Two weeks ago I found myself frustrated and utterly discontent. I had just been in an argument with the manager of the Commons over their new policy requiring servers to dish out cereal instead of the traditional self-serve method as a means of “portion control.” This must sound crazy to you since the Commons was closed during Thanksgiving break, and indeed it is. I was simply dreaming this early one morning when I awoke in a flutter. Nevertheless, is the content of my morning escapade really all that far-fetched given recent events?
The beginning of this semester started out like any other until my usual trip to the Commons ended with displeasure. Many of the normal foods offered in the past were suddenly missing: the pudding bar was closed, replaced only with inexpensive bread; the hot dog machine had disappeared; chicken patties were no longer offered; tacos had been removed from the dinner menu cycle; ice cream sugar cones were removed; and cereal was now only offered until the early afternoon.
A flurry of complaints swamped the comment card board, and eventually chicken patties and hot dogs returned, and cereal was extended until 4 pm. Other requests for previous services were met with a series of curt “N/A” remarks illustrating the new management’s disregard for patron satisfaction. More complaints must have arrived, because cereal is now offered until closing time as it has been since 2000, the year I started regularly eating at the Commons. Tacos at dinner and waffle cones remained AWOL, but the pudding bar made a weak comeback in the final days of the semester. Apparently, during all this confusion, the self-serve omelet grill was removed from operation during dinner hours.
The tacos that do remain show themselves only during the lunch menu cycle, and instead of in their traditional home at the salad bar, they are served only in the “classics” line, pre-filled with meat. I asked why, and the response was “portion control.” Apparently, the management did not want me to eat more than they thought I should despite using all-you-can-eat buffet pricing. A few days later, one of my associates was waiting in line for General Tso’s chicken when the new management sharply corrected the server, saying, “Only one spoonful per person. If they want more they will have to get into line again!” Perhaps this is the same reason why the refrigerator near the George Foreman grill has been turned around, away from the students, to face the serving employees.
The policy of reduced service has even penetrated the holiday dinners. When I was waiting in line the Thursday before Thanksgiving for the theme dessert of apple crisp on ice cream, a manager walked over and, hearing news about the dessert shortage—apparently they had not made enough and were aware of this fact—simply discounted the issue and ordered standard desserts to be served in its place when the supply was exhausted.
The real absurdity of the situation becomes apparent when you realize what you paid for your meal plan. Rates have increased since last year, yet the number of offerings has decreased and service has been restricted. Meal plan rates should have lowered, but corporate profitability concerns will never allow prices to decrease. Ultimately, competition is desperately needed on campus, but will likely not be our savior due to exclusive contracts guaranteeing corporations like Marriott and PepsiCo monopoly rights on campus. Only you, the student, can make a difference by making your voice heard to the RPI administration, trustees, and those companies that claim to serve you.
Jacob Hunt
EEVP GRAD
