Dining at Ave Maria University:
Ave Maria University emphasizes the importance of sharing meals as a community, believing that dining together enhances the university experience. As a result, all students residing on campus are required to participate in the meal plan program. Commuter students have the flexibility to bring their own food to eat outside the cafeteria or purchase meal plans, multiple-meal cards, or individual meals to enjoy dining inside the cafeteria.
Residential Meal Plans
For residential students, Ave Maria University offers two flexible meal plans designed to meet a variety of needs:
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Unlimited Meal Plan: This plan includes unlimited meal swipes, three meal exchanges per day, and $50 flex dollars per semester. Meal exchanges can be used at various dining locations for express meals, late-night options, or The Grind.
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14 Meal Plan: With this plan, students receive 14 meal swipes per week, two meal exchanges per day, and $150 flex dollars per semester. Meal exchanges are available for express meals, late-night dining, or at The Grind.
Both meal plans allow one meal swipe per meal period in the dining hall with a maximum of three swipes per day, covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Grind meal option includes one coffee beverage and one bakery item per exchange.
Commuter Meal Options
Commuter students can purchase meal cards, each containing ten meal punches, for $72 plus tax at the cashier stand in the main dining hall. Additionally, meals can be bought at the door with the following pricing:
- Breakfast: $7.65
- Lunch/Brunch: $9.33
- Dinner: $10.81
Commuter students can also take advantage of meal exchanges, using them for express breakfast, express lunch, and late-night meals at either the Dining Hall or Gyrene Café. Flex Dollars provide the option to purchase meals at any campus dining location, including select off-campus spots in the town of Ave Maria.
A Dining Experience to Remember
Ave Maria University Dining Services, operated by Aladdin Campus Dining, is dedicated to providing a memorable dining experience. From daily favorites to special cultural celebrations, students can enjoy a variety of healthy and creative food options, including vegan and vegetarian meals at St. Francis of Assisi Dining Hall and the refreshing choices at the retail dining spots.
To support students with dietary needs, the dining service offers the guidance of a Registered Dietician. Students with specific dietary concerns are encouraged to meet with the Director of Food Services to tailor their meal plans.
Dining Venues and Hours
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St. Francis of Assisi Dining Hall: Features nine food stations, including a made-to-order grill, soup and salad bar, sandwich deli, pizza, comfort foods, and an allergen-free zone. Open Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and on weekends from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with late-night dining available daily from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
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The Grind: Located in the library, this student-run coffee shop offers a wide array of beverages. It’s open Monday to Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and on Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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Gyrene Café: Known for its burger grill, quesadillas, hot and cold sandwiches, nachos, and hand-scooped milkshakes. Open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. and on weekends from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Important Dates
- Meal Plan Start Dates: Fall begins on August 17, 2024, and Spring on January 4, 2025.
- Meal Plan End Dates: Fall ends on December 8, 2024, and Spring on May 3, 2025.
- Last Day to Change/Cancel Meal Plan: Fall is September 2, 2024, and Spring is January 20, 2025.
For catering needs or to schedule a meeting with the Registered Dietician, please contact austin.parvin@address.com or visit avemaria.campus-dining.com for more details.
Ave Maria University Dining Services aims to create a unique, community-focused dining experience that caters to all tastes and dietary requirements, ensuring every meal is an opportunity to connect, share, and enjoy.