An increase in attendance at Campus Activities Board events, along with an increasingly tight budget, has resulted in an entrance fee for midnight meals.

“We thought of every other option besides charging students, but we had to do something,” said Dan Carver, CAB president. “This was our last resort.”

Last year’s Stormy Night program cost CAB more than $40,000, taking up a big chunk of the budget. The $2 charge for breakfast is hoped to alleviate some of the mounting costs. The entrance fee is less than half the price of a day-time plate at Pfeiffer Dining Hall, and it benefits both CAB and Sodexho Campus Services.

“Money is always an issue and the growth of the late night program has forced us to make some type of adjustment.” CAB supervisor Rich Ramos said. “It’s great – all the students who have joined in – the numbers have just increased faster than expected.”

Students can use flex dollars or cash, along with a student ID, in order to attend the activities. Students who are not a part of the flex program can either purchase flex cash at the food service office or have a friend pay for them with their flex cash.

“Students are always looking for something to do those late nights and its great to have a place for them to gather with their friends,” said Ramos.

The late night program has been around three years and has become one of CAB’s most attended events. With the added cost, Ramos doesn’t feel that there will be any negative impacts when it comes to attendance.

“I feel students not on the board plan will be more negative to the change but I also think midnight breakfast will remain a big hit with the first-year students and anyone who does have a flex meal plan,” Ramos said. “The cost for the amount of food the students are receiving is a reasonable solution.”

Students have mixed opinions about the change.

“I think the cost is going to keep people from coming to breakfast,” senior Reed Weston said. “Most people went before because it was free.”

Sophomore Annie Marshall sees it positively.

“I think for the amount of money CAB pays for the food, it’s a good idea they charge students,” Marshall said. “It’s only going to help the program become more successful.”