While most students were away from campus during the mid-semester break, Colgate Dining Services was busy improving selection and service in both Frank Dining Hall and the Coop.
In Frank Dining Hall, new ordering kiosks have improved accuracy and speed of service for made-to-order items, including omelets and eggs all day long and grill items during slower periods, such as the time frame between lunch and dinner and the late-night hours. Students now know exactly what is available because all items are listed on the kiosk, addressing a concern we heard from students who didn’t know that burgers, veggie burgers, chicken sandwiches, etc., are available 24/7. Providing made-to-order fresh meals during these periods also reduces food waste.
Additionally, with the installation of speakers throughout the seating area, Frank Dining Hall is the third venue on campus (along with Donovan’s Pub and the Coop) to feature Rockbot, a popular app that allows students to select the music playing throughout the building. We’ve already heard feedback from students that the dining hall’s look and feel have improved thanks to the new music, signage, and lighting.
At the grill in Frank, a new station will feature a different dining concept every two weeks. The first introduction, Tex Mex, was well received and future concepts include Mediterranean, Indian, and Asian cuisines.
At the Coop, Dining Services introduced two new items in March: grain salads and pasta bakes. We heard from students on our advisory committee that the grain salads, in particular, are a great healthy addition. Additionally, Dining Services made a few subtle changes to the Coop’s layout, including moving a few items out of the entrance area and adding stanchions around the sandwich area. These changes have improved flow and reduced congestion, which have historically been students’ most voiced concerns at the Coop.
These improvements are the direct result of student feedback, and we look forward to working on more initiatives moving forward. If students are interested in serving on the dining services advisory committee, they should reach out to me via email at ctipton@colgate.edu.
Cody Tipton ’07
Director of Conference Services, Summer Programs, and Auxiliary Support