Aaron Bennos, the former director of operations for Campus Dining, has replaced Michael Newmark as director of Dining Services, according to an e-mail to the Justice from Bennos.Bennos wrote that Newmark departed in June when he was promoted to district manager. He explained that as district manager, Newmark has oversight of Brandeis as well as five other schools. He did not name the other schools.

Bennos wrote that he assumed his position in June as well but that he has worked at Brandeis since 2001. He explained that he was the food service director of Sherman Dining Hall from 2001 to 2006 and then assumed the position of director of operations before becoming director of dining. He wrote that he is most looking forward to accomplishing additions and improvements to the dining program.

In addition to Newmark's departure, Dining Services and the University also made the decision to implement a new meal plan, according to an Aug. 17 e-mail to Brandeis undergraduates. The e-mail explains that the new meal plan, called the 5 Meal Combo plan, will include five meals per week plus $1,000 in points per semester. The cost of this plan for the 2010 to 2011 academic year is $2,388 per semester.

Bennos wrote that the decision to provide a new meal plan option was made in the spring after "meeting with student groups and listening to what type of meal plan would best suit their lifestyle." He said it was still unknown at this point how many students were registered for the new meal plan.