Some simple dining requests, please

cartoon by Jessica Lord

Next year, the University of La Verne on campus dining services will sign a contract with a new provider. Because of what is currently provided, most students still remain unhappy and unsatisfied with the services rendered by the Aramark staff. We have composed a list of requirements, which need to be included as priorities for next year's staff. With these suggestions, we hope the service will improve, thus suiting the needs of everyone on campus. To any future food service provider for the University of La Verne, here is what the students are requesting from their on- campus dining facility:

1. Competent Employees. New staff members must be adequately qualified to service the needs of college students. This means future employees should not be allowed to sit around and stare at students when services are needed because they lack the competency to do otherwise. Future employees should understand general procedures so they can answer all customer service questions and complaints. These new employees will understand that doing their nails, combing their hair and smoking cigarettes on the job, in front of the food and students is not permitted. In addition, the new employees will have such high levels of competency that they will set new national standards of efficiency and effectiveness for college dining halls everywhere.

2. Edible Vegetarian/Vegan Entrees available on a daily basis. Students who practice these healthy habits are generally left with little or no dining options at the Spot and Davenport. Usually when a vegetarian option is provided, it is prepared smothered in a thick layer of cheese (or some other unhealthy ingredient). Hopefully, the new food service provider will serve a large variety of options, so everyone will leave satisfied after every meal. White rice, tofu, fresh vegetables and fruits, for example, should be prepared and presented with each meal.

3. "To go" cups and boxes. With the arrival of the new food provider, we request the staff provide their customers with "to go" cups and boxes upon request. The current provider does not allow students access to the "to go" cups/boxes unless students call ahead and request something be prepared for them. The reason for this rule is probably because Aramark does not want to waste any products. However, whenever the staff needs a to-go box or cup, they are always allowed to take them and use them as needed, and can be seen leaving the dining hall with their dinners in hand. This is a luxury students should get to indulge in. Davenport dining hall is probably losing money from silverware, plates and cups that are taken when students are not provided with "to go" containers, because then they have to use the permanent diningware. This problem could easily be solved with the installation of a small dispenser that gives students "to go" boxes/cups whenever they need them -- with or without a call ahead of time.

4. Cash cards to be used at vending machines and other locations on campus. Several campuses similar to ULV allow students to use meal cards at various vending and soda machines on campus. With this option, students can easily buy snacks before class, while utilizing money from their meal plan. Therefore, money is not being wasted when students miss meals at the dining hall. The Spot does allow students to use their meal card as cash, but with limited hours and selection. The hours should be extended for convenience purposes.

5. TV sets located in the dining hall. Having this luxury available would allow students to enjoy their food while also watching their favorite TV show. It would also just enhance the dining experience.

6. Cinnamon Toast Crunch. This cereal seems to be the favorite with all of the students on campus. Therefore, it should always be provided. Lately, however, whenever students want to eat this delectable cereal, it is not available. Does this make any sense? If something is in such high demand and requested by all of the students then it should always be provided! Hopefully, the new food provider will understand that all college students eat Cinnamon Toast Crunch for every meal and it needs to be on constant supply.

As the price of on-campus dining at ULV continues to increase, it is essential that the needs of students, as paying customers, are met.