Students critique Dining Services

More low-fat menu items, another Chats coffee house and cleaner silverware are just three of the numerous improvements that University diners have to look forward to as a result of responses to this fall's annual Dining Services survey. Approximately 1,515 students filled out the questionnaire, which was distributed in every dining hall at dinner on November 15. Eighty-nine percent of students said they were satisfied with lunch and dinner -- three percent and 11 percent higher, respectively, over 1994. And 87 percent of respondents said they were satisfied with breakfast, a four percent improvement from last year. This is the first year that students did not rank dinner as the worst meal, according to Marketing/Meal Contract Coordinator Adam Sherr. "We went through an entire revamping of the dinner meal this year," Sherr said. Dining Services Director William Canney said his department can still do better in certain areas. "But I'm always pleased to see improvements," he acknowledged. And although "nothing has been finalized," according to Canney, another Chats may open on campus soon. Chats is currently located on the first floor of 1920 Commons -- and Dining Services will begin operating "Chats II" in the Quadrangle's McClelland Hall by fall 1997, replacing McClelland Express, according to Sherr. "We found that though a lot of Quad residents put money in Chats accounts, freshmen just didn't want to go over the [38th Street] bridge to Chats," Sherr said. The new Chats might differ from the current coffee, pizza and Taco Bell format. "I think we'll keep what we've been doing well with, but we're looking at other options," Canney said. "It could be a chicken concept, or an Asian or Chinese concept." In the survey, 61 percent of students said they would like another Chats in the Quad. And beginning in the fall of 1996, Dining Services is planning to revise their menus to include more low-fat items. Each week, a nutritionist will prepare a separate menu highlighting healthier menu options, Canney said. In addition, the vegetarian program will be restructured to improve variety. Some students said they were dismayed at the lack of low-fat food this year. But Canney said he is planning to improve the number of healthy choices available. The stir-fry woks, a new concept implemented this fall, had one of the highest rates of satisfaction. Approximately 90 percent of students said the quality of the wok stations was average or higher. Students can now "wok" at lunch at 1920 Commons and Stouffer dining halls, a change implemented yesterday. "They provide an education for a student who hasn't cooked before," Canney stated. "They also meet the needs of the healthy eater." In addition, as of February 1, students only need to give four hours' notice to receive a boxed meal from any dining hall. In the past, students were required to order boxed meals 24 hours prior to the change. And at Stouffer, a lunch express is now available for students on the go.