Meal Plan Program Open Forum

Residential Meal Plan Program The residential meal plan program is an inclusive room and board program for campus residents. Students select their meal plan when they apply for housing for the academic year. The program was designed based on recommendations by external consultants, student input, and research from other universities with room and board programs.

How the Program was Designed ABOR approved the inclusive meal plan concept in spring 2005 A meal plan committee was formed and has been meeting regularly to discuss the program, the menus, and the process. Participants include students and staff representing USG, RHA, Residential Life, Student Development and Memorial Union, Student Health Center, various faith communities and Campus Dining An open forum was held in spring 2005 to explain the concept, answer questions and receive feedback Students and staff visited other campuses to study their inclusive meal plan programs Student comment cards are being collected

Benefits of Inclusive Meal Plan Program Creates a greater sense of community among students which contributes to higher grades and graduation rates Better connects students to the university Increases involvement among students Allows for improved services and extended hours in dining establishments New facilities and renovations to existing facilities

McAllister Academic Village Facility Flexible seating Programming opportunities All-you-care-to-eat facility and retail market

Renovations to Existing Facilities All-You-Care-To-Eat: Memorial Union: 6,000 sq. ft. Palo Verde Main: 6,300 sq. ft. Manzanita: 8,500 sq. ft.

Renovations to Existing Facilities Sahuaro Market renovation completed Summer 2005 Renovations totaling more than $4,300,000 Revenue will be invested back into the facilities

Meal Plan Packages A. All access, 7 days & $200 M&G B. All access, 5 days & $150 M&G C. 200 meals/semester & $250 M&G D. 150 meals/semester & $350 M&G E. 80 meals/semester & $1,150 M&G F. 115 meals/semester & $350 M&G G. 75 meals/semester & $500 M&G H. $1,900 M&G (not recommended for freshmen) Room and board rates for are inclusive of housing and meal plan costs. The meal plan program is subject to Arizona Board of Regents approval in spring Meal plan exemptions are available to students. Those students who would like more information regarding an exemption or other financial options may contact Campus Dining at DINE.

All-Access Plan New for , the all-access plans allow students to visit the all-you-care-to-eat facilities as many times as they wish. This allows for greater flexibility and the ability to pick up a snack on the way to class, meet a study group for dinner, etc.

University Comparison 29 of the 32 PAC 10, Big 12, and Big 10 universities provide inclusive meal plans for students living on campus.

Cost The cost of a student’s room and board package will vary depending on what type of room they request and what meal plan they select and range from about $6,000 to $9,000 Payment plans: room and board is billed in one or three installments per semester, depending on student choice Financial aid: determination of financial aid always includes an assessment of room and board charges Meal plans deliver 28 percent savings over buying food on an as-needed basis

Room & Board Cost Comparison UCLA, UC Davis and UC Berkeley U. of Colorado, U. of Washington, San Diego State U., U. of Texas at Austin, U. of Oregon, Cal State Long Beach $6,000 - $9,000 $9,000 - $12,000

Timeline Students and staff visited UC Davis on Oct. 10 to study their program Student comment cards are being distributed for feedback An open forum on Wednesday, Oct. 12 at 4 pm RHA votes on the inclusive meal plan program on Oct. 20 Dining hall renovations are subject to ABOR Capital Committee approval on Nov. 10

Final Thoughts Program will create community among residents leading to higher retention and involvement Steps toward the New American University It is an on-going process…

Contact Karen Levy, Student Development & Memorial Union phone: Aimee Gipper, Chair, Meal Plan Committee phone: DINEwww.asu.edu/mealplans

Thank You