#Vcu swipes free#

But this could be accomplished without limiting the 2,968 beds without kitchens, and the associated millions of dollars, to a handful of businesses. The goal is to ensure that students are fed and healthy with a dash of paternalismвЂ“aka their parentвЂ™s money or student loans shouldnвЂ™t be spent on beer or drugs. Required meal plans for the thousands of freshmen in dorms that lack kitchens is good policy, but the way this policy is used is anti-competitive. Gone are the romantic days of starving 19-year-olds cooking baked beans on hot plates in order to save a few dollars for the sake of satisfying their thirst for knowledge.В These are the days of required meal plans ranging in price from $1,710 to $2,080 per semester. Obviously, some of these assumptions are impossible in reality, but when many of these are violatedвЂ“and are violated to a serious degreeвЂ“consumers start to lose as prices rise and the variety of products diminishes. Without demand for predictable products or lower prices, two things that benefit consumers, national chains would not be able to compete with local businesses.Д«ut the concept of the highly touted вЂњfree marketвЂќ is built on assumptions: no barriers to entry and exit, lack of market power, perfect information, and the absence of externalities.

#Vcu swipes free#

But in free markets, national chains are typically successful businesses that have leveraged economies of scale 1 in distribution and advertising en route to expansion. In towns as loyal to local businesses as Richmond, being a national chain is seen by many as unquestionably negative. A total reevaluation of VCUвЂ™s food services policy is necessary. The rise of VCU has benefited Richmond in remarkable ways.В While it has undoubtedly ruffled some feathers, the cityвЂ™s gains from VCUвЂ™s expansion have far exceeded the losses.В The behavior of VCU and Aramark (VCUвЂ™s food contractor) is one area where the university can improve relations with the community while increasing the welfare of students.

Difficulty: 5 - AramarkвЂ™s contract with VCU isnвЂ™t up for renegotiation until 2023.

Idea: A paternalistic system that allows VCU students a wider range of options (including grocery stores) than the current meal plans.View the entire project here and the intro here. Inspired by Michael BierutвЂ™s 100 Day Project, 100 Days to a Better RVA strives to introduce and investigate unique ideas to improving the city of Richmond.

2015-2016 Performing Arts Season Roundup.June Festivals: Friday Cheers Beer, Bourbon, and BBQ Stone Soul and BACON.A list of nontrivial Patreon supporters.