After being remodeled this summer, the dining hall is ready to serve students in the same way that they are served at many large universities.
Starting this fall, Sodexo, the dining services provider on campus, has instituted their swipe program, according to Melissa Miller, the food services director at Central Oregon Community College. The swipe program is a one-swipe, all-you-can-eat program. This will help increase student satisfaction, added Miller.
“This way students don’t feel like they’re being nickle and dimed so much,” Miller said.
The new dining system will have more options, according to Miller. These options include a pizza station, a grill, a salad bar, a deli, and a made-to-order station. Additionally, the overhaul adds an allergen-free zone, which will have gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan option. This allergen-free zone was designed to make it easier for students, added Miller.
The food services restructure was prompted by the new residence hall, although Lori Willis, director of auxiliary services, does not think that will hamper commuter sales.
“We hope to see an influx (of business) because of increased options,” said Willis: “We hope to include the entire campus.”
Campus residents will have swipe cards that are required in order to use their selected meal plans. Commuters will have the option of paying via traditional methods, or by loading a dining card with “Bobcat bucks,” according to Miller. In order to encourage commuter students to use their dining cards, Sodexo is offering a “load $25, receive $5” incentive program.
The upstairs cafe will still offer à la carte options for those on the go, according to Willis. Additionally, with even more grab-and-go items, it will operate less like a coffee shop and more like a convenience store. The upstairs cafe will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. according to Miller.
Despite the overhaul, eating in the dining hall is “actually going to save you money” when compared to leaving campus to eat, according to Miller.
The new cafeteria system is set to run:
Monday–Friday
Breakfast 7:00–9:00 $5.99
Lunch 11:00–2:00 $6.99
Dinner 5:30–7:30 $9.99
Saturday–Sunday
Brunch 11:00–2:00 $6.99
Dinner 5:30–7:30 $9.99
Tim Cachelin | The Broadside
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