Collegian Weekly: Meal plan change proposal starts strongly
But teamwork, follow-through needed to see any significant changes
Issue date: 4/3/08 Section: Opinion
Students would finally have more choice in on-campus eating if the Student Federation's meal plan revisions pass the necessary administrative hurdles. It's a process that will likely take a long time, but one that will be worth it in the end.
Student Federation's proposal would give students more control of their food money.
The proposal is good, and the cooperation of Saga, Inc., administrators and the Student Federation has made the change a legitimate possibility. And if it became a reality, students would benefit.
The new plan would allow students to forgo in-cafeteria meals and get up to $15 each week credited to their cards to use in AJ's Café or Jitters. Right now, it's the cafeteria or nothing. That said, we've noticed Saga managers have been working hard to better please their diners. Nevertheless, students either take advantage of the meals already purchased, or the money disappears.
The new meal plan would give students more choices. They can opt for AJ's on mystery meat day. Those who can't make the meal times could put the money they've already spent to good use. They could pick up a snack from AJ's with their credit instead of spending even more money on cereal and a bag of chips stashed in their dorm room.
All these changes would make eating on campus a better experience.
But a proposed change is very different from a reality, and a lot must happen before the meal plan reflects the good ideas.
Money is the biggest obstacle. Changed meal plans mean additional expenses, which must come from somewhere. AJ's or Jitters would likely need to hire more people to accommodate more customers- and already, labor cost makes up a significant portion of Saga's budget.
The cost is difficult to estimate, and the situation becomes more complicated because of Saga's other recent changes. Administrators don't yet fully know how the dining room's opening in the Grewcock Student Union affects mealtime attendance and consumption. Both factors affect the budget.
Student Federation's proposal would give students more control of their food money.
The proposal is good, and the cooperation of Saga, Inc., administrators and the Student Federation has made the change a legitimate possibility. And if it became a reality, students would benefit.
The new plan would allow students to forgo in-cafeteria meals and get up to $15 each week credited to their cards to use in AJ's Café or Jitters. Right now, it's the cafeteria or nothing. That said, we've noticed Saga managers have been working hard to better please their diners. Nevertheless, students either take advantage of the meals already purchased, or the money disappears.
The new meal plan would give students more choices. They can opt for AJ's on mystery meat day. Those who can't make the meal times could put the money they've already spent to good use. They could pick up a snack from AJ's with their credit instead of spending even more money on cereal and a bag of chips stashed in their dorm room.
All these changes would make eating on campus a better experience.
But a proposed change is very different from a reality, and a lot must happen before the meal plan reflects the good ideas.
Money is the biggest obstacle. Changed meal plans mean additional expenses, which must come from somewhere. AJ's or Jitters would likely need to hire more people to accommodate more customers- and already, labor cost makes up a significant portion of Saga's budget.
The cost is difficult to estimate, and the situation becomes more complicated because of Saga's other recent changes. Administrators don't yet fully know how the dining room's opening in the Grewcock Student Union affects mealtime attendance and consumption. Both factors affect the budget.
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