Before they know how much it costs, most students are neither revolted by nor enthusiastic about the food in the University's dining halls. "At least it's not that disgusting," LSA freshman Kristin Stebbins said.

But when they're informed that each meal costs them an average of about $7 - more than at many popular on-campus restaurants - students become more frustrated.

"That's pathetic," LSA sophomore Leo Caion-Demaestri said, growing visibly upset.

 

The math

Room and board for University students living on-campus is $7,374 per year for a standard double in most residence halls. Of that, $2,888 goes toward a meal plan., which is mandatory for dorm residents.

If students select the default meal plan, which gives them 13 meals a week, the cost averages out to $7 per meal.

When they change their meal plan to one of the several other options, students watch average meal prices skyrocket.

If students choose the 9-meal-per-week plan, they get $200 in Entree Plus points - which can be used at various campus locations such as the basement of the Union - per semester in exchange for forfeiting four meals a week. But they spend more on each residence hall meal: about $8.64.

The 135-meal plan also gives students $200 in Entree Plus points each semester. Under this plan, if students don't use all 135 meals, each unused meal is credited back to their University accounts at a rate of $2.30 per meal. But even assuming they use exactly 135 meals a semester, each meal costs them roughly $9.21.

This raises the question of why meals under this plan cost almost $7 more than the amount students are credited - just one of the incongruities in the University's meal plan that Dining Services officials are either unable or unwilling to explain.

 

Unexplained incongruities

Examining another of the meal plan options - the "Points Only" plan - also unearths some fuzzy math. The plan does not include meals in the cafeterias, allotting students $660 per semester in Entree Plus instead. Students who select this option essentially spend $1,444 per semester for the privilege of spending less than half of that at on-campus cafes and restaurants.

So why don't students get the full $1,444 in Entree Plus each semester instead of $660, a loss of $784 per semester or $1,568 per year?

University Housing spokesman Alan Levy said he was unable to answer this question early last month but would look into it. Since then, he has not responded to frequent e-mail messages and phone calls requesting an explanation.

The University's only defense of the fuzzy math: a sentence on its website that calls the "Points Only" plan "the least economical plan available - recommended only under special circumstances." The website does not address why the plan is not more economical.

There is also the question of why meal plans are required for students living in the dormitories.

"It is in part to ensure that all of our fixed costs are appropriately paid for," Levy said. "But it's a more philosophical statement. Particularly for freshman and sophomore residents, it's our belief that it makes life easier for most students to be able to rely on a meal plan that's built-in, paid for as part of a standard fee."

But some students question the rationale of denying college-aged individuals - especially those who rarely use their meal plans - the right to decide whether to feed themselves or rely on the University.

A typical case is that of LSA sophomore Jin Hee Hayward, who said she uses only 11 or 12 meals out of the 13 allotted to her most weeks.

"Every week, they're making 7 to 14 dollars on me," she said. "They steal our meal credits when we don't finish all of our meals."

Hayward suggested that meals should roll over from week to week.

"Making us lose the meals we paid for is wrong in every way," she said.

If students skip just a few meals a week, costs per meal become exorbitant. For example, students who skip three meals on the nine-meal-per-week plan pay almost $13 for every meal they eat.

"The meals are way too expensive for a dorm," Caion-Demeastri said. "I could go to a restaurant and get a really good, healthy meal for six or so dollars."

 

What goes into the cost

University officials say every effort is made to keep the cost of food low for students.

The University tries to use its purchasing power as a large-scale buyer to get the most value, Levy said. "The University is always a desired customer because we pay our bills," he added.

Dining Services also constantly monitors prices to make sure the University is getting the best values, he added.