ConversationMeal Plan: Narrator: Listen to a conversation between a student and a dining services director. Student: Hi. I don't know what my parents were thinking. They sort of went overboard and bought me the plan of 235 meals a semester. Director: Well, I bet they were probably thinking that this is your first year of college and that you'd have plenty to think about without having to worry about food. It's pretty common for first year students. Student: It is? Director: Yeah, and most students will try to cut down on their plans in the second year. Student: My first year is almost done. And I manna go for the smallest plan available next year. What are my choices? Director: Well, besides the 235 what you have this year, we got the 190. Student: What about the 95 meal plan? Director: Oh, that's only for 3rd and 4th year students. Student: I don't understand. Only juniors and seniors? Director: It's based on the idea that juniors and seniors have other dining options. You know, some move off campus. Others join clubs that provide certain meals on a regular basis. As you know, most of these clubs aren't open to younger students. Student: I think it makes a certain kind of sense. But still ... Anyway, I guess I'll have to go with the 195 meal plan.. I mean, if that's the smallest plan available for me. 1 was hoping I'd be able to eat out a lot more next year. Director: Well, just one more year and then you'll be free to do whatever you want. juniors and seniors aren't required to buy any meal plan. They buy one only if they want to. Student: OK. I guess I can deal with that. But my real question is I still got about 60 meals left on this year's plan. So I'd like to know if I could carry them over. Director: Carried them over? You mean like if you can use them for the next year? Student: Yeah, I mean, see, I didn't use 'em, and they've been paid for already. Director: I'm sorry you can't do that. Student: How about ... well ... can't the price of those leftover meals ... I mean ... can it be deducted from next year's charges or something? Director: No, according to our policy, we do not provide credit for unused meals. Student: Well, is there any way to get a refund then? Director: No, I'm sorry. We don't provide credits or refunds. Student: So, what am I supposed to do now? How am I supposed to cat 60 meals in two weeks? Director: Well, you can invite your friends or guests ... as many as 15 people on your particular plan. Why not show your generosity? Make the most of it. Student: But all my friends have their own meal plans ... and probably the same plan I have with more meals than they know what to do with. It seems like a waste of money if there's no refund. Director: I understand how you feel. But there's nothing I can do for you. Maybe you could talk to the dean, if you feel that strongly. Student: You know. I really should. But I don't have the time right now with all my school work and stuff. I don't know. Maybe later I'll ask the dean if the meal plan policy could be made more flexible.