University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown

Dining Services Frequently Asked Questions

Dining Dollars

Dining Dollars are food dollars attached to each of the meal plan options. One meal point is equal to one dollar of buying power and Dining Dollars are only to be used during the current semester.

Dining Dollars carry over from the fall to spring semester, provided the student is enrolled in a meal plan for both semesters. Additional Dining Dollars can be added anytime during the semester. Additional Dining Dollars purchased throughout the semester carry over from fall to spring semester, but are forfeited at the end of the spring semester.

You can check your dining dollars balance by logging into the Housing Portal. 

Adding Dining Dollars is as simple as logging into the Housing Portal and choosing "add dining dollars" under "housing forms." Please note this link is not active until after the second week of the semester. 

How can I change my meal plan?

Meal plan changes can be made online through the Housing Portal.  Simply click on the "change meal plan" link under "housing forms.)  You can change your meal plan from the day you sign your contract until the end of the third day of the semester.  After the third day of the semester you can change to a higher plan but are no longer able to change to a lower plan.  (A high plan is one that includes more weekly meals or more dining dollars.)

What if a special diet is required?

We are able to accommodate special dietary needs including those related to faith-based and health reasons.  You can indicate your preferences using the Dine on Campus app. 

How can I find out how many Dining Dollars I have remaining on my meal plan?

Just ask the cashier at any point of sale, or log into the Housing Portal. We also can help you at the Office of Housing and Dining Services located in the Student Union.

How can I find out what the ingredients are in each item?

The "menu" section of Dine on Campus provides a complete list of ingredients for every item served in PJ's. If you are unsure about an ingredient, don't hesitate to contact any of our culinarians!

Why don't we ever have ...?

Provide us with a recipe and we’ll try to provide as close as mom makes. We encourage you to give Food Service your input by completing Comment Cards - available at all dining areas. 

Do my unused meals carry over from week-to-week?

Sorry, unused meals expire at the end of each week. You should consider your normal dining habits when choosing a meal plan. You can inquire about meal and dining dollar balances at any food venue register or by logging into the Housing Portal.

Is there a way to get meals to go if I can't be on campus due to internships, work, or student teaching?

Yes there is. Contact a member of the dining staff to request your breakfast, lunch or dinner to go because you cannot be on campus during regular dining hours. The staff will help you choose your meal and will schedule a time when you can pick it up each day.

You can also use a to-go box in the Dining Hall- available at each register.

Additional Information

  • After you contract for a meal plan, you may reduce or cancel your meal plan until the end of the third day of the semester.
  • Dining Dollars may be used to purchase food in any of our dining facilities.
  • Remaining DINING DOLLARS will carry over from the fall to spring semester for students who are enrolled in a meal plan for the spring.  They will expire at the end of the spring semester.
  • Remaining MEALS DO NOT carry over from week-to-week.
  • You may change your meal plan for the spring semester starting in late November by visiting the Johnstown Campus Housing & Dining Services task center in the Pitt Portal (my.pitt.edu). If you do not want to change your meal plan, you will automatically be assigned the same meal plan from the fall semester.