Editorial – Dining Services must change convoluted plan

Dining Services has stalled the debut of their new All Campus Dining meal plan – which they had previously hoped would be ready by fall – having realized it is too convoluted for some users to understand.

Is the fact that students need an orientation to use the plan not enough of a clue?

The plan, previously known as A La Board, has been a disaster waiting to happen since Dining Services officials announced the arrival of its trial version on the campus last semester. Not only is it difficult to believe it took more than eight years to concoct this monstrosity, but it is equally perplexing that officials couldn’t foresee the results of the trial far in advance.

The plan offers a multi-level system where the student dollar is assigned to varying point values depending on where they buy food on the campus. Though students can use their points anywhere, the flexibility is hardly worth it, as food in certain spots such as the food court can be more expensive than a student realizes.

During the trial, officials uncovered that students didn’t understand the complex system of ratios, causing them to run out of points. Yet officials say they have no current plans to reconsider the point system.

A meal plan should be simple to understand and easy to use; students should not have to fear running out of points far too early in the semester due to a lack of clarity in their plan.

Now Dining Services is extending the trial period – a wise move. To implement the plan in its current state any sooner would undoubtedly cause many students to sign up for something that may ultimately work against them. If officials are unwilling to reconsider the plan’s point ratios, the Residence Halls Association should demand clarity from them.

The RHA has been too quiet about the issue. Clearly this proposal is in need of revision, if not a major rehaul, but the RHA is not demanding that Dining Services more closely scrutinize the plan, which seems riddled with problems.

It is the RHA’s job to be the voice of the resident student, and they should do so – loudly.