Patrons of Carman, Stevenson and Taylor dining services will be served some food for thought for the next couple days, as the Student Senate looks to gauge student reaction to a proposed housing rate increase.

Today and tomorrow, senate members will distribute surveys at the three dining services from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and at Coleman Hall from 2 to 4 p.m. Senate members will be on hand at the three dining services from 5 to 7 tonight as well, said Jen Fanthorpe, chair of the senate’s Tuition and Fee review committee.

Fanthorpe said the survey will give students information about a proposed increase in rates for housing and meal plans starting next fall, and ask for their opinion on various housing expenses, such as the residence hall newspaper program and a proposal to install paper towels or hand dryers in residence hall bathrooms.

“We’re just getting a general feel (of student opinion),” Fanthorpe said.

The rate hike, part of the Bond Revenue committee’s housing budget proposal to the Board of Trustees, was put on hold by Vice President for Student Affairs Lou Hencken last month until the senate could consult the student body about the proposal.

Senate plans for the survey and a student forum were delayed until now; however, because of confusion by senate members over some figures in the budget proposal, said Adam Weyhaupt, speaker of the senate.

Fanthorpe said the senate plans to distribute between 1,500 and 2,000 surveys.

The survey results will be reported to the Student Senate at next week’s meeting, where they will play an important role in the senate’s decision of whether to support the proposed increase, Weyhaupt said.