Policy change lets students refund their Dining Dollar$

After widespread student complaints about the new Dining Dollar$ program, The University of Memphis administration has decided to let students opt out of the program and receive a refund when they become juniors.

Incoming freshmen and sophomores were charged a $300 fee this semester to support the new program, which places the funds in students' Dinning Dollar$ accounts for use at eateries and vending machines on campus.

While the new meal plan is still mandatory for students with 60 or fewer course hours, students who refrain from using their Dining Dollar$ can receive a full refund, starting April 28.

Danny Armitage, vice president of residence life and dining services, said the fees would go toward lowering the price of food and beverages at the new University Center.

"The fee was implemented to ultimately lower the cost of food for students, since the price has been a complaint," he said.

Allan Purcell Jr., freshman history major, said he approved of the fee because the benefits would trickle down to students.

"I see the Dining Dollar$ as a recommitment to the student body," he said. "The administration created a plan to help reduce costs in the long run."

But other students, like freshman Paige Ramos, were opposed to the program.

"Students don't know what's going on with budgets and how the fees in our tuition, like Dining Dollar$, are dispersed," Ramos said. "How does it benefit us as students, and why is it necessary?"

The program was one of the issues students raised during a panel discussion with administrators last Thursday at the State Of The University Address, hosted by the Student Government Association.

Justin Smith, junior criminal justice major, said he had a firmer grasp of the issue because of the question-and-answer session.

"I have a much better understanding of where the money in my tuition is going to, such as the Dining Dollar$ program," he said. "The (issue) was broken down and thoroughly explained."

The administrative panel also answered questions about parking difficulties, changes in the printing fee policy, excessive wait time for Tiger Patrol carts, budget cuts, increased fees and the need for a more eco-friendly campus.

Tyler Ricossa, vice president of the SGA and a communications and business management major, said the SGA listened to students' concerns at the meeting and would represent their views to the administration.

"We dig deep into the minds of the student body to see what they want and how we can improve," he said. "If we aren't informed, we cannot take action to find resolutions."

To keep up-to-date on students' opinions, the SGA sets up a table outside the Tiger Den on alternate Thursdays. SGA senators also hold town hall meetings every month within each of The University's colleges to bring up issues, problems or improvements, said James Johnson, SGA president.

While the meeting answered some students' questions, others said they walked away as confused as when they arrived.

"I was extremely disappointed in the presentation," said Melissa Rhea, sophomore accounting major. "I feel like I don't know the direction SGA is going, and I want to know more about what they are doing specifically."