Along with their burgers and fries this year, University diners also get receipts.
‘I feel like it’s a waste; it’s something I look at once and then throw away,’ sophomore Emily Davis said.
Davis said she doesn’t really understand the point of receipts because she doesn’t use them to keep track of her meal plan spending, and they are not keeping up with the University campaign for going green.
‘It’s like, ‘OK, a reminder of what I ate today, what do I do with this now?” Davis said. ‘And it’s not very green, we’re taking a step backwards with paper.’
Mike Paulus, director of University Dining Services, said he realizes there are students who would like the receipts to be more eco-friendly, and he offered a solution.
‘For students who do not want the receipts, we are going to start having recycle bins at every cash register for people to dispose of their receipts,’ he said.
The company is also hoping to offer a to-go box. They are trying to get a durable, recyclable to-go container students can buy and reuse over and over, Paulus said.
Paulus said the receipts make University dining more businesslike.
‘Every business in the world offers receipts,’ he said. ‘It’s the result of a transaction. You were charged, and the receipt is there in case of problems. It’s just like any other business.’
Overall, Paulus said all the changes are for students.
‘I’m here to please the students,’ he said. ‘Without you, I don’t have a paycheck.’
Heather Haydel, food service coordinator for 2.Mato 2.Night, located at the Union, said the receipts may be a hassle, but they can be helpful when students have problems with their food or what they’re charged.
‘Sometimes students get the wrong thing or they have a question and the receipt can help, Haydel said.
But for some, like junior CJ Blair, the tiny slips of paper are little more than an added nuisance.
‘I already think I’m paying too much,’ he said. ‘With the receipt, it’s just a reminder for me what I’m paying, which I don’t need.’
Paulus said he appreciates student feedback like Davis and Blair’s.
‘All of those comments come directly to me,’ he said. ‘We’re constantly looking at them to see how we can better please the students.’
Editor’s note: Campus Editor Becky Tener also contributed to this report.
