1bit

Sun, Oct 23, 2011 : 2:01 a.m.

Paula, You got snookered by a misleading byline and copied it, thus perpetuating the error. Here is the pertinent quote from the fledgling journalist's article: "Though University Housing doesn't keep track of how many pieces of dining ware go missing — whether they are stolen, damaged or accidentally disposed of — the University spent about $40,000 last fiscal year to replace and add necessary pieces." So, we really don't have any data on how much of the dishware/cutlery are stolen and how many are broken/damaged and need replacing. My supposition is that while stealing occurs, the vast majority of articles are lost by less nefarious means. Although it makes for more clicks on this article, I would suggest changing the title of this post.

daytona084

Sun, Oct 23, 2011 : 12:11 a.m.

And next year they plan to go "trayless"? Is there any doubt that number of broken dishes will increase?

jrm.jr

Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 8:06 p.m.

After 3 kids in college, one at Michigan one at Michigan State and one at Western, I can say they all have similar meal plans. While my kids lived in U housing for the first 2 years, they were under no obligation to take the university's meal plan. They could have opted out and provided their own meals. So when a student justifies stealing because of the high cost of the U's meal plan, I simply say don't take it and use the money however you chose for meals.

Joe_Citizen

Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 7:07 p.m.

I'm not saying it's OK to steal at all, that's your deal not mine. It's just not news worthy material as far as I'm concerned. So, why don't they report about the things that are stolen elsewhere too.

grimmk

Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 4:54 p.m.

I just want to say...DUH! Every college and uni has this problem! Things break and of course students will "barrow" plates and cups. Is it right? No. But most students are going to find the cheapest way to get things. It happens. But no college or uni is going to implement a full body search on every student leaving a dinning hall. All they can do is make them leave their backpacks at the door. If you want proof, search the dorm rooms! Oh, wait, is that illegal too?

Peregrine

Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 3:56 p.m.

@Joe_Citizen: You say, "There is no evidence of theft stated here." From the Michigan Daily article: "Business junior Hiral Pithadia said his current off-campus house contains a fair amount of dishware and other supplies that he and his housemates have acquired from the dining halls. ... Pithadia expressed this same feeling of retribution and said he justifies stealing dishes because of the amount students are charged per meal, since he can find cheaper options outside the dining halls." I'd call that evidence. I'd go so far as to call that an admission of guilt! So, Joe, why did you have such a strong reaction from you when you failed to read the article linked to?

Joe_Citizen

Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 3:23 p.m.

What about all the ashtrays and towels from all the hotels in the area, can we get a report on that too?

Joe_Citizen

Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 3:18 p.m.

Huh, is there proof of this. Did someone eye witness the theft? The staff are all angels, and never broke any of the missing items. I can't even come close to seeing how this is news. There is no evidence of theft stated here. This is just hear-say. and unless there is an eye witness, this is not news at all. Please refrain from reporting none news stories, and why would you report on this anyway? Is the AA.com going to report on all collateral lose from all nonprofits in the city, or just the filthy rich UofM. Please tell.