Frequently Asked Questions
How often can I change my meal plan?
You have until the first Monday after Add/Drop closes to change your meal plan. After this period, you may choose a new meal plan at the beginning of each following semester. Only one change is allowed per semester.
How does my meal plan work?
Your meal plan comes with a set number of Meal Swipes and Dining Dollars. All of our dining locations accept Dining Dollars. Meal Swipes are used to gain entry to East Campus Commons and Flynn Dining Commons. Dining Dollars can be used in lieu of cash or flex dollar purchases at any of our dining locations. East Campus Commons and Flynn Dining Commons additionally have a flat entry rate which can be paid for using Dining Dollars.
How do I know which meal plan is right for me?
Example | Diamond | Platinum | Gold | Silver | Sapphire | Bronze | Copper |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
I like to eat every meal, every day. | X | X | X | ||||
I eat most meals on campus. | X | X | X | ||||
I prefer all-you-care-to-eat style meals | X | X | |||||
I eat late in the evening. | X | X | |||||
I am a light eater | X | ||||||
I am not on campus for every meal | X | ||||||
I need flexibility with my meal plan. | X | X | X | X | |||
I am a commuter, but I still want a meal plan. | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
I live in the Great Hill Apartments, but I still want a meal plan | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
Do meal plans carry over from semester to semester?
Yes and No. Any unused meal swipes are forfeited at the close of each semester. However, Dining Dollars rollover from the Fall to the Spring semester. Any Dining Dollars remaining on your Connect Card at the close of the Spring semester will be forfeited. Flex Dollars, which are separate from the meal plan, remain on your account during your enrollment at Bridgewater State University. Add Flex Dollars at mycard.bridgew.edu
What if I am sick and cannot leave my room for food?
Not to worry! Please contact the Wellness Center at (508)531-1252. They will notify our team about your condition and arrange for meal delivery. We hope you feel better soon!
What is the difference between Dining Dollars and Flex Dollars?
Dining Dollars are funds that are added to your Connect Card upon your purchase of a meal plan and are included in the cost. They can be used at all of our dining locations.Flex Dollars are an optional cash alternative at BSU and are also loaded onto the Connect Card. Flex dollars can be loaded through your myBSU account, in the Online Card Office. Flex dollars can be used at all of our dining locations, the campus bookstore, for laundry, printers, copiers, vending machines, and other needs on campus. Flex dollars remain on your account during your enrollment at BSU and are refunded back to you after graduation (minus a $20.00 processing fee).
What do I do if I run out of Dining Dollars on my meal plan before the end of the semester?
You can continue to use your meal swipes. If you'd like to dine at Crimson Dining & Student Lounge or the Bear's Den, you can add Flex Dollars here. For Flex Dollars, we also provide four cash-to-card machines located in Rondileau Student Union, Tinsley Center, Maxwell Library, and East Campus Commons. Additionally, you can purchase Flex Dollars with cash, card, or check in the Student Accounts office in Boyden Hall.
How do I budget my meal plan?
For assistance with budgeting your meal plan, view a sample breakdown here.
I have special dietary needs. Can dining services accommodate them?
Absolutely! Whether your restriction be due to a need or personal choice, we will work closely with you to ensure your Bridgewater Dining experience is safe and delicious! Our Campus Dietitian is available for complimentary consultations. To make an appointment, e-mail: nutrition@bridgew.edu We also have a Simple Zone pantry in ECC and The Bear's Den. These pantries contain products that are free from peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, and gluten. We also have allergen-free cooking equipment in our kitchens to keep you safe. At ECC, keep your eyes peeled for the Simple Servings station. Simple Servings meals are free from 8 of the top 9 allergens as dictated by the FDA. The only allergen present is finned fish. In addition, you can place an on-demand order from our Simple Zone menu by simply asking your server.
Does Bridgewater Dining have religious accommodations?
Absolutely, we are more than happy to work with you on religious accomodations. If you have any questions regarding these accomodations such as kosher or halal please contact bridgewaterdining@bridgew.edu or nutrition@bridgew.edu.
Are meal plans required?
Meal plans are mandatory for resident students (except for Great Hill Apartment residents) and are refundable in accordance with the meal plan refund policy.If a student has a medically documented dietary restriction, it is required that the student consult with the Campus Dietitian to determine if Bridgewater Dining is able to provide for dietary need and/or plan well in advance of the semester the student is attending. If Bridgewater Dining is unable to assist the student, the student can then submit a request for a meal plan exception. More information is available by clicking here.
Are meal plans refundable?
Meal Plan Refund Policy:-100% refund prior to the first day of the meal plan-Pro-rated refund from the first day of the meal plan prior to the Monday after the add/drop period closes-No refund thereafter
Can I use my meal plan at coffee shops on campus?
Yes. Both Dunkin' at East Campus Commons and The Maxwell Library Café (We Proudly Serve Starbucks) accept Dining Dollars.
Can I give my unused meals to someone else?
No, Meal Swipes are non-transferable. If you are a Platinum Meal plan holder you have 15 guest swipes for you to use for any guests, you bring to a dining facility. If you are not a platinum holder and wish to pay for someone else's meal, you may pay in person with Dining Dollars, cash, credit or Flex Dollars.Bridgewater Dining hosts meal swipe donation events throughout the semester. If you would like to donate meal swipes to the emergency food bank, you can do so at these events. The Meal Swipes collected are distributed to BSU students facing food-insecurity. The current #SwipeItForward meal swipe drive is live now. Donate today!
If I don't have a meal plan, can I still eat on campus?
Yes, all of our locations accept Flex Dollars, Debit, Credit and Cash Payments. East Campus Commons and Flynn Dining Commons have door rates as follows:
Lunch- $10.19 Dinner- $11.49
East Campus Commons offers breakfast daily - $7.39 and brunch on the weekends - $9.19
What do I do if I lose my Connect Card?
Connect Cards are an extremely valuable resource to BSU staff and students. If you lose your card, immediately contact the Connect Card Office during office hours to report it lost (508-531-2897). Or, you may utilize the Online Card Office (available 24 hours). Replacement Connect Cards may be obtained from the Connect Card office for $25.00