As of Thursday, April 23, an online, student-initiated petition against the institution of the new swipe meal plan has reach 449 signatures.
The petition, created by an anonymous “concerned, and hungry, DePauw student” advocates against the swipe system because of the “significant reduction to the amount of choices that students have on campus.”
Kevin Kessinger, director of finance, assures those who have signed the petition that their opinions are being heard.
“We’ve been following the petition to better understand student concerns,” Kessinger said. “The primary complaint seems to be about limitations on eating at Two West and the Duck.”
These restaurants, though very popular with students, were never intended to be major locations for students to eat. However, for those who do enjoy eating at these locations, Kessinger assures that: “students on the Residence Hall flex plan will have enough flex dollars to eat at Two West or the Duck once or twice a week.”
Although small adjustments are still being made to the food program, the new swipe system meal plan is pretty much set in stone. Since the original swipe plan was announced, administration has made changes in accordance with student feedback such as a late night meal period, 5 guest swipes per semester and additional swipe alternatives.
“The swipe alternatives will continue to change over the semester based on student feedback and usage,” Kessinger said.
Dean of Academic Life Dave Berque contends that the switch to the new swipe plan is necessary for student success. Although many have argued that the small percentage of students who run out of meal plan money is too insignificant to warrant a change, Berque argues that it is an issue that needed to be addressed.
“We often hear from students…who are facing challenges in the classroom,” Berque said. “And it is not uncommon for us, near the end of the semester, to hear from students…who are out of meal money.”
Berque says this is a concern for his department because students feel as though their performance is being impeded on by their inability to eat good meals.
“You don’t even want one student to not be able to eat,” he said.
Berque concurs with Kessinger that the adjustments being made to the meal plan are a positive step.
“We’re trying to respond to student concerns, and meet somewhere in the middle, while still achieving our goals to make sure that everyone can eat three meals a day,” Berque said.
This story is the second in a three part series outlining DePauw’s amended meal plan.