A large number of students gathered in the Lewis Room below Dorrill Dining Hall (D-Hall) on Monday, March 24 at 5:30 p.m. to raise questions and concerns and offer suggestions to Director of Longwood Dining Services Grant Avent.
These Dine with the Director meetings occur once a month every semester as catered lunches or dinners that are open to students. Avent stressed that student feedback is important to the continued improvement of Longwood Dining. Below are some of the important topics that were discussed at Monday’s dinner.
Q: I like it, but what is with the kale push?
A: It’s healthy, fairly local (from within 200 miles), you can do lots of things with it, it's big right now and it’s in season.
Q: When can students start using the P.A. system in D-Hall for advertising?
A: It will roll out in the fall, but you can email Avent or Gina DeMarco, a marketing assistant for Longwood Dining, about it now and they can set you up.
Q: Could we get shredded Parmesan cheese in Outta Here?
A: Yes.
Q: Can we do something about the lady who sprays grease for omelets directly onto the food?
A: She will be reminded not to do so.
Q:More than one new, experimental dish is overwhelming to one student.
A: Menu rotation changes every semester so it’s possible that all of your favorites are on the same day and the next day has all things you don’t like.
Q: Could we incorporate a build-your-own quesadilla day into the menu?
A: Yes!
Q: Can we expect any changes in the meal plan requirement or options for students living in Longwood-managed apartments? Some students just don't want meal plans.
A: The five meal plan hasn't had noted resistance, it gives you lots of meals to plan on your own. In regards to making it optional: who knows what will happen?
Q:Will the to-go cups ever return to D-Hall?
A: You can always bring your own travel mug into D-Hall and fill it up!
Q: Would you consider a special station for the smoothie bar, or expanding it?
A: We are talking about adding more blenders.
Q:By 2020, Longwood is expected to have 6,000 students. What is being changed to accommodate the influx of students?
A: The new University Center will help take the heat of D-Hall and spread it out so neither place is as crowded. We also anticipate more options at the Landings and the Park.
Q: What are the definite hours for the P.O.D. and the Café going to be next semester? The change over break was confusing.
A: We are still working out the kinks. There have been little to no sales during café extended hours between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m.
Q: What is with the new tongs at Panini?
A:The new tongs at the Panini station are to control for allergies and diets and to eliminate cross-contamination. It was suggested in a past Dine with the Director.
Q: Can there be a smoothie thing or more fresh fruit in Outta Here?
A: We can look into it, but it’s not supposed to be the whole deal.
Q: Is there a way the Café could sell donuts?
A: We have them at the P.O.D. and we can bring them here.
Further comments expressed that student employees will be trained again to be respectful
of student health needs (i.e., not groaning when someone asks that they change gloves for gluten allergy reasons).
Information about how many meals and Bonus Dollars you have left, as well as LancerCA$H information, the availability of laundry machines in your building and a link to report your ID as missing is available online at www.longwood. managemyid.com.
Students should know that they can always meet one- on-one with Avent to make suggestions, raise concerns and voice opinions on meal plans or the food served at D-Hall. There is also an online option to voice concerns and praise for employees: www. campusdiningvoice.com.
