Policies limit student dining options

One of our class assignments, like semester, is to write an article for The Inkwell. The only difference is the topic needed to deal public affairs, whether on or off campus.

I contacted Jay, the news editor, and he told me about how Armstrong's Dining Services cut back hours regarding the food court, Starbucks, and the convenient store on campus.

Since I live on campus, I knew Dining Services changed the hours, because one weekend when I wanted to grab a bite to eat the food court, it was closed. And long story short, I was disappointed. Because last semester, students could use these services on the weekends, particularly those who lived on campus.

When I was reporting for The Inkwell my freshman year of college, I remember talking to Al Harris, director of Student Activities about the Student Union, which was not built at the time. He said one of the reasons why the Student Union is so special is because it will stay open late for the students to use.

And I have to admit, I was excited about that perk, no pun intended. But when the hours changed this semester, it left me a bit confused.

Both Louis Duran, general manager of Sodexo, and David Carson, vice president of Business and Finance said the reason for the change in hours is due to the lack of student participation. And since students were not participating, Armstrong lost money.

My thing is, in order to use those services besides the cafeteria, we (students who live on campus), are only allotted $150 a semester to use the food court, Starbucks, etc. Because those services are not part of the meal plan. And that is not a lot of money if you are charging $7 per meal, plus tax.

When I first came to Armstrong, I had a $400 meal plan, which means $400 was on my card and I could spend the money however I wanted to. And I would only pay for the for the food according to what I ordered/picked up.

But since the Student Union came, all that changed. And students are only given a set amount for their meal plan.

I don't like Armstrong telling me what I can and cannot eat. I do like the buffet style, but why can't I choose the food I want an pay accordingly? There are many times when my friend and I go into the cafeteria and there is nothing good and I feel like I wasted money because I have to pay at the door.

And then I can't go to the food court, because I will just have to pay again. Duran said he didn't want the food court to be like the cafeteria, so he won't add it as a meal plan.

Both Duran and Carson said they said if they see more students using the dining facilities, they will go back to later hours. My thing is, if you just add the food court as a meal plan, you will make the money back that you are losing and not have to worry about changing the hours.

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