There are few financial systems more complicated than the payment options for Yale Dining.

Until today, I thought that a Bursar was a racial slur, that Eli Bucks was a currency based on the market value of hummus cups, that Points were secretly awarded to students by the Durfee’s staff, and that Guest Swipes were for the uncivilized.

As a public service I have defined each of these terms. I still do not know, however, what VPN is or how to get it.

Bursar:

With Bursar, students can make purchases at Yale Dining locations that are then billed to their Yale Charge Account, a credit account that bills monthly. The Charge Account is accessible online through the Yale Dining website.

Eli Bucks:

Eli Bucks are drawn from a debit account that may be used at all residential college dining halls and all other Yale Dining facilities. Eli Bucks can be purchased online using a credit card at any time and in any amount.

Points:

Students with the “Anytime Meal Plan” are allotted $70-worth of Dining Points each semester. Points can be used Durfee’s, HGS Café, KBT, Marigolds, Divinity, and several other locations.

Bonus Meals:

The “Anytime Meal Plan” and the “Full Meal Plan” grant each student five bonus meals (often called guest swipes) each semester. You can use these swipes for anybody!