David Hicks satisfied more than his appetite during a conversation in the cafeteria last semester.

Hicks, a political science and pre-law freshman, and some of his classmates invited their professor for a free lunch while participating in the Hungry for Knowledge program.

The program, sponsored by University Housing and Residence Life, provides an opportunity for students who live in residence halls and their instructors to meet for a free meal in any undergraduate campus cafeterias.

Hicks said he saw the program as an alternative to attending office hours and an opportunity to form a relationship with his professor.

“I think the object was just to get to know the guy, so we talked about our personal lives for the first hour,” he said. “Then we asked him some questions about an exam that was coming up.”

The program, in its fourth year, runs for one week each semester. This semester the program will begin Feb. 12 and continue through Feb. 16.

“The main purpose of the program is just to continue bringing the academic and living environments together,” said Sharri Margraves, associate director of University Housing.

“But on the other hand, it’s just nice having people meet each other and interact, over coffee, for example.”

Program coordinator Sue Brandt said the program aims to form more relaxed relationships between students and faculty.

“They talk about more things that are unrelated to subject matter,” she said. “And the professors are thrilled. “I think it’s the fact that the students would want to spend some of their free time with them.”

Michael Conti, a music composition graduate assistant, said he enjoyed sharing his academic experience with some students who invited him to dinner last semester.

“You get a chance to see how the students live and act outside the classroom and relate to each other in a less stressed environment,” he said. “And I was in their shoes six years ago.”

Program planners said changes have been implemented this year to make the program more meaningful to participants including allowing instructors to invite students and encouraging students to meet in groups.

Jill Gudding, a geological sciences senior, said it was more comfortable meeting with a group of students and professors last semester.

“It’s not like you are on the spot,” she said. “It was just sort of a conversation and it’s not scary that way to ask.”

The program is also open to teaching assistants and graduate assistants, who also spend a lot of time instructing students.

“I would probably take one of my TAs next time because I’m thinking about master’s programs and that’s what they are doing right now,” Gudding said.

Michael Reisig, an assistant professor of criminal justice who was invited to a lunch by Hicks, said he encourages faculty and students to try out the program this semester.

“This type of program is a great investment in that the rewards are many and the cost is small,” he said.

Most instructors have to make special efforts to get to know students in large classes and the Hungry for Knowledge program helps to establish a more meaningful and helpful relationship, Reisig said.

“I just left the experience thinking, ‘this is exactly the kind of thing that should continue at MSU.’

“I also got treated to a pretty good lunch.”