Meal plan alternative approved

A Residential Programs and Services committee will implement a new, cheaper meal plan tailored for off-campus residents beginning next semester.\nThe Meal Plan Committee discussed the plan, an effort to entice more students who live outside the residence halls to buy into the meal program, at their meeting Friday. The plan will be worth $300, much smaller than any current plan offered.\n"The idea is to encourage off-campus students to invest in the meal plan," said senior Ilia Smith, president of Willkie Quad. "They should be able to have a lower plan, in case they want to eat in between classes."\nThe plan would specifically benefit members of the greek system, said senior Brian Holman, chairman of the committee and an IDS employee.\n"Some of the people in the frats are very eager to have this plan," Holman said. "They've actually complained that they don't."\nA few committee members are hesitant, however. If enough off-campus residents opt to purchase the new plan, some said, it could significantly increase traffic at the dining halls and have adverse effects on quality and service. \n"I would have severe reservations about diving into the greek system," said junior Jen Jacobs, president of Wright Quad. "The more you expand, the more chance you have to hurt those in the residence halls."\nErrol Huffman, training coordinator and business consultant for dining services, said he has already anticipated the backlash that comes with more traffic. But he said he won't let it affect services. \n"We're expanding across our typical campus boundaries," he said. "But we won't let it get out of control. We're not going to sacrifice service for our residents."\nPart of the implementation of the plan is that even as students move out of residence halls, they will view the option as a viable and affordable one. \n"We are targeting all current hall residents," Huffman said. "We want them to return, but if not, this is an available option for them."\nThe committee will meet again Friday.