dinner afterwards; it affords us the opportunity to catch up with a friend we haven't seen in weeks or to have a 2-hour discussion about philosophy with someone we just met; it affords us the opportunity to plan casual club meetings in a convenient location at a time at which everyone can meet. Now that I'm away from Middlebury, the thing that I miss the most about Midd is our dining hall plan. I truly believe that this campus would become a very different place if Middlebury adopted a meal plan, and the change wouldn't be for the better. Instead of the adoption of a meal plan, I'm willing to accept any other budget cuts the school chooses, because I love our current system and would sacrifice anything in order to keep it. The dining hall being eat what you want is absolutely one of the most worthwhile things at middlebury. A meal plan would significantly change the social atmosphere by fragmenting friends who have the plan and those who choose not to. I do not object to ID cards being checked at the door. Ross already has someone sitting out in front who would be able to do this. Also, the food quality has gone down since I got here. Please arrest this. Food is cheap compared to almost everything else, but makes a huge difference in the quality of student's lives. it probably gives the most bang for the buck in terms of student happiness on campus. I