 "Photo: Hank Sharpe")
University Housing has required all students to purchase a $600 meal plan per semester for the 2010-11 academic year.
According to the University Housing Renewal Application, all students who live in on-campus apartments will be required to purchase the 5 meal per week (all-you-care-to-eat) plan which includes $150 Dining Dollars for fall and spring semester.
The application did not specify whether freshmen are included.
The meal plan will not be mandatory for the summer.
Students can use the meal plan at the Daily Perk and Quiznos at the meal equivalency rate.
Dining Dollars can be used at the new Convenience Store (located in the new AASU Student Union), the Daily Perk or Quiznos.
The application reported that the five meals per week (in seven day increments) plan will not roll over.
Students must eat the five meals within each week, and the $150 Dining Dollars must be spent within the semester they are purchased.
Sophomore Amelia Nixon disapproves of the new requirement.
"I think the new meal plan is ridiculous. I already disapprove of requiring us to pay $400 per semester although we have a full kitchen, but to raise it up to $600 is disgusting. Apart from the cost, students are allotted only five meals per week with no ‘roll over.' Food is expensive in the cafeteria and yes $400 goes quick with these costs, but not every student needs the entire amount. I think the meal plan raises are a way for the university to take more money from students," Nixon said.
Repeated attempts were made to interview University Housing and Financial Aid, but both declined to speak The Inkwell.
The Galley
Based on the application, the opening of the new AASU Student Union will provide more options for students who live on campus.
The Galley, which will be the main dining room for students, will be located on the first floor of the Student Union.
AASU's Dining Services will offer an all-you-care-to-eat dining plan for each meal in The Galley.
The Galley will have a large grill and a pizza oven and will offer home-style, vegetarian options, specialty and ethnic entrees. There will also be a salad and breakfast bar, frozen desserts and pastries with special presentation dishes cooked as students order.
See the document which states the new mandatory meal plan cost on the back page.
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