After a semester of debate, Barnard officials have decided to implement a universal meal plan for all students. Because of the opening of the Diana Center, more dining locales became available for student use. The meal plan, however, will offer students more choices. CTV News sat down with Dorothy Denburg to discuss the changes.

"The program we've chosen looks different than the one we were originally thinking about that gives students a great deal of choice in terms of the ratio of meals to points and the option to buy points only," explained Denburg, Dean of Barnard College.

Denberg stressed that the changes to the meal system will be beneficial to students -- even commuters.

"There is a tremendous amount of differentiation now. Before we were looking at basically three options but now we are looking at eight or so options. It's completely different now."

The meal plan, however, is subject to change depending upon the feedback the college receives in the coming semester.

"The Food Advisory Board was set up last semester in the Fall of 2009 and the board is set up to bring students together with the key administrators in dining services. So the students can bring forth concerns about allergies and pricing," states Vice President of Student, Amy Chen.

"SGA has picked up the cause to maintain an ongoing dialogue with Aramark so that they have the opportunity to say what they like or don't like."

Chen assured students that the meal plan would provide students with means to connect with friends.

"For me, as a senior, I don't even have a meal plan but I still go to the dining hall sometimes. If I am running in between classes, and I'll definitely go to the cafe -- I'm in the cafe at least twice a day."

For students concerned about the financial implications of this new plan, Denberg states that financial aid adjustments will be made to cover some costs. For CTV News, I'm Christina Chao.