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Why are meal plans changing?
We’re updating our meal plans based on valuable feedback from students. These changes aim to better align the plans with current campus dining programming and ensure the costs are comparable to similar institutions. Our goal is to provide options that meet students’ needs and preferences while maintaining affordability and quality.
How was student feedback used in this process?
Both the University and Parkhurst leadership have been proactively collecting student feedback about meal plan satisfaction and usage for years leading up to this change. This includes surveys, focus groups, discussions with student government leadership, our dining council representatives, and more.
What program changes to the dining locations can we expect?
We’re most excited about enhancements to the continuous dining model in Antonian. This means that even in between peak meal times, students are able to find a variety of great food options, while being mindful of managing waste and creating the bandwidth for our team to change over between meal periods.
Starting this fall, you can join us for ‘late lunch’ and find fresh pizza and baked pastas from the Oven, build-your-own pasta dishes at Bravo, made-to-order sandwiches and small plates at the Deli, in addition to the soup and salad bar for infinite custom creations!
Who was involved in the process?
We’re grateful to Franciscan University leadership, the FUS Student Government Board and our RAs for their ideation, insight, and advocacy for the changes and enhancements!
How are these new plans different than the ones before?
Instead of a large, bulk number of meal swipes for the student to budget use of throughout the 15-week semester, the new plans offer a weekly allotment of swipes. This will reduce pressure to manage their swipe balance over the entirety of the semester, but also ensure access and availability of swipes to the end. That brain fuel is so critical during final exams and presentations!
What does the meal plan cost really cover?
The cost of a college meal plan supports more than just meals—it helps cover the dedicated team members who prepare and serve food, the high-quality ingredients, the utilities to maintain safe and welcoming dining spaces, and the operational needs that ensure a convenient and reliable dining experience.
How often does University leadership review meal plan offerings and pricing?
Our meal plans options had not seen significant change in more than 10 years, and a lot has changed in that time! Mobile ordering was introduced, dining locations were renovated, new offerings were added. We’re confident these new plans are better fit for the campus’ scope.
Who can help me choose the right meal plan for me?
We have a great new tool called the Meal Plan Navigator that will capture details on your dining habits, preferences, and lifestyle to help recommend a meal plan that may be best suited to you. Additionally, our Parkhurst management team would be happy to help guide you!
How are Baron Bags ordered?
Baron Bags will be ordered through the Transact Mobile Ordering app (same method as mobile ordering from The Pub). Once logged in, students with the Baron Bags Membership will be able to build their weekly bag from the items available, place their order, and coordinate pick up from the designated area adjacent to The Well.
When can I pick up my order?
Pick up is available Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm. Generally, bags will be fulfilled and ready for pick up the following day after the order is submitted.
What items are available for Baron Bags?
More than 100 items will be available for students to build their bag with. All the offerings are broken into three categories or tiers, so each week students will choose TEN items in total: five Tier One Items, three Tier Two Items, or two Tier Three Items. We expect to evolve the options based on students' purchasing, preferences, and requests!
How are the Baron Bags packed?
Baron Bags will be packed up in custom green reusable grocery bags with the logo. Students are encouraged to return their grocery bag when they pick up a new one. If reusable totes are not returned, plastic to-go bags will have to be used.
What happened to one of my favorite items?
Items available in each category may change due to availability from our partners. Don't hesitate to reach out to dining@franciscan.edu if you have a request or are having trouble finding something you love.
Can students with a traditional resident meal plan order a Baron Bag?
At this time of launching this new program, only students living in the Assisi Heights apartments with the Baron Bags Membership Plan will have access to the weekly bag ordering. However, many of the same items will be available for other students to purchase using their Flex or Dining Dollars.
What is the difference between Flex Dollars and Dining Dollars?
Flex Dollars are included with your meal plan, while Dining Dollars are a supplement to your student debit account and can be added at anytime.
Can I use my meal swipes outside of Antonian?
Yes, a set amount of your weekly meal swipes can be used for a meal exchange bundle from The Pub or Christ the Teacher. Up to 5 swipes from our resident meal plans can be used each week, and apartment Baron Bag Members can use up to 3 each week in our retail locations.
I have an idea, request or comment for making the dining program better. How can I share that?
Our virtual comment card is always available to capture your compliments, cravings, and comments. Each message is immediately delivered to members of our management team so they can review, respond, and take action as needed. We love to hear from you!
