Here is a list of frequently asked questions that we receive at Catamount Dining. For any additional questions, please email CampusDining@wcu.edu.
Q: Can I change my meal plan?
A: YES - You can change your meal plan up to the first Friday of classes of each semester. You can change your meal plan through your “myWCU” account at www.mywcu@wcu.edu.
Q: How can I find out campus dining information?
A: Throughout the year we host several events and run special promotions, you can check out a full list of events on our homepage under "Events". To stay connected with us you can follow us on Instagram, TikTok, or like us on Facebook @WCUCampusDIning.
Q: What if I have a dining emergency?
A: If you are eating in one of our locations and need to report an issue we encourage you to find a manager immediately. You can simply find any employee or cashier and ask to speak with a manager. If you would like to give non-emergent feedback you can go to YourDiningVoice.com and let us know what you think.
Q: Can I have a meal plan if I am living off-campus?
A: If you are living off-campus you will be considered a Commuter. As a Commuter, you will still be able to sign-up for a Meal Plan. You will have the same options as the residential students as well as four smaller plan options. You can sign-up early for your Commuter Meal Plan on our Campus Dish Page, Dining.wcu.edu during our promotional period or through your “myWCU” account at
www.mywcu@wcu.edu.
Q: What if I run out of Declining Balance, Meal Exchanges, Or Meal Swipes?
A: You can add more Dining Dollars or Exchange Meals to your meal plan through your “myWCU” account. We run semester promotions, so make sure you check out our website/social media channels periodically to find out what promotions we are running.
Q: Can I share my meal plan?
A: Your meal plan is solely for you; however, if you would like to cover a friend’s meal using Declining Balance, a Block Meal or Exchange meal you can. The only time you cannot use a block meal for a friend is if you are on the Unlimited Plan, then you may use one of your 5 guest swipes.
Q: What do I do if I have leftover Declining Balance or block meals at the end of the semester?
A: If you have an excess amount of leftover Declining Balance or Meals, you should consider changing your meal plan the following semester. To use up your Dining Dollars, you can take part at the end of the semester or year in one of the many promotions we have going on.
Q: Can you tip at Chili’s with Declining Balance?
A: No, students cannot tip with their Declining Balance. Students can use their own cash to tip if they choose to do so.
Q: Can you buy alcohol with Declining Balance?
A: No, students cannot purchase alcohol with Declining Balance.
Q: Can I use gift Cards, if so, where?
A: Only one franchise on our campus accepts gift cards and that is our Starbucks locations. You can check all forms of payment that are accepted at each location on our Campus Dish page under each location.
Q: What if I have an allergic reaction?
A: If you are exhibiting symptoms of an allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis, please take one or more of the following steps: administer your EpiPen or take an antihistamine, get help immediately – call 911 or indicate to someone around you to call 911, and notify CD staff as soon as possible about your experience so that they can address your concerns. Please note that our dining staff is not permitted to administer any medication for you.
Q: How can I give feedback?
A: If you are eating in one of our locations and need to report an urgent issue, we encourage you to find a manager immediately. You can simply find any employee or cashier and ask to speak with a manager. If you would like to give non-emergent feedback, you can go to YourDiningVoice.com or scan one of the Be Heard QR codes throughout our locations to let us know what you think.
Q: How can I eat healthy on campus?
A: Eating healthy on campus is easy to do with the wide variety of options we offer at our dining locations. The basis to building a balanced meal is including a high-quality source of protein, a good helping of non-starchy veggies, and a source of carbohydrates to keep you fueled. If you would like to speak more in-depth about how to make healthier choices on campus or how to utilize your meal plan to meet your health and wellness goals, contact our dietitian, Meghan Dempsey, for an appointment. She can be reached by phone/text at 828.331.9737 or by email at mdempsey@wcu.edu.
Q: My poultry looks pink – is it cooked?
A: There are many reasons why even properly cooked poultry may appear to have a pink color or tint. One of the main reasons for this phenomenon is the protein myoglobin which is responsible for storing oxygen in muscle tissues. This protein is found in higher concentrations in dark meat (like chicken legs and thighs) and can give the meat a pink color even after it has been properly cooked. Another reason for this pink color may be a chemical reaction that occurs with the protein hemoglobin, another oxygen-carrying protein, during the cooking process. The minimum safe internal temperature of cooked poultry products is 165°F, and at Catamount Dining, we cook our chicken to 180°F to ensure that each piece is thoroughly cooked. For more information, check out these articles on the Ask USDA website: What Color is Safely Cooked Poultry? And Why is Some Cooked Poultry Pink?
Q: What if I have food allergies?
A: If you would like to talk to someone about a food allergy or special diet, please contact our registered dietitian by phone call/text at 828.331.9737 or by email mdempsey@wcu.edu to make an appointment. Together we will come up with a plan to manage and navigate your food allergy or other dietary needs. You can also access our Guide to Managing Food Allergies by scanning the QR code below.
