As Stouffer dining hall shuts its doors permanently, the motives behind such a move and its effects on those students with meal plans are cause for concern.
Campus Dining Services has said that Stouffer is being closed because there is no need for four dining halls to remain open in light of the number of customers, who frequent the dining halls. However, this might indicate that Stouffer cannot stay open for financial reasons due to a large number of meal plan cancellations -- which was the reason the first floor of Stouffer closed in the spring.
In the past, Stouffer was a cornerstone of the freshmen dining experience and convenient for those living in the Quad, especially throughout the winter months. Freshmen will be forced to eat in Kings Court, Hill or 1920 Commons -- which are on opposite sides of campus.
Strategically speaking, Dining Services might have made a good decision by closing Stouffer considering fewer students now depend on residential dining. But, in doing so, they deprive students of a crucial part of the freshmen experience, forcing them to immediately journey off campus for food.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.