Barnard students can count on making use of the new food services offered at The Diana next year because all students at the college will now be required to purchase a meal plan.

Matt Kingston, Associate Director for Housing Operations at Barnard, announced today at a Study Abroad program meeting for Barnard students leaving for the Spring semester that they will be required to have a meal plan when they return in the Fall. It appears that SGA had discussed the policy last year.

The Study Abroad program meeting provided context for proclaiming the new policy because it will impact students’ decisions in choosing housing for the Fall semester. In the past, students have been ambivalent about choosing a single room in Hewitt, a residence hall in Barnard’s Quad, because it required them to purchase an unlimited meal plan, also required for first-years. Under the new dining policy, however, students who wish to live in Hewitt need no longer fear a first-year style meal plan – they will now be able to choose their own.

The options available to students will vary by year; first-year students will still be required to purchase an unlimited meal plan, but sophomores, juniors, and seniors will be given more flexible options that require a small amount of meal points – which can be used at locations like Java City in Altschul Hall.

Students can also use their meal points at Barnard’s new dining options in the Diana – Liz’s Place and The Cafeteria – which will open at the beginning of next semester.

The new policy was met with less than a warm reception by some students. Anna Scaife, BC ’11, feels that the administration didn’t give students enough opportunity to discuss their feelings about a change in the dining plan – nor is she looking forward to purchasing something that she doesn’t feel she’ll make ample use of. “I know personally I have been without a meal plan for two years and really enjoy being able to cook for myself and select the foods I want to eat rather than being limited to six options – so I’m not particularly looking forward to buying into a food service system that I won’t necessarily make use of.”