Dear Spelman College Dining Services,

We, the concerned students of Spelman College, are writing to bring attention to a pressing issue that affects the financial well-being of our student body. We urge you to take immediate action and reimburse students who have been forced to use their Dining Dollars due to faulty systems in the existing on-campus restaurants.

It is no secret that the on-campus dining experience plays a significant role in our college lives. However, we have noticed recurring issues with the functionality and reliability of the current dining system. While we are glad to see a change in the food quality in the Alma Upshaw Dining Hall, some changes to the dining experience have been harmful. Considering that Meal Exchanges are one of the features that come with the meal plan, we should have access to it, just as we now have access to dining dollars; Especially considering that the newly added restaurants' menus consist of more expensive items than students from the 2022-2023 academic year and before have experienced. Our concerns lie in the fact that where Meal Exchanges renew once a week, dining dollars are a constantly declining balance.

The consequences of these faulty systems are twofold. Firstly, it creates unnecessary stress for students who rely on certain features of their meal plans as a primary source of sustenance. Instead of enjoying convenient and efficient dining experiences, they are left frustrated and inconvenienced by technical difficulties beyond their control.

Secondly, these malfunctions force students into overusing specific payment methods or personal funds when they should be able to utilize their allocated Meal Swipes or Dining Dollars seamlessly, whatever method of payment they choose. This financial burden unfairly impacts those who may already be struggling financially, if they cannot afford to add money to their dining account.

To address this issue effectively, we propose that Spelman College Dining Services takes responsibility for rectifying these faulty systems by reimbursing affected students for any misused Dining Dollars due to technical failures within the existing on-campus restaurants, bringing everyone's balances back to the original $200.

By implementing this reimbursement policy, you will not only alleviate financial strain but also demonstrate your commitment towards providing an optimal campus experience for all residential or meal plan students at Spelman College.

We understand that resolving such matters requires careful consideration and resources; however, we believe it is crucial for our institution's reputation as well as ensuring fair treatment towards its student body.

We kindly request that you address this matter urgently and take appropriate action to reimburse affected students for their financial losses. By doing so, you will not only restore faith in our dining services but also prioritize the well-being and financial stability of your student body.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We trust that you will consider our petition seriously and take immediate steps towards rectifying these ongoing issues within the on-campus dining system at Spelman College.

Sincerely,

Paris Bowles
Spelman College Sophomore CO'26