Envision Strategies partnered with Boston University to conduct a comprehensive review of its existing meal plan structure, engaging campus stakeholders and students to understand dining behaviors, pain points, and expectations. The analysis highlighted consistent themes: students valued flexibility, transparency, and strong perceived value, yet found the existing plans difficult to align with their schedules and preferred dining patterns, especially given high demand for convenience, retail access, and late‑night use. Envision evaluated survey data, focus group insights, and operational patterns across campus, comparing them with peer institutions to identify opportunities to simplify plan choices, balance meals and Dining Points more effectively, and enhance access through features like take‑out, retail exchanges, and late‑night options. Through scenario modeling, Envision developed and assessed multiple alternative meal plan structures, each designed to improve value perception, increase flexibility, support community dining, and strengthen long‑term financial sustainability for the University. These efforts equipped BU with a clear framework for modernizing its meal plan portfolio in ways that better meet student needs while supporting institutional priorities. 

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