Every college student understands how important on-campus dining services are. While some students may feel that Fairfield’s offerings do not always meet their needs, there are still many options we can choose from.
But why are the policies surrounding these options so confusing?
One point of debate among students is whether to choose an unlimited meal plan or a 14-meal swipe-per-week plan. This decision requires considering what Fairfield includes in each meal plan, especially weighing meal swipes versus dining dollars.
Coffee is a driving force for college students. Despite having a relatively small campus, Fairfield has three coffee options: Peet’s, Starbucks and Dunkin’. Peet’s and Starbucks accept meal swipes or dining dollars at all hours of the day.
But not Dunkin’. Until last semester, Dunkin’ did not accept meal swipes at all. As of this spring semester, they do, but only from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., just before they close.
Why? Many Fairfield students, including myself, find this policy completely illogical. What is the difference between a meal swipe at 9 a.m. versus 1 p.m.? The policy seems like an unnecessary restriction.
Some people might argue that students can just use their dining dollars. However, students only get 100 dining dollars per semester. If the average Dunkin’ order is around $3, students can afford roughly 30 coffees per semester. Considering how long we are on campus, that is not sustainable for someone who drinks coffee seven days a week. Especially because Dunkin’ is the only coffee spot open on the weekends.
Of course, students could use their hard-earned cash on top of what they already fork over to the University, to pay for Dunkin’, but students on meal plans have already paid for their swipes. So why should they spend extra just to get coffee from Dunkin’?
This policy feels like yet another money grab by the university. Dunkin’ is located in the Barone Campus Center, one of the most convenient locations for students, especially for first years.
Students going to or from the Tully or Stag diner can easily grab a coffee before or after eating. For those picking up packages, attending meetings at the lower BCC, or just passing through, Dunkin’ is extremely convenient, it’s right there in the same building.
For the first-year and sophomore students living in Thea Bowman Hall or Langguth Hall, Dunkin’ is the most accessible option. Furthermore, students who aren’t business majors rarely trek to Dolan, making Starbucks a less convenient choice.
First-years and sophomores are also more likely to have an unlimited meal plan since they do not have a kitchen, yet they can’t use their meal swipes at Dunkin for most of the day.
The limited meal swipe hours at Dunkin’ make no sense. If you have ever been there, you know the line is long at any time of day, especially during passing periods when students are heading to or from class. Most people like to have coffee in the morning, yet Fairfield’s policy forces students to waste dining dollars, either pay out of pocket or wait until the least convenient time to use their meal swipes.
I took to Fizz, the social media app, to gauge students’ opinions. Five months ago, a post asked students to “upvote” in support of Dunkin’ accepting meal swipes, which received 1.9k upvotes. I posted my poll, asking students if Dunkin’ should accept meal swipes all day. Out of 1,600 votes, an overwhelming 94 percent said yes.
It is time to rethink this policy. If Peet’s and Starbucks can accept swipes all day, why can’t Dunkin’? Students deserve consistency, and they deserve their coffee when they actually need it.
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