42 students use I-Bucks at IMU with RPS project

With 21 different dining locations and kiosks scattered across IU’s campus, students should have plenty of options when seeking a full meal or a quick snack.

But many students have wanted the convenience of utilizing their I-Bucks at the chain restaurants located in the Indiana Memorial Union.

“When I was a freshman, I spent tons of time in the Union,” senior Jaime Roque said. “Spending my meal points at Pizza Hut or Burger King would’ve been super clutch.”

In response to student surveys and input, Residential Programs and Services created a trial program that would allow a total of 150 students to utilize their I-Bucks in the Union.

“It took us awhile to implement the program because RPS doesn’t own the restaurants in the Union,” Patrick Connor, executive director of RPS, said.

“Those that participate will be allowed to use their I-Bucks in the Union for the whole year, and they will be asked to participate in focus groups to determine if this is a venture we should pursue.”

Although the desired number of participants was 150, only 42 students were elected
to participate.

“I’m not sure why the turnout was so low,” Connor said.

“Maybe students didn’t check their e-mail when we were looking for participants, or maybe they just weren’t interested. The focus groups should give us more insight as to why the number was so low.”

Some of the students who did receive and read the e-mail were apprehensive about joining the trial program.

“I just thought it would be a big hassle and I wouldn’t need it,” freshman Dan Schnur said.

Other students regret not participating in the program after realizing the probable increase in convenience the program would provide.

“I really didn’t foresee how much time I would spend in the Union,” freshman Billy Farley said. “It’s right by the house we’re in, and it would help me a lot when I’m busy.”

Though the trial hasn’t ended, the idea of improving current dining services instead of expansion has been suggested.  

“I would just love more variety in the dining halls,” freshman Kyle Tappendorf said. “I know a lot of us are sick of eating the same thing over and over again.”