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Quincy Refuses To Feed Frosh

Freshman displeased; residents say overcrowding was a serious problem

Starting next Sunday, hungry freshmen will have to trek a little farther to enjoy the perks of House dining.

Quincy Dining Hall decided last Friday to permit freshmen to eat dinner in their facilities only on Friday and Saturday, unless accompanied by a resident host. Breakfast and lunch will still remain open to all undergraduates.

Freshmen assigned to Quincy this spring will be able to eat in their future dining hall after the lottery.

Quincy House Master Robert P. Kirshner ’70 announced the decision after discussing possible solutions for the crowding problem with students in the House and administrators.

“Our excellent food, pleasant surroundings, and welcoming attitude have, paradoxically, led to a real loss in one of the key elements of House life,” Kirshner said in an e-mail to freshmen. “We appreciate your understanding and look forward to your cooperation.”

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The second house to implement dining restrictions targeted at freshmen—the first being Adams—Quincy has experienced a marked increase in use, with nearly 5,000 more dinners served to freshmen this year.

Despite renovations that added more dining tables and seats, Quincy residents said overcrowding remains a prevalent issue.

This week, Kirshner said he plans to mount signs and station House volunteers by the checker to help “deflect anger” from uncooperative freshmen.

Many Quincy residents agreed that they think that it is important for freshmen to experience House life, but that it should not be at the expense of the upperclassmen.

“We try to be so open but there’s a certain extent to which we can do that and still have a good quality of life for us and our staff,” Rebecca E. Rubins ’05 said. Rubins added that during peak times, the conveyor belt for busing trays would overflow and come to a standstill because dining staff could not handle the onslaught of flatware.

Quincy dining hall worker Andrew N. Barrows said he thought that the new restriction would take a lot of pressure off the other workers.

“It would make a lot of difference, but I don’t complain,” Barrows said. “What we get is what we get.”

Several freshmen living in Wigglesworth said they frequently visit Quincy instead of Annenberg because of its proximity, better food, and relaxed ambiance.

“Three grades have 10 Houses while one grade has only one place to eat,” John T. Kasnicki ’08 said. “It’s all about the numbers.”

Kasnicki and a group of six Wigglesworth dorm-mates eat dinner together at Quincy almost every night, even coming in for lunch daily during reading period.

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