There are several things that should be addressed in the changes to food service provided in the Union.
Currently, the Rathskellar provides the most accessible option for off-campus students in search of dinner. Unfortunately, it’s not enough. The only other option—dining halls—charge an unaffordable $9 for a meal. Couple this with the fact that there are no descent off-campus restaurants within walking distance, RPI students are often left looking to the Rath if they want dinner.
Unfortunately, the fried fare offered in the Union basement gets boring and unheatlhy if sampled more than a couple times a week. Those with a meal plan have access to late-night dining in Russell Sage Dining Hall but since it’s open for one short hour, it’s nearly impossible to fit this into a busy student’s schedule every night. And, as with any dining hall, the price is just too high for those without a meal plan to afford, even for an occasional trip. There needs to be other options for students.
The Rath is the only place open after the dining halls close and before late night dining begins. As such, it would be good to see vegetarian and Kosher options available in the Rathskellar. This would also give traditional diners healthier alternatives to the burgers, fried food, and pizza currently being served.
A model of what students need can be seen in the McNeil Room during lunchtime. The menu served there provides students and staff, most of whom are not on a meal plan, with a variety of choices. Unfortunately, its limited hours mean most students aren’t able to take advantage of its offerings.
Many students would be thrilled with the new options if the McNeil Room were open later into the evening—at the very least until dinner is over. A simple solution would be to keep the McNeil Room dining open later, or at least offer some of the McNeil Room’s variety in the Rathskellar.
