Dining closures at Eastern Michigan University spark backlash from students with meal plans

YPSILANTI, Mich. – Eastern Michigan University students are returning to campus with fewer dining options this fall, leaving many who prepaid for meal plans upset.

“We made the selections in March and April, and seeing now we’re getting notification a week before school that all of these options are going to be shut down,” said senior Dominick Mack.

On Monday, Aug. 18, the university notified students of its plan “to make dining more social, expressive and connected.”

The plan included closures at the Student Center.

BUILD, TuTaco, and Oakwood Street Subs will close, while Happy Boba will be relocated.

The Market at the Student Center will also close, along with Markets at Pray Harrold, Mark Jefferson, and Crossroads.

“Those had grab-and-go options, pre-made sandwiches, fruits, vegetables, anything for those,” said Mack. More importantly, some of those locations were near or in the academic buildings, which he says gave students access to healthy food options on the go.

The Commons is the new designated dining hall and will have rotational appearances from some of the Student Center eateries.

“Already, the wait times for food is insane because everybody is going to the same few places,” said senior Charles Blackwell.

He imagines getting a quick bite to eat will be even more difficult to navigate in the fall.

“Removing the grab and go places considering that they know students are already all rushing coming from work or whatever is hindering,” said Blackwell.

Eastern Michigan’s E|Dining team announced that the Eastern Eateries will feature real-time digital menus, allowing students to submit their recipes from home for consideration. Additionally, the Farmers Market is returning and will be flexible-friendly.

The university went on to say the changes were made to shift to high-traffic locations where students tend to eat more often.

In a statement, they went on to say, “these changes were made in partnership with the university to better align with current student dining patterns, and to reinvest in the locations students use most. We understand change can be challenging, and we are committed to making sure students continue to receive the value and choice they expect from their meal plans. We’re also closely monitoring feedback and will use it to guide future enhancements to the dining program.”