New cafe at School of Informatics accepts meal points, now open

Convenience seems to be a high priority for Residential Programs and Services when making improvements this year.  

First, RPS created a more student-friendly I-Bucks meal points program. Now, it added a new café in the School of Informatics building, which accepts meal points.

“We only opened about two weeks ago,” said senior Chantyl Troupe, RPS employee and server at the new Informatics Café.

The Informatics building at 919 E. 10th St. serves as a headquarters that integrates technology for students, faculty and staff. This building was the former Beta Theta Pi House and was rededicated to the School of Informatics on Sept. 19.

Most people said that this location is convenient for those who live on the north side of campus, along with informatics and psychology majors.

“We live in this building or the building next door,” said graduate student Brandon Stephens.

Graduate student Vignesh Ramesh said he usually sees students hanging out in the lounge and visiting the café. Still, he said that the location of the café attracts a lot more graduate students than undergraduates.

Troupe said the customers include a mixture of both students and faculty.

“I work on the north edge of campus in the Alumni Center,” said Rachael Crouch, the director of alumni programs for the IU Alumni Association. “I am happy that it is here because I often come over here for meetings.”

Crouch ordered a non-fat latte.

“That’s my drink,” she said.

Some of the items on the menu include drinks like Seattle’s Best Coffee, hot chocolate, 12 different flavors of Tazo tea and cold beverages and food such as bread, bagels and pastries.

Although it is common for a café to sell bagels and doughnuts, Stephens said he wants healthier options.

The Informatics Café is still adjusting to operating, and RPS is trying to please its customers by seriously considering all of the submissions in the suggestion box.

As a direct result of all the suggestions for healthier options, RPS is already adjusting the menu.

“Fruit is coming in tomorrow,” Troupe said.