Residential Meal Plan
2011-2012 Academic Year
All undergraduate students living in the non-apartment campus residence halls are required to purchase a meal plan. Freshman and sophomore residential students must purchase one of the Residential meal plans (Value or Unlimited). All other undergraduate residential students have the additional choice of the YCMP options (Gold and Platinum).
The only exception to this policy is that non-freshman undergraduates living in the 12 month graduate facility in Cashin dorm are able to purchase a YCMP or Residential meal plan, but it is not mandatory. However, freshman living in Cashin are required to purchase a Residential meal plan.
Graduate students living in the residence halls are also exempt from the meal plan requirement but are welcome to participate in any of our meal plan options.
Unlimited Meal Plan $2,502.00 per semester
Offers unlimited access to any dining common with 12 meal exchanges and 15 guest meals. Best value for the more frequent user. It’s an excellent choice for students accustomed to eating 3 meals or more daily.
Value Meal Plan $2,103.00 per semester
Offers up to 224 meals each semester (an average of 14 meals per week) and includes 9 meal exchanges and 15 guest meals. Ideal for moderate eaters and students who leave campus occasionally on weekends.
Kosher Option $200.00 additional
This is an additional charge to any meal plan per semester. Kosher Lunch and Dinner are available at Franklin Dining Commons.
What are Meal Exchanges?
Residential meal plan holders may use meal exchanges at any of our retail operations with a cash value of $8.75. If the selections total more than $8.75, the balance can be paid with cash, credit or debit card, the UCard debit account, or an additional meal exchange. There are no cash refunds for the difference using an extra meal exchange.
How do I sign up, cancel, or change my meal plan?
For first year students living in the residence halls, we have pre-selected the Value Meal Plan for you and it will be included on your bill from the Bursar’s Office.
For all returning students we have selected the same meal plan you were on last semester and it will be included on your bill from the Bursar’s Office. Please remember that if you are moving off-campus or will no longer be on a meal plan, you MUST notify the Meal Plan Office in Franklin Dining Commons (413.545.1362) or you will be automatically billed for the meal plan you were on last semester.
All UMass students (including first year students who would like to upgrade to the Unlimited Plan)who would like to purchase, cancel (if eligible), change your meal plan or add the kosher option, you have a few ways to do this. Please remember that meal plans can only be downgraded and cancelled BEFORE the end of Add/Drop period or you will be assessed a $250 fee. Students may upgrade to a larger meal plan if more meals are desired at any time during the semester with only being charged the difference in the meal plan price.
1.) Through the Friday before classes begin for the semester, please purchase or make changes to your meal plan via your SPIRE account. Click on the Meal Plan link under Finances. You will only be able to sign up for the meal plans that you are eligible to purchase. Changes will be reflected in SPIRE within 24 business hours.
2.) After the Friday before classes begin for the semester, please purchase or make changes to your meal plan by visiting the Meal Plan Office in Franklin Dining Commons. You can also make changes on the Meal Plan Orders page.
Meal plans cannot be cancelled or downgraded after Add/Drop period with the exception of students withdrawing from the University. An Administrative Fee of $250 will be assessed for cancellations, plus the cash price of any meals eaten, however students may upgrade their meal plans at any time during the semester without being assessed an Administrative Fee.
Want to purchase more meals or upgrade to a higher meal plan?
Short of meals? If you run out of meals, you may upgrade to the Unlimited Meal Plan or purchase additional meals in blocks of 10 at the Meal Plan Office located in Franklin Dining Commons or via phone at (413) 545-1362. The cost for a block of 10 Meals is based on the price per meal of the students current plan.
Dine out at The University Club
Relax and enjoy a quiet, more intimate dining experience only steps away from your dorm!
The University Club is open in the evenings for a special night out! Come visit us between 4pm and 9pm Monday through Saturday for a delightful fine dining experience in a beautiful setting. We are located at 243 Stockbridge Road (diagonally across the street from Franklin DC).
Residential meal plan exchanges and YCMP accepted. Reservations appreciated; gratuity not included with swipes.
