Dining FAQs

  • I want to talk to someone about changing my meal plan–who should I talk to?

    Housing Services can talk with students about changing their dining plan. Changes are not always approved but Housing Services staff can direct students through the request.

  • My Cardinal card didn’t work at the Food Court/Garvey Dining Hall. What should I do?

    If you need help with your Cardinal Card, please see this page.

  • I lost my Cardinal Card–what should I do?

    Students should immediately report a lost card to the Office of Parking and Transportation and plan to purchase a new card.  Please see more details here

  • How to check your balance?

    There are 3 ways you can check your Meal Swipes and Dining Dollars balances:

    • On your receipt after a purchase at any dining location
    • Ask a cashier
    • Log-in to Cardinal Students portal, scroll down the page and click onto "Manage Cardinal Card"

  • How many meal swipes can I use in a day?

    Fall 2022 - Spring 2023 Meal Plans

    Weekly Meal Plans: A maximum of 3 meals per day can be used. Meal swipes can be used at Garvey Dining Hall, Murphy's Grill, Pryz Food Court and The Pryz Market. However, a maximum of 2 Meal Exchange Swipes (Meal Deals) per day are allowed in the retail locations (Murphy's Grill, Pryz Food Court and The Pryz Market). At the end of each week any unused meals on your meal plan will expire.

    Block Meal Plans: No restrictions on daily use of meal swipes. At the end of the semester, any unused meals will expire.

    For more information about the meal plans, please click here.

  • How do I use Boost to order food?

    With Boost mobile ordering app, you can: 
    - Skip the line!
    - Customize orders!
    - Pick up on your schedule!
    - Get exclusive offers!

    Boost mobile ordering will be offered at Chick-fil-A, Which Wich, and True Burger! You can order your meal directly through the app using your credit/debit card or Cardinal Card. 

    Download the Boost App
    Search Boost Ordering on Android or iOS in the app store or text BOOST to 99299 to get the app. Download the app, search Catholic University, order from your favorite location, and select a pickup time that suits your schedule!

  • What’s the difference between Dining Dollars and Cardinal Cash?

    Dining Dollars are associated with meal plans and can be used at on-campus dining service locations such as the Food Court, Garvey Dining Hall,  Murphy's Grill and Starbucks. They can also be used to make purchases at the Pryz Market. Additional funds can be added to Dining Dollars only by those students participating in student meal plans. Dining Dollars rollover from fall to spring semester provided there is an active meal plan.  If there is not a meal plan, the Dining Dollars will not roll over.  Dining Dollars do not roll over from spring to fall semester.

    Cardinal Cash is a debit account allowing students to make payments anywhere the Cardinal Card is accepted, such as the campus bookstore.

    For more information, please visit https://cardinalcard.catholic.edu/

  • Can I get my Cardinal Cash refunded? If so, how do I do that?

    Yes, and a request should be made to chanf@cua.edu.  A direct payment form will be generated to request a check that will be mailed to you.

  • How many Dining Dollars do I get with my meal plan?

    Log into the Cardinal Student portal. Check the number of meal swipes and dining dollars of your student meal plan purchased under the "My Housing and Dining" tag.

  • What are the Hours of Operation of all the dining outlets?

    You can find all the dining outlets hours of operation here

  • I am allergic to some food, who can I talk to?

    Contact the Campus Dietitian by emailing Registered Dietitian or call 202- 319 - 6699 for assistance. Useful information is also available under the "Wellness & Sustainability" tag of the Dining Services website. 

  • I have feedback I would like to provide – how can I do that?

    You can send your feedback here. Thank you.