For standard meals, the menus are set centrally, so that all dining halls serve the same fare. The individual houses pay for this program. Currently, about 2500 people are members of meal pools. Concerning student involvement, Havard relies heavily on focus groups and comment cards. They also ask the students for direct votes on some issues, and have an advisory board.
System is a self-op.
The arrangements have worked well, so UCSD is bringing in more independent restaurants. The little things ARE the big things. To get input, UCSB sponsors focus groups of students, faculty, and staff to discuss menus and operational issues. System is a self-op that recently introduced a number of financial services and reforms. System is a self-op.