On Tuesday, March 13, the AUSA Senate held a forum in the Garber Auditorium in Chan Shun Hall. This forum was for the company, Bon Appétit, to discuss several relevant questions and concerns relating to their services and role on campus that the student body has raised within the past school year. While the forum was facilitated by Andrew Rappette, AUSA Executive Vice President, the majority of the discussion was done by the panel, consisting of several administration members. This included members such as Frances Faehner, Vice President of Campus and Student Life; Chip Meekma, Vice President for Financial Administration; and Alyssa Palmer, Associate Dean for Student Life; as well as representatives from Bon Appétit, such as Linda Brinegar, General Manager for Bon Appétit’s Andrews University location; Amanda Dewitt, District Manager; and the Vice President of Bon Appétit, Bryan Bruin.
The forum started with a presentation by Dean Palmer on the results of a survey of students on campus regarding Dining Services. The presentation included the demographics of the survey respondents, the times and rates at which the Gazebo and Terrace Café were used, and overall opinions and comments on the services provided, as well as student worker satisfaction. Following this, the panel was presented with nine questions that were developed and submitted to the panel by the Senate prior to the meeting. These questions were based on student surveys conducted by the senate during the fall semester, which determined what issues students would like to see addressed the most.
One of the main concerns raised was the reduction in food options and increased prices in the cafeteria. Mrs. Brinegar explained that this was due to several issues, such as limited student staffing—the optimal amount of student employees is around 200, while they currently have less than 50 employed—as well as supply chain disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, where she stated that they are “still recovering from Covid” and the effects it had on their ability to function at optimal levels. This is why some options, such as the popular stir-fry and omelet bars, have not been brought back. Despite these issues, she reassured students that they are actively seeking solutions to address these issues, with Mr. Bruin and Ms. Dewitt mentioning that they are launching an advertising campaign to recruit more employees to provide better services in the cafeteria.
Another issue raised during the meeting was about vegan options at breakfast. Mrs. Brinegar noted that for every option on the Terrace Cafe menu, there is a vegan option available. They encouraged students to speak to Chef Cameron if they don't see what they want, or if something is run out, so that he can address their concerns. However, she mentioned that certain products, such as almond milk, may not be available now, but they are trying to purchase it and are being told that the factories are struggling to keep up with demand due to the pandemic.
In addition to food options, the panelists discussed issues relating to student cultural organizations and the making and selling of cultural foods on campus by these organizations. Dean Faehner stated that she understands the importance of cultural clubs and the expression of those cultures through food, and has been working to ensure that these clubs are able to share their culture through food in a safe and responsible manner by developing clear guidelines for food preparation and sales. This involved collaborating with Bon Appétit, the Berrien County Health Department, and the Michigan Department of Agricultural and Rural Development to ensure that food safety and licensing issues are properly addressed. She encouraged student clubs to contact her or Phillip DeLeon, Associate Dean for Student Involvement, Leadership, and Activities and AUSA sponsor, with any questions regarding this matter and work with their office to safely distribute and sell food on campus.
Another topic brought up in one of the questions was the state of the vending machines on campus, as students have been experiencing problems with vending machines concerning the availability of products and the functioning of machines. Mrs. Brinegar mentioned that there have been plans to have vending machines put in other campus buildings, such as the Science Complex, but due to supply chain issues, it was not possible to finish installing them. Regarding vending machine repairs, the university must rely on the Pepsi Company to service it, which can take up to a week.
After that, the panel discussed students' concerns regarding the meal plan's one-size-fits-all approach. Many students would prefer a smaller meal plan option for a variety of reasons, instead of being required to purchase a standard, full-price meal plan. Vice President Meekma acknowledged the concerns and mentioned that they had been discussing different meal options. They were considering developing options specifically targeted toward different student demographics that may not need the full meal plan, such as graduate and community students.
Finally, one of the topics mentioned in the senate survey was the issue of student food insecurity on campus. One potential solution that has been brought up is a swipe share program, where students can transfer Dining Services account funds to other students who are low. Bon Appétit is open to exploring this option but needs to find the best fit for the University and Bon Appétit. Dean Faehner also mentioned that there is a food pantry program in University Towers that is being developed to help with that particular issue.
Overall, the panelists emphasized that the University and Bon Appétit are aware of the issues facing students and are actively seeking solutions to address them. Students are encouraged to speak with the appropriate offices and representatives, or email them at ds@andrews.edu, if they have concerns or ideas for improvements relating to Bon Appétit and dining services.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.