Petition Against the New Meal Plan-Miami University 2016

Do what's right for the students

As a parent of a current MU student, I very much oppose the meal plan changes. The proposed change represents both a financial burden to students and families as well as a flexibility/scheduling burden for students. MU has spent tens of thousands of dollars developing unique eateries on campus, now develops a meal plan which by default will drive students away from these establishments. Should a student choose to use an a la carte location, there will be a significant increase in monies needed each semester. In addition, the bulk of money will not roll over, meaning students lose a large amount of money each semester and if you are a student that lives on campus until graduation (RA, scholars, et al) then the loss is even greater. This new meal plan is clearly a win-only for MU, who will see a huge increase in revenue that will not meet output. The premise that they are doing away with the Diplomat Fee of $1625 is absurd, as $400 of it has been moved to Housing fee, meal discounts are gone and the remainder, plus more, is now built into the Meal Plan fees (MU admits that their premise is that not all meals will be consumed. Another absurdity and complete lack of value for students). I have calculated that this new plan will cost our family a minimum of $1000 more per semester, and with a D that will graduate 2017 without living off campus, there will be several thousand dollars that simply roll to the coffers of MU. This change truly represents poor planning on the part of Administration and seems to bolster their trend of maximizing dollars at every opportunity.

I am a parent of a current student. I have an alumni son and an alumni spouse.

I am a Miami parent

Please do what is best for the students, not another way to generate money.

This will loose us money I will not buy a meal plan if this happens.

Parent

My friend Hannah has this at University of Vermont and it is inefficient and unliked by many students. The maple street experience is something that is unique to Miami and sets it far above many other schools in terms of eating choices. All my visitors comment on how amazing it is without special terms involved !

Parent of current student. I don't understand the reason for the switch. I like the current plan and feel it is much more flexible and fair than the proposed plan which is similar to other schools and widely disliked. This new plan seems to be pushing students to eat buffet style. The two most likely outcomes will most likely be; 1. Students overeating due to the need to feel they are getting their money worth, -or- 2. Overpaying for what they want. Keep the current plan!!

Freshman parent. Agree that the flexible meal-plan and varying dining options was a BIG selling point - and one the University promoted as unique to MU. This seems to vastly contradict the original message and does not benefit the way students live and eat on a daily basis. Not to mention, it seems over-priced for options that will ultimately be under utilized.

Parent- These changes are not based on what's in the students best interest but what is in the best interest of university profits.

My daughter seldom eats at the dining halls due to her busy school schedule and dietary needs. The declining balance to use at all venues makes the most sense

Parent of a busy Miami student who rarely eats in dining halls.

Do not change the meal plan

I have personally experienced this type of meal plan at other schools while visiting friends and it is not favored among students and seems to be a waste of money for students, especially since buffet swipes do not roll over to other semesters.

I like both suggestions of assigningdollar values to swipes, and to-go boxes.

Parent

This school hates us

Eating almost exclusively at dining locations wastes food and money, as it does not roll over.

The meal plan needs to stay the way it is!!