Spring Break
Dining reacts to student concerns over wait time
Issue date: 2/21/08
The change in scheduling this semester has led to a variety of student complaints; they include an inability to have Fridays off, the clustering of classes in the same time slot and perhaps most unpredictably, an increase in wait time and crowding in dining facilities.
Student complaints about the increase in the number of students at the Levering Food Court around noon seem to be partially related to changes in class schedules.
The lines for both food service and checkout at this time seem to have grown longer. A meeting was also held on Monday, Feb. 18 to discuss dining and changes and alterations to Nolan's, Charles Street Market and the Fresh Food Café.
"I think that when they made the switch to making all personalizations from the pre-made it became less efficient," sophomore Adam Baumgartner said. He described how he used to be able to get lunch quickly between classes and how the Peppercorn Grill's change from self to full service increased waiting time. "I spend about 10 minutes in line to get a burger, three more while it's made and then to pay."
Allison Carlstom, also a sophomore, echoed his sentiments.
"I think that at noon it's more crowded than it used to be … last semester that wasn't the case," Carlstom said. She too stated that it was hard to eat in Levering at noon when she has a 1:00 p.m. class.
Dining services, however, does not see an increase in congestion.
"Levering has always been challenged to serve a large number of customers in a relatively short time span. I've yet to find a food court anywhere that isn't crowded from 12-1 p.m.," said Dave Furhman, director of dining programs.
The University will respond to the demand for faster service by opening a third cash register during the 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. rush, in efforts to help improve service at all of Levering's four dining stations.
"We are constantly walking a fine line to deliver the freshest (and often customized) product in the shortest amount of time. We actively work to never sacrifice quality for speed," Furhman said.
Student complaints about the increase in the number of students at the Levering Food Court around noon seem to be partially related to changes in class schedules.
The lines for both food service and checkout at this time seem to have grown longer. A meeting was also held on Monday, Feb. 18 to discuss dining and changes and alterations to Nolan's, Charles Street Market and the Fresh Food Café.
"I think that when they made the switch to making all personalizations from the pre-made it became less efficient," sophomore Adam Baumgartner said. He described how he used to be able to get lunch quickly between classes and how the Peppercorn Grill's change from self to full service increased waiting time. "I spend about 10 minutes in line to get a burger, three more while it's made and then to pay."
Allison Carlstom, also a sophomore, echoed his sentiments.
"I think that at noon it's more crowded than it used to be … last semester that wasn't the case," Carlstom said. She too stated that it was hard to eat in Levering at noon when she has a 1:00 p.m. class.
Dining services, however, does not see an increase in congestion.
"Levering has always been challenged to serve a large number of customers in a relatively short time span. I've yet to find a food court anywhere that isn't crowded from 12-1 p.m.," said Dave Furhman, director of dining programs.
The University will respond to the demand for faster service by opening a third cash register during the 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. rush, in efforts to help improve service at all of Levering's four dining stations.
"We are constantly walking a fine line to deliver the freshest (and often customized) product in the shortest amount of time. We actively work to never sacrifice quality for speed," Furhman said.
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