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Debit Card Plan

In order to meet your campus dining needs, we have designed the following meal plans for the 2009-2010 academic year. If you need to purchase a meal plan, or if you would like to make a change to the plan you have already selected, simply contact Student Services.

What is “Beacon Dining Bucks”?
Simply stated, “Beacon Bucks” is the University’s campus-wide meal program.
The University has several diverse dining locations throughout the campus.
“Beacon Bucks” are just as good as cash in any of the University’s restaurants and
cafes.

What is the advantage of “Beacon Bucks”?
Actually, there are several advantages. “Beacon Bucks” allows a student or parent to
prepay meal money on a special card at the beginning of the semester, or anytime throughout
the academic year. It’s safe, secure and convenient and allows the student to focus on what’s
really important – the academic experience. No waiting in lines at ATM’s; no hunting for change
before school and the peace of mind of knowing that a great meal is only a card swipe away.

Which dining locations accept “Beacon Bucks”?
All dining locations are accepted at The Campus Center Food Court, Quinn Café, Jazzmans @ the Healey Library, Boston Express in the McCormack Lobby and The Atrium Café in the Campus Center.

How much will I need?
That will vary based on your schedule and your personal eating habits. The average meal at lunch or dinner is around $5.00. If you attend classes 4 days a week and intend to eat lunch each day, you will spend roughly $400.00 a semester. If you are uncertain, you can always start low and add if needed during the semester. The minimum deposit is $50.00.

Where can the initial deposit - or additional payments into the - be made?
Deposits can be made in person at the Dining Services Office located in the LL of the Campus Center or can be called in and charged to a valid credit card. For your convenience we accept American Express, Visa and Mastercard.

What happens if there is money left in the “Beacon Bucks” Plan account at the end of the semester or at the end of the year?
Any remaining balance within the Plan account at the end of the semester or at the end of the academic school year will be rolled over to the following semester/ year. Balances may be refunded at the end of each semester, if requested in writing. A $35.00 service charge will be applied. Balances cannot be refunded mid-semester unless a student is withdrawing from the University.

Where do I call if I have any questions about the “Beacon Bucks” Meal Plan program?
Any questions regarding the Plan can be directed to the Dining Services Office located in the LL of the Campus Center. In addition, feel free to contact Dining Services at 617-287-5036 at any time.

Please note that the Plan is subject to change without notice.

Terms and Conditions

The UMASS Boston Beacon Bucks Meal Plan is available to each UMASS student, employee or affiliate eligible to obtain a UMASS Card. Use of the Commuter Meal Plan signifies acceptance of the following terms and conditions:

The MP program is a stored value account plan for UMASS BOSTON students, employees and affiliates. Purchases that would bring the account balance below zero are not allowed.
The UMASS BOSTON “Beacon Bucks” Card and associated records are the property of Sodexho Campus Services. Use of the Commuter Meal Plan program may be revoked at any time. The UMASS BOSTON Card is the access device for the Plan. The card must be presented at the time of purchase and shall be the only means of accessing the account holder's Commuter Meal Plan account(s).
The account holder is responsible for observing the transaction amount charged to his/her account at the point and time of sale and the account holder is responsible for monitoring his/her account balance. The account holder is responsible for purchases made and debited to his/her account. Transactions are not always instantaneously deducted from an account due to system downtime or time periods when excessive transactions are being processed. Account holders are responsible for any negative balances accrued during these times.
Account balances will be carried over from semester to semester and year to year. Sodexho reserves the right to cancel any account not used for a 120-day period.
Lost or stolen cards must be reported as soon as possible to help prevent unauthorized use. Cards can be deactivated at anytime using the on-line account management feature Card Office between 8:30AM and 4:30PM weekdays All purchases made prior to account deactivation are the responsibility of the account holder.
Replacements for lost cards can be obtained at the UMASS BOSTON Card Office for the current $5.00 lost card fee.
Refunds of any funds deposited via a credit card will be issued as a credit to the credit card used. No transfers are allowed.
All Meal Plan accounts of graduating students will be closed within 21 days of the degree date.
Unused funds, at the end of a semester or academic year will be returned, when requested in writing, less a $35.00 processing fee.
Any unused funds will be considered forfeited, if no request for return is made within 120 days of graduation.

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