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After minor changes, the Apartment Meal Plan was implemented this fall for more than 100 students commuting to the campus.

The plan - announced last spring as a Residence Halls Association proposal - was created to give students living in University Courtyards, University View and other locations off the campus a meal plan that allows them to eat on the campus. The initial plan drew criticism from students for not being cost effective, but Dining Services revised it before offering a trial run this semester.

The initial plan required a $25 administration fee with an additional $5 in fees for each $100 increment added to the meal plan.

The new plan presented this fall is available at four different incremental levels - from $250 to $1,000. There is a $10 administration fee and a $5 fee for each increment.

The improvements, however, have only attracted 124 participants, said Dining Services Director Pat Higgins.

She said the turnout was respectable considering no advertising was done to inform students of the option and especially considering the plan's trial is in its first semester.

"I think it's good turnout given that we've really done no promoting," she said. "We put the brochure out and talked to people, but we haven't really marketed anything."

Resident Hall Association President Kareem Branch said he was happy with the turnout, especially considering this is the first semester students can choose the option.

"I think that the number is definitely pretty outstanding considering this is a trial," he said. "I didn't expect thousands of people to sign up for this meal plan. It's here to give students another option."

Branch said he thought the majority of students didn't choose the option because they were happy with their dining plans or because they don't understand the difference between this plan and Terrapin Express - a debit card account students can use at various locations on the campus. The Apartment Meal Plan is purchased through the student's university account, making it tax exempt and allowing scholarships and grants to cover the cost.

University Commuters Association President Jahantab Siddiqui said despite the tax and scholarship benefits, the plan was cost inefficient and didn't help commuters.

"I don't know any commuters on this meal plan," he said. "Most people I know would rather use Terrapin Express where it's every dollar for a dollar."

Contact reporter Hadass Kogan at kogandbk@gmail.com.

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