The Meal Plan Task Force's proposed dining plan was met with both anger and enthusiasm by students and College employees at an open forum last night.
The plan would require all students who want only a declining balance to pay a $70 fee each term and would offer freshman the option of choosing a declining balance or "punch" system.
About 10 students attended the forum in Room 3 of the Rockefeller Center for the Social Sciences.
"This committee is committed to work on this to find a user profile -- what is the right thing for the right person," said Dartmouth Dining Services Associate Director Tucker Rossiter, a member of the task force.
Several of the students in the audience expressed anger with the proposed plan.
"I think it is inherently unfair for the three classes to pay twice. I think we need to look for something better -- right now this plan is unacceptable," Secretary Student Assembly John Honovich '97 said.
"If the concerns are not met, I am going to urge SA not to support this," Honovich said.
But Rossiter said the senior officers of the College will decide the fate of the new meal plan, and if it is approved, it will be implemented with the Class of 1999.
Kishan Putta '96, who is also a member of the Assembly, said, "I want to be sure this is necessary -- you haven't insured me of that."
Michael Anderson '96, a task force member, voiced his support for the plan. "It feels like you're getting stung twice, but it's two smaller stings," he said.
Marcia Herrin, the College's nutrition education program coordinator, said she thinks the new plan will allow students to eat more healthily.
"I am really impressed there is now a plan that speaks for women who get the shaft the most. The punch system is hell for women with eating disorders," Herrin said.
Andy Schader '98, an Assembly member, said, "This is a good plan even if we have to absorb the extra cost."
DDS Director Pete Napolitano said he thinks the dining options the College provides are worth the extra cost to students. "Dartmouth is the pinnacle of dining throughout the Ivy League. Dining Services interacts with student life here," he said.
