First, don't link Campus Dining with Campus Residences. Students shouldn't be forced to buy a meal plan just because they live on campus. I'm not sure what the reason they did this in the first place, but I'm sure students have no problem finding food if that is what they are concerned about.
Second, on that note, residents should have the option to buy a commuter plan. This gives the option to students to put as much money they want into the account. I don't need the full bronze plan, but I can't go any lower because that is already the cheapest plan. If I want to only buy 600 meal points, then the commuter plan will allow me to. Also, students can always put more money into their account, but can't take away once they are on the lowest plan (bronze).
Third, Campus Dining should model themselves after their own slogan "Fresh, Local, Guest Focused" and the restaurants of the rest of the world. Ok, so their price is high, but can we at least get the service and quality of food that we paid for? And yes, if they aren't going to change their service and quality of food, then they should at least lower the prices.
Fourth, speaking of price, what is this ridiculous $600 "service" fee? Don't they make enough money off of profits from their over priced food already? FSA and Campus Dining should be able to justify how that money is being used and make it publicly accessible to anyone.
Here is my proposal to this problem.
First, don't link Campus Dining with Campus Residences. Students shouldn't be forced to buy a meal plan just because they live on campus. I'm not sure what the reason they did this in the first place, but I'm sure students have no problem finding food if that is what they are concerned about.
Second, on that note, residents should have the option to buy a commuter plan. This gives the option to students to put as much money they want into the account. I don't need the full bronze plan, but I can't go any lower because that is already the cheapest plan. If I want to only buy 600 meal points, then the commuter plan will allow me to. Also, students can always put more money into their account, but can't take away once they are on the lowest plan (bronze).
Third, Campus Dining should model themselves after their own slogan "Fresh, Local, Guest Focused" and the restaurants of the rest of the world. Ok, so their price is high, but can we at least get the service and quality of food that we paid for? And yes, if they aren't going to change their service and quality of food, then they should at least lower the prices.
Fourth, speaking of price, what is this ridiculous $600 "service" fee? Don't they make enough money off of profits from their over priced food already? FSA and Campus Dining should be able to justify how that money is being used and make it publicly accessible to anyone.