Sophomores, if you thought your days at Leo’s were over, think again.
Starting this school year, sophomores living in residence halls are required to have at least the minimal 10-a-week meal plan. The rule does not apply to sophomores living in University apartments.
“Some students called us and were surprised,” said Margie Bryant, Assistant Vice President of Auxiliary Services. “However, the information was included in freshmen handouts at orientation last year. I’m sure a lot of students didn’t notice, but they can go back and check.”
When asked why the change happened now, Bryant invoked the new dining facilities.
“We have a beautiful new dining hall,” she said. “We can serve the student body, so we should be doing it and doing it well.”
Bryant said money was not the most significant factor in the decision to change the meal plan regulations, but recognized the debts that have accumulated as a result of facility upgrades.
GUSA Department of Housing and Facilities member Clare Schramm (CAS ‘08) said she did not find the policy change to be entirely fair.
“It seems like the University is trying to prevent students from buying food from the new places in Hoya Court because they are afraid that the dining services will lose money,” Schramm said. “If the university requires all sophomores to have meal plans, then they should seriously re-evaluate the food options available at Leo’s and they should consult our committee in helping design the menu to make all students happier with the decision.”
Bryant said she understands students’ frustrations.
“I know it’s difficult because no one wants to be told to do something, which is why we are trying to step up to student requests so we can be the dining hall they want us to be,” Bryant said.
“We are willing to make exceptions, such as in cases of food allergies. I also want to emphasize that we have not only one of the most lenient policies regarding meal plans in the country, but also one of the least expensive in Washington,” she added.
Not all sophomores are irked by the effects of the changed policies.
Steven Reilly (CAS ‘08) likes the security a meal plan provides.
“I think it’s good to have a fail-safe mechanism as I go about exploring my options for eating outside the dining hall,” Reilly said.
At the $12.32 posted price of a dinner in Leo’s, 45 dinners would cost $554.40, while the 45-block meal plan costs $509.
Breakfast and lunch are substantially cheaper. Bryant said that block plan subscribers receive the benefit of two guest passes in addition to regular meals.
