Photo by: Natalie Pipe

In an effort to increase sales and promote interaction between students and faculty, DU Dining Services offers a meal plan for faculty and staff, providing 10 meals for $59.

The primary goal of the plan, which 15 staff and faculty members have purchased so far, is to generate greater profit for Sodexho, according to Nori Yamashita, DU Dining Services director of operations.

Yamashita said the plan also has the potential to benefit students and faculty.

He believes the meal plan, which was first offered Spring Quarter of 2009, creates an opportunity for “chatting outside the classroom.”

“We’re hoping that faculty will mingle with students,” Yamashita said.

While not all staff and faculty are guaranteed to participate, the plan at least presents another chance for this interaction.

However, the plan has been met with little interest by staff and faculty. After more than a full year of being offered, only 15 staff and faculty members have purchased the plan.

“If we can grow further than that, that’d be great,” Yamashita said. “It’s a good deal, but some people don’t [take advantage of it].”

Yamashita said that he would like to see the number of participants double, but doubts it will increase even slightly.

If the number of participants was to soar, however, Yamashita stressed that he would not let it negatively impact the dining experiences of students.

“Our primary concern is serving students,” Yamashita said.

The plan will continue to be offered for years to come and may be purchased by contacting the Pioneer Card Office at 303-871-4545, or stopping by the Driscoll South Office. Cash, Check or Flex Dollars are accepted.