Fee charged with meal plan unrelated to meals

By The Beacon | October 26, 2011 9:00pm

Money goes towards maintenance costs

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Although Bon Appétit provides all of UP's food services, the University charges an "operational cost" on all meal plans, ranging from $390 to $640.

According to Alan Timmins, vice president for financial affairs, the fee accounts for "fixed costs" that UP has, such as building and grounds maintenance. He said the fee does not go toward any direct fund, but is for general campus needs unrelated to meals.

Timmins said the operational cost is a necessary charge to keep the University running, but said it is not being billed in the appropriate arena, in his opinion.

"It's confusing. The way those fixed costs are communicated, that's going to change," Timmins said, referring to the service fee. "To me, it would be clearer if you put those fixed costs with the room fee."


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