UNO Launches Enhanced Dining Dollars Program for On-Campus Residents and Off-Campus Students

At the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), dining is more than just grabbing a meal—it’s about fostering community and enhancing the student experience on-campus.

To support this mission, UNO will introduce an updated Dining Dollars program, designed to make on-campus dining more convenient for Dodge and Scott Campus residents as well as off-campus students.

A More Convenient Way to Dine on Campus

Starting in Fall 2025, all on-campus residents will be automatically enrolled in the Dining Dollars program each semester, with a minimum of $100 loaded onto their MavCARD in the Fall and Spring semesters. This flexible plan allows students to purchase meals, snacks, and beverages at popular dining locations across both Dodge and Scott Campuses, including:

Dodge Campus:

• Starbucks at Criss Library
• MBSC Food Court (Chick-fil-A, Qdoba, Erbert & Gerbert’s, and Culinary Corner)
• Durango’s Grill
• MBSC Maverick Den (Convenience Store)

Scott Campus:

• Stedman’s Café at Mammel Hall
• Campus Grind at Maverick Landing
• Scott Café at PKI
• Scott Dining Hall at the Scott Conference Center

Note: Retail locations, venues, and hours of operation are subject to change

Flexibility & Upgrades

For Housing Students

The Dining Dollars program starts with a $100 minimum plan, but students will have the opportunity to upgrade their plan by adding $300 or $500 during the enrollment period for even more flexibility throughout the semester. This upgrade option allows resident students to better tailor their dining plan to their needs and enjoy even more on-campus dining options. To upgrade, students can enroll online through the University’s storefront portal during the enrollment period or visit the Milo Bail Student Center (MBSC) Business Office, Suite 216 for assistance.

For Off-Campus Students

While they are not automatically enrolled, they have the option to join the Dining Dollars program by selecting either the $300 or $500 plan. Off-campus students can enroll online through the storefront portal or visit the MBSC Business Office, Suite 216, to sign up during the enrollment period.

Unused Dining Dollars

Unused dining dollars from the fall semester roll over to the spring, ensuring students have plenty of time to enjoy their favorite dining options. However, any remaining balance at the end of the spring semester will be forfeited.

Additional Savings for Students

Another great benefit of the Dining Dollars program is that purchases made with Dining Dollars are exempt from sales tax. This means students save 7.5% on every purchase when using Dining Dollars instead of other payment methods, providing additional value and cost savings with every meal or snack.

Why Dining Dollars Matter

This program is about more than just meals—it’s about enhancing the student experience. Studies show that students who spend more time on campus, including dining, tend to have stronger social connections, higher GPAs, and greater academic success. With Dining Dollars, students can grab a bite between classes, meet up with friends, or enjoy the convenience of dining close to their residence—all while fostering a deeper sense of community at UNO.

For more details on the Dining Dollars program, visit UNO Dining Dollars or contact the Milo Bail Student Center Business Office.

Dining Dollars Q&A

What are Dining Dollars?

Dining Dollars are a prepaid account on your MavCARD, allowing you to purchase food and beverages on both Dodge and Scott Campus dining locations.

How are Dining Dollars different from my meal plan?

Scott Dining Hall Meal Plans (All-Inclusive): These types of meal plans are available only through Scott Dining on the Scott Campus. These meal plans provide a set number of meals (or unlimited meals, depending on the plan) that can be used at its dining hall for all-you-care-to-eat meals. It’s typically structured as a specific number of meals per semester.

Scott Meal Plan Locations Include:

• Scott Cafe (Scott Conference Center)
• Scott Cafe Express (Peter Kiewit Institute)
• Scott Campus Grind (Maverick Landing)

Dining Dollars: Dining Dollars are a declining balance account purchased separately that can be used like a debit card at campus dining locations. They offer more flexibility, allowing you to purchase items à la carte at coffee shops, convenience stores, or other retail dining locations on both Dodge and Scott campuses. This program is facilitated by the Milo Bail Student Center Business Office in cooperation with Housing.

Dining Dollars complement your meal plan by giving you options for snacks, beverages, or meals outside of the traditional dining halls.

What is the difference between Dining Dollars and MavMONEY?

• The Dining Dollars plan account is connected to Dining locations. The amount of funds available each academic year depends upon the plan selected. The Dining Dollars account can only be used at the Dodge and Scott Campus Dining locations. Any Dining Dollars remaining at the end of the academic year will be forfeited.

• MavMONEY is a different ID card plan, giving students the flexibility to pay for purchases with their ID card. You can use your card at any number of vendors on campus, including all Dining Services locations, Coca-Cola and snack vending machines, The Maverick Store, and WEPA printers. MavMONEY works as a debit card, allowing you to pre-deposit money for spending. Funds loaded under this plan carry over each semester.

What does this mean if I am a resident enrolled in the Dining Dollars program?

If you are a resident enrolled in the Dining Dollars program, this means you have a flexible spending account included with your housing agreement that allows you to purchase food and beverages at participating dining locations on both Dodge and Scott campuses. These funds become available on the first day of classes.

With Dining Dollars, you can:

• Use Dining Dollars at a variety of locations, including coffee shops, the campus convenience store, and retail dining venues on Dodge and Scott Campus.
• Enjoy flexibility, as Dining Dollars work like a debit account, allowing you to pay for items à la carte rather than relying solely on a meal plan.
• Conveniently pay by swiping your MavCARD at eligible locations.

This program is designed to give residents more dining options and added convenience for snacks, meals, and drinks across campus. If you have any questions about where Dining Dollars can be used or how to check your balance, feel free to contact Milo Bail Student Center Business Office.

I live on Dodge Campus. Can I use my Dining Dollars at dining locations on Scott Campus including Scott Resident Hall dining?

Yes, you can use your Dining Dollars at dining locations on both Dodge and Scott campuses. Dining Dollars are accepted at all on-campus dining locations.

When can I increase my Dining Dollars plan, and how can I do it?

You can increase your Dining Dollars plan by adding $300 or $500 during the summer enrollment period or within the first few weeks of the Fall and Spring semesters. To make this change, visit the UNO website and access the online store to purchase additional Dining Dollars, or contact the Milo Bail Student Center Business Office for assistance.

Adding more Dining Dollars provides greater flexibility to spend at various dining retail locations across both campuses. Once the increase is processed, the additional funds will be available in your account immediately, ready for use.

If you have any questions or need support, don’t hesitate to reach out to Milo Bail Student Center Business Office.

Can I increase my Dining Dollars balance during the semester?

No, funds can only be added during enrollment periods. However, you can add funds to MavMONEY at any time.

What are the acceptable reasons for a resident student to opt out of the Dining Dollars program?

The opt-out option for the Dining Dollars program will be limited to specific circumstances, such as medical dietary restrictions. As the program continues to evolve leading up to the Fall 2025 semester, additional details on the opt-out process and eligibility criteria will be provided. We appreciate your patience and will share updates as they become available.

By choosing to live on campus, students agree as part of their housing application to purchase at least $100 in Dining Dollars per semester.

Can I use Dining Dollars to buy items other than food?

Yes, Dining Dollars can be used to purchase non-food items available at campus retail dining locations, such as the MBSC Convenience Store.

Can I use Dining Dollars on food items at The Maverick Store in MBSC?

No, The Maverick Store is not considered a retail dining space.

Are my unused Dining Dollars refunded if I move off-campus during the semester?

A refund policy for the program has not yet been established, but it will be limited in scope. Details on eligibility and the refund process will be shared once finalized. We appreciate your patience and will provide updates as they become available.

Can Dining Dollars be combined with other payment methods, like cash or credit card?

Yes, Dining Dollars can be combined with other payment methods at campus dining locations. If your purchase exceeds your available Dining Dollars balance or if you’d like to split the cost, you can pay the remaining amount using cash, credit/debit card, or another accepted payment method.