Starting this year, both first years and sophomores will be required to purchase a meal plan for at least 10 meals per week at Georgetown’s single dining hall. Not only will these new regulations likely create longer lines and more crowded tables at the cafeteria, but they deny students the flexibility to construct their own eating habits and lifestyle.
According to Margie Bryant, assistant vice president of Auxiliary Services, the University brought about this change to better utilize the Leo J. O’Donovan Dining Hall in the Southwest Quad, which was completed in 2003.
But lines at Leo’s have been long since it opened, and with the closing of the dining facility in Darnall Hall the cafeteria is just going to get more crowded. Students should be able to choose whether or not they want to deal with that hassle.
Moreover, students should not be forced to eat cafeteria food that is often less than appetizing. All the residence halls now have kitchens on every floor. If students can make satisfying meals they should not have to pay for food they may not like.
Bryant defended the plan, saying that Georgetown’s meal plan policy is one of the most “lenient” in the country. But Georgetown’s two neighbor universities, George Washington University and American University, both offer students more flexible plans.
At AU, students can use their meal plans at several on-campus locations, from the cafeteria to Jamba Juice, according to AU Housing and Dining Programs receptionist Ashley Miller. All the plans automatically also include “Eaglebucks”AU’s version of Debit Dollars which can be redeemed at various off-campus restaurants.
With a recently renovated Hoya Court and restaurant-style facilities in the works for the Darnall space, it seems natural that Georgetown students should be able to use their meal plans at locations other than Leo’s.
In the future, it is important that Georgetown reconsider forcing sophomores to buy weekly meal plans. If Dining Services needs to increase student participation in meal plans, they should create incentives to join just like any other business.
But Georgetown must also work improve the dining situation for sophomores this year. Allowing students to use their plans at Hoya Court would offer a convenient option to residents of Darnall and Henle, and it is a change that Georgetown can easily make now.
