As the 2026-27 academic year gets underway, the College is introducing several changes and upgrades to help students get the food they want when they want it.
Starting Wednesday, Sept. 2, students on a meal plan can come into the dining halls as often as they like during regular business hours. On weekday mornings when students can’t make it to a dining hall, they can now use their meal plan from 7-8 a.m. to grab a breakfast sandwich or vegan burrito wrap, a drink, and fruit at Uncommon Grounds.
For students who find themselves near the Park Science Center at lunch, dining services is introducing a grab-and-go station from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. that’s also covered by the meal plan. Located on the 2nd floor of Park, it features a choice of a daily sandwich or salad, fruit, a protein bar, and water.
“We know it can be difficult sometimes for students on the north end of campus to make it to one of the dining halls,” says Director of Dining Services David Chase. “We’re hoping these grab-and-go options will help make sure that even the busiest students are getting the food they need to do well in class, engage in research, practice with their team, or anything else they need to get done.”
Students will also have more time to visit the dining halls. Starting on Sept. 2, New Dorm Dining Hall has extended its Monday-Thursday hours from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. and the Erdman continental breakfast is going from Saturday only to both Saturday and Sunday from 7:30-10 a.m.
Erdman Dining Hall Fall 2026 Hours of Operation
New Dorm Dining Hall Fall 2026 Hours of Operation
Early dining hall changes that take effect on Tuesday, Aug. 18, include the addition of a protein-forward bar, “Pulse,” at NDDH for lunch and dinner. Students can add protein choices to their plate, including Halal chicken, Halal beef, meat alternatives, pulses, and grains. For students seeking Halal chicken and beef, both will now be available as an option in addition to the non-Halal chicken and beef offered in meals at lunch and dinner.
For those students interested in doing their own cooking, starting Monday, Sept. 7, the Community Kitchen in the Wellness Center has extended its reservation hours. The kitchen will be available for reservations from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.
In addition to the expanded hours, the community kitchen has a fresh supply of pots, pans, and cooking utensils available. All reservations for use of the Community Kitchen should be made via the college’s room reservation system (EMS). Students who wish to use the kitchen will be required to participate in a short orientation session. The session covers general guidelines and instructions for appliance use; important health, safety, and cleanliness information; and the check-in and check-out verification processes.
The expanded use of the kitchen is being done as a pilot program and a Community Kitchen Advisory Committee will be launched to oversee the pilot expansion and to gather feedback regarding usage of, equipment and supplies, and how successfully the space is being cared for and maintained
For additional information regarding the Wellness Center Community Kitchen pilot, please contact Wellness Program Director Cristen Kennedy, or Interim Dean of Student Life Denine Rocco.
Many of these changes stem from feedback gathered during the planning for Bryn Mawr’s Next Chapter.
The Next Chapter is a ten-year framework of strategic focus and direction that charts a path by which Bryn Mawr will connect the best of its history with the needs and aspirations of students of the future, preparing the next generation of Mawrters who will change the world.
