
| 40 Block | 40 Meals per Semester | $125 | $530 | Yes |
Commuters
Commuter plans are only available to students who do not live on campus. Our commuter plans are value oriented and designed specifically for our students who may not spend as much time on campus as the resident students. Commuter plans come with meal swipes, Dine Dollars and the meal exchange option.
| Plan Name | Meals | Dine Dollars | Cost per Semester | Meal Swipes Available? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 Meal Plan | 285 Meals per Semester | $225 | $2575 | Yes |
| 14 Meal Plan | 210 Meals per Semester | $225 | $2475 | Yes |
| 10 Meal Plan | 150 Meals per Semester | $225 | $2375 | Yes |
| 75 Block | 75 Meals per Semester | $125 | $850 | Yes |
| 40 Block | 40 Meals per Semester | $125 | $530 | Yes |
Faculty & Staff
Our Faculty & Staff plans come with meal swipes to be used in the Gold Rush Dining Hall and Dine Dollars to be used in our many retail dining locations. Please contact one-card@pennwest.edu for additional information.
| Plan Name | Meals | Dine Dollars | Cost per Semester | Meal Swipes Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 Block | 30 Meals per Semester | None | TBD | No |
Meal Equivalency
The Meal Equivalency allows meal plan holders the opportunity to use a meal swipe in our participating retail locations on campus. The meal equivalency value is $7.65 meaning meal plan holders can use a meal swipe for purchases up to $7.65. Any amount spent over that value can be paid for using Dining Dollars, Shop Dollars, credit card or cash. There are some restrictions on menu items that can be used with the Meal Exchange and those items are clearly identifed.
Available Locations:
Flatz, Agave, The Forge, Vulcan Village and Vulcan Express
Monday
1:00pm-2:00pm
Tuesday
1:00pm-2:00pm
Wednesday
1:00pm-2:00pm
Thursday
1:00pm-2:00pm
Friday
1:00pm-2:00pm
FAQs
Where can I use my dine dollars?
They can be used at all retail locations and vending machines located throughout campus, as well as at special events such as sporting and concert concessions.
How do I set up Transact for my meal plan?
Download the transact mobile ordering app through the App Store or Google Play. Select PennWest California and hit continue. Log in with your campus ID and password. Select your preferred dining location and select your preferred tender method. Place your order and present your QR code to the cashier to pick up your order.
My student is dining with allergies and or dietary restrictions – what do they need to do?
The Clarity station in the Gold Rush Culinary Center offers meals prepared without the nine major food allergens. Designed for students with food allergies, sensitivities, and many medically necessary dietary needs, Clarity provides a safe and inclusive dining experience.
Students with severe food allergies or other medical dietary conditions are encouraged to contact the Office for Students with Disabilities at osd-cal@pennwest.edu before Move-In Day to discuss accommodations and ensure their dining needs can be met.
Do you have registered dietician support?
PennWest California students have access to a Registered Dietitian who visits campus twice each month to provide nutrition education, individualized guidance, and support. Whether you're managing food allergies, a medical condition, special dietary needs, or simply looking for help making healthy food choices, our Registered Dietitian is here to assist you.
Students can also reach the Registered Dietitian by email throughout the semester with questions about navigating dining options, meeting nutrition goals, or maintaining a healthy lifestyle while in college.
I have questions or concerns about my student's dining experience. Who should I contact?
We understand that parents and families want to ensure their student has access to nutritious, safe, and enjoyable dining options while at PennWest California. If you have questions about menu offerings, meal plans, food allergies, dietary accommodations, or other dining-related concerns, please contact Briana Negron at bhendriksen@avifoodsystems. She will be happy to answer your questions, discuss available dining options, and connect you with additional campus resources, including our Registered Dietitian or the Office for Students with Disabilities, if needed.
