Students get ready to fight possible RPS outsourcing

The Residence Halls Association is preparing to fight the prospect that Residential Programs and Services’ dining services might be outsourced.\nAn evaluation of RPS food services would occur at some point after the discussion of the possible IU Bookstore outsourcing, said Pat Connor, executive director of RPS. \n“I know they are still finalizing the decisions regarding Motor Pool contracting, and the IU Bookstore is still out in discussion,” Connor said. \nConnor said that talks would then arise regarding the process for food services.\nWith the potential that RPS dining services will be outsourced, the Residence Halls Association is planning to do something if this possibility becomes a reality. Although nothing is official, RHA representatives have discussed petitions, among other possibilities, said sophomore Allie Korosi, director of media relations for RHA. \n“I know they are interested as a student body taking and making a statement on the outsourcing situation,” Connor said. “And as a student government body, that is well within their privilege to take it up as an issue.”\nRHA elects and appoints the student membership of the meal plan committee, which has a large involvement in making decisions about food services, Connor said.\nIf RPS dining services are outsourced, it can affect student jobs, along with the other positions held by community members, Korosi said. \nKorosi explained that the meal plan committee is involved in a lot of dining operations and spearheaded projects such as organic options and replacing the Read Center McDonald’s with a different dining choice for next year.\n“The student influence is greatly at stake,” she said regarding the potential loss of student jobs and input on committees such as the meal plan committee.\nIn addition, Korosi said a possible effect is that on-campus dining options would be limited if outsourcing did occur. She mentioned the possibility that Read’s three dining areas could be consolidated if outsourced. \nWhile it is still uncertain what will happen with RPS dining services, Korosi said that no matter the decision, RHA will be ready to make a statement if outsourcing is the option chosen. \nDespite the concerns among students, many administrators have said that sometimes outsourcing is financially the best option. \nThe idea for outsourcing has been an ongoing discussion as IU attempts to find more money, said IU trustee William Cast. \nWhile Cast did not say whether he favored outsourcing the dining services, he said that looking for ways to save money on the operation side is the mission. \nHe said IU shouldn’t end its discussions on outsourcing. Every area where money can be saved is being looked into, Cast said.