by Lexey Burns, Editor in Chief
Laurentian Residence is refunding unused flex dollars to students in residence.
When the school reopened for the 2020/2021 school year following the COVID-19 pandemic, Chartwells and Laurentian’s residence abandoned regular mandatory meal plans in favour of $500 in flex dollars to spend at GHall, Residence’s C-Store and Tim Hortons.
After only a few weeks, the Tim Hortons closed completely, GHall shifted to a breakfast only option, and The Pub Downunder opened for meals until 6 pm.
Currently, students don’t have as much flexibility of the choices in their meals.
Ben Demianiuk, Director of Housing and Food, sent an email to students in residence stating that students have until October 29th to request a refund of their unused flex dollars. The refund, varying on the student, will reach up to the full $500, if completely unused by the student, Demianiuk said. The refund is only applicable for the 2020/2021 school year.
“Initially, we had hoped to keep a few outlets open, but after reviewing the usage of these locations, it became apparent that this was not sustainable,” said Demianiuk in the email.
In September, fourth-year student Colin Mar created a petition to raise awareness of the lack of choices for students living in residence. The petition also said it hoped Chartwells would partner with local businesses, allowing students to spend their flex dollars off campus.
Eric Chappell, president of the SGA said, “my primary concern right now is food access on campus. I think the primary concern is that the students that are here have options that are as good as we can get under the circumstances.”
“I think the refund is a step in the right direction,” Chappell said. “We just need to be careful. Those dollars were a guarantee for Chartwells and now while we’re negotiating with them. I hope we hit a critical mass to maintain the services we have.”
“I think it’s about the dialogue and finding a balance between the different needs at this time,” he said.
Despite a number of students choosing to stay in residence for Reading Week, the SGA announced on their Instagram Tuesday, that The Pub Downunder would remain closed until the return of students at the end of Reading Week. C-Store remained open with altered hours of operation.