What is a Meal Plan?

A meal plan unlocks delicious meals, coffee, snacks, and more, at dining locations across campus. Depending on your plan, your membership may include meal swipes, dining dollars, and meal exchanges, conveniently loaded onto your Bear Card. No need to carry additional cards or cash!

Swipes

Meal Swipes

Meal Swipes provide entry to our all-you-care-to-eat dining halls—Fresh Food Company in the Connell Student Center and Farmers Market in the University Center. Please note there is a 30-minute wait between each swipe.

Dollars

Dining Dollars

Dining Dollars may be used at any Mercer University dining locations. Visit our locations page for location information, including dining hall menus, and hours of operation.


Exchange

Meal Exchange

Meal Exchanges can be used at Chick-fil-A, Einstein Bros Bagels, Panda Express, and The Drop, which has five concepts: Queso, serving Tex-Mex–style tacos, burritos, and bowls made to order; Drop Zone Pizzeria, offering customizable personal pizzas; Botrista, featuring refreshing boba, specialty teas, and coffee drinks; The Spread, offering chef-inspired signature subs with house-made spreads; and Beary Blends: Fruit Smoothies and More, showcasing a vibrant selection of fruit smoothies and açaí bowls.

There is a 30-minute delay between permitted Bear Exchange meals.


Meal Plan Benefits

With your meal plan, you receive many benefits and perks, including:

  • Quality food made fresh by our culinary team, with a variety of menu options personalized the way you like
  • Healthy choices available all across campus
  • Special events with themed meals and exclusive offers for meal plan members
  • Casual atmosphere with WIFI, music and comfortable seating—perfect for studying or hanging out with friends.
  • To-go meals: simply request a to-go box when you swipe in at any of our dining halls –  learn more about our efforts to reduce our environmental impact !

Managing Your Plan

There are three ways you can check your Meal Swipes and Dining Dollars balance:

  1. On the My Mercer app
  2. On your receipt after a purchase at any dining location
  3. Visit the meal plan office in Auxiliary Services Building, open Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. – Noon, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Key Dates

Key Dates
  • First Day of Class: September 2, 2025
  • First Day to sign up for meal plans (for students not required to participate): approximately two weeks before beginning of fall semester
  • Last Day to change meal plans: 10 business days into fall semester