The Sodexo dining services have been under scrutiny since they were hired to operate the dining program at UM-Flint. Sodexo was essentially hired to provide mandatory dining services to the First Street Residence Hall students since they are contractually obligated to participate in a minimum $1,300 per semester meal plan.
But problems arose during the fall semester when students realized that any excess on the card would not be rolled over into the Winter semester.
“Fall semester was really crazy. People were buying all cases of bottled drinks. They didn’t pay attention to their contract, I guess,” said Theresa Landis, director of auxiliary and recreational services.
“The problem is this is new to our campus and students weren’t aware of this,” said Landis. “To have a proficient dining program you need to have 700 to 1,000 students and with only 300 students we knew budget wise it would present challenges.”
However, according to the UM-Flint Web site, “The U-M Board of Regents approved the 310 bed facility in October of 2006.”
Landis said, “It was decided to put it in the University Center along with the fact we have a kitchen up there anyways and it was kinda a more economical way to go.”
“If they want to have specific food selling in the dorms it would be more convenient,” said Jamila Stone, sophomore, wildlife biology major and a student living in the residence hall.
“We have to market that better,” said Landis. “We need to educate the housing students about the meal plans and I guess just educate the student.” When asked about any plans for marketing for this year Landis said, “We haven’t had any official meetings yet.”
Tara can be reached at tmoreno@umflint.edu.
Meal plans a problem this year?
Published: Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Updated: Monday, August 16, 2010 09:08
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