Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

May I reserve a table for my guests?

Regrettably, no.  Upon arrival in any dining hall, seating is on a first come, first served basis.  

The popularity of a Yale graduation means there is the potential for long, crowded buffets since everyone gets in line at the same time.   To maximize seating we rent extra tables & chairs for the Common Room and/or Courtyard. 

What’s the benefit of advanced ordering? 

The Guest Rate is $5.00 lower plus it helps speed up the service on Commencement Weekend.  It also eliminates the burden of carrying cash or a check since individual dining halls cannot accept charge cards.

What if someone else can attend and I’ve already ordered?

You can purchase as many times as you want up until the deadline of 3 am EST on May 19th. 

What if someone else can attend and the advance order deadline has passed? 

The Commencement Buffet meal will have to be purchased at the door for the higher rate and paid for in cash or by check for the exact amount.  Individual residential dining halls cannot accept charge cards.  We turn away no one on Commencement Day. 

Parties who purchased brunch tickets and have 1 or 2 additional guests will be accommodated.  Accommodating larger numbers of additional guests without tickets will be at the sole discretion of the manager and will depend on the number of seats available in relation to the number of pre-paid guests who have yet to arrive.  The issue is seats, not having enough food.

What if someone in my party who pre-paid cannot attend Commencement?

Refunds will be granted only if you call 203-432-0420 prior to 4 pm EST on Tuesday May 20th.  Thereafter no refunds will be granted.

May I bursar bill my Commencement meals? 

No, the cutoff for charging to a graduating student’s bursar account expired in mid-March.

May I order a kosher meal?

Dining Services does not prepare kosher meals, however, we can order frozen kosher dinners (including vegetarian) provided you place an advance order. Call 203-432-0420 by 4 pm EST Monday May 5th.  No extra frozen kosher meals will be available on Commencement Weekend.   The Lindenbaum Kosher Kitchen operated by the Slifka Center for Jewish Life at Yale will be serving a brunch on Sunday May 25th.  Please call them at 203-432-1136 for more specific information.

What if someone in my party cannot wait to eat till the Diploma Ceremony ends? 

Send them into the dining hall as early as 12:45; we will have the food ready.

What if the pre-paid meal tickets are lost? 

Speak with the Desk Attendant upon arrival at the Dining Hall.  S/he will have a master list by name and number of guests of all who advanced ordered.