Students who keep a close eye on their DASH accounts might want to think twice about visiting the new smoothie bar in the Berry Sports Complex for a post-workout snack.
The Berry Blast is the only one of the College's three smoothie bars that does not accept Declining Balance Account funds, due to an agreement between Dartmouth Dining Services and the athletic department.
The joint venture splits construction and operation costs as well as profits: The athletic department provides the space for the smoothie bar next to Kresge Fitness Center, and DDS staffs and manages the operation.
But what may be a symbiotic relationship for two College departments could cause some confusion and consternation among students.
The smoothie bar doesn't accept DBA because DDS did not want money usually spent at its facilities going to the athletic department, according to Dining Services director Tucker Rossiter. Money in DBA accounts is intended to help pay for operational costs of DDS facilities, Rossiter said.
Though students are permitted to use their DASH accounts to pay for food in campus dining halls anywhere on campus, most use DBA. With the Berry Blast only accepting DASH and cash, however, DDS is now able to acquire money from two new sources, supplementing the profits it reaps from DBA alone.
Three signs near the cash register at The Berry Blast warn that only DASH and cash are accepted, but several students buying smoothies Wednesday afternoon said they did not know they weren't paying for their post-workout drinks with DBA.
Marisa Origel '07 said she had noticed the signs but would rather use money from her DBA.
Matt Trombly, who manages The Berry Blast, said he suspects some students do not buy anything there because they either do not have money in their DASH accounts or do not want to spend it.
"I'd rather take DBA because I'd be a lot busier," he said.
Rossiter said he intends to place off-season athletes who are DDS employees at The Berry Blast since they spend much of their time at the gym anyway.
As of now, however, there are no current athletes on staff.