Stonehill introduces new meal plan system

By Paige Martin

The new meal plan aimed at giving students more food is finally fully in place.  

The previous plan, which allocated a set number of swipes to use at Commons, Gigi’s, Lux, Ace’s, The Hill, and the Sem, has been replaced with a system designed to provide students with more flexibility. 

Under the new structure, students have unlimited swipes at the Commons and the Sem, while use at The Hill, Gigi’s, Lux, and Ace’s is capped at three swipes per day. 

 The plan also includes $150 in Dining Dollars per semester—split evenly between $75 for Dunkin’ and $75 for use at any dining venue on campus.  

The goal of the change is to encourage students to spend more time at the newly renovated Commons while still offering choices across campus. 

Senior Lexi Moriarty believes the new system benefits the campus community, making dining more accessible.  

“I really like it. It’s beneficial for anyone who enjoys the dining hall because you can go whenever you want. I think there’s something for everybody,” she said.  

Moriarty said the three-swipe limit at retail locations is not a major concern, since it still allows her the option to get three meals outside of Commons if she chooses. 

Sophomore Ashley Doherty praised the advantages of the plan, especially the unlimited Commons access. 

“It’s nice to go there now to get fruit and stuff and not waste a swipe,” she said.  

Like Moriarty, Doherty said she feels the plan provides better value than in previous years. 

 “I feel like I’m getting good value compared to last year.” 

Not all students, however, are satisfied.  

Junior Emma Arka, a member of the Stonehill women's basketball team, said she is disappointed and frustrated with the three-swipe limit at retail dining venues. 

“I don’t think being limited to three swipes a day is beneficial to anyone in the Stonehill community. It’s especially difficult for athletes who don’t always have time for a sit-down meal at Commons.  

Arka said transitioning from practice to classes can be challenging at times for athletes to access the Commons.   

The three limit swipes can prevent athletes’ ability to get food at dining venues closer to classrooms, which is more convenient when coming or going to practice before or after class, she said. 

Still, Arka acknowledged that this new meal plan provides a better value than in years past.  

Students said the plan could be improved by allowing the $150 dining dollars to be spent at Dunkin and not be limited to $75.  

Arka also said the hours at the Commons should be extended and back to-go boxes in the Commons should be brought back, giving students more flexibility with this new meal plan.