Monday, September 7, 2009
BYU Meal Plan – Campus Scandal?
How would you feel if you gave money to someone only to receive that money back, in small increments, in order to buy the necessities of life? Not to mention being forced to do so in order to attend the school you have spent so much diligent effort in order to attend. This is what the freshman students of BYU are being forced to do through some point in their first semesters here. I, being one of these victims, am greatly confused by this campus policy of meal plans. These meal plans take your money, give it back in miniscule portions, and limit your buying options to stores on campus. Also, what happens if you try and save it for a later moment or go shopping off campus instead of on? They take your excess money with no if’s, and’s or but’s. I believe this BYU policy is detrimental to the lives of those who are forced to use it and should be done away with.
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I didn't even think about this argument, but after reading your post it totally makes sense! I would try and rearrange your paragraph so that the “I believe this policy is detrimental..." statement is said earlier. I only say this because that's your claim and it's the only time you say outright where you officially stand. Also, try and think why BYU would want to change this-- what positives would the campus receive besides happy students? In essence- if dropping the meal plans makes BYU lose money, what are they gaining in return? I like your prodding questions; I think those always work better than derisive statements.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea, it makes perfect sense. I agree with nathanial too, your claim needs to be made a little bit earlier so people know what you talking about right when they start reading. The argument about not being able to save up money on your card has the potential to be devestating, I like it.
ReplyDeleteWell, technically not everything you said is true. Lots of things you said mostly depends on what meal plan you have. I have the Dining Plus meal plan. Whenever I skip a meal, money is added to my account that I can use to get any type of food on campus. I can even order pizza with it! That being said I still think it's unfair because the money I have saved up never goes above $100.
ReplyDeleteI am also confused when you said, "these meal plans take your money and give it back in [small] portions" What portions are you talking about? Also, the meal plans don't technically "take" your money. You are giving it to them willingly.
All in all, I think it would be better if you specified what meal plan(s) you are referring too. It might also help to add a personal experience. It would definitely give it a more emotional appeal.
I've gotta agree with Steve, nobody is standing at the entrance of Brigham Young University with money bags demanding that as tribute to the school freshmen must purchase a meal plan. Most do it for convenience, and it actually saves a lot too. Dinner at the Cannon Center with my meal plan actually costs less than dinner with the employee discount I get for working there.
ReplyDeleteAlso, language like "scandal" and "victim" make you sound like a bit of an extremist/conspiracy theorist. Even though you have some legitimate concerns, like card limits and not being able to choose how much money you take out of your account at once, you might turn off some readers with the language you're choosing. A more moderate and reasonable approach would make you sound more intelligent and informed.
I like how you are arguing about meal plans but does your argument apply to all meals avaiable to students or just to one? I also got confused because it took to long to get to the point that you dont like meal plans.
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