On Wednesday, Oct. 18, the university held its second Student Life Council (SLC) meeting of the semester. The council welcomed University Dining Contract Liaison, Deming Yaun, to discuss university dining.
The meeting opened with introductions. Representatives from the Residence Halls Association (RHA), Commuting Students Association (CSA), Campus Activities Board (CAB) and United Student Government (USG) were in attendance. Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students at Rose Hill Christopher Rodgers was also present.
After introductions, the floor was opened for public concerns. None were raised.
Yaun, joined by several Aramark and Fordham dining representatives, presented an update on university dining. Yaun first gave an outline of his life, and then described the university’s current dining status. He said there are many advantages to contracting, citing Aramark’s dining expertise as a helpful source.
Yaun also presented dining statistics from the current academic year in comparison to statistics from 2022. He said the number of campus dining sales have grown, citing the reason for the growth as the new smaller dining venues. Yaun said 59,000 guests were served in the week studied.
Following the September launch of destination dining, university dining services is planning to unveil more dining updates. Yaun said the dining services will implement the Chomp Food Truck and launch a families eat free program in October. He also highlighted a full retail analysis and feedback program that will both open in November.
Yaun said the university is planning to tease the reopening of the Marketplace in spring 2024 and fully reopen the dining location in fall 2024.
Following Yaun’s presentation, Associate Director for Campus Center Operations Stephen Clarke asked about university dining’s student involvement options and collaborations with other organizations.
Yaun said university dining is currently collaborating with the Office of Multicultural Affairs, and is always happy to work with other Fordham clubs and organizations.
Executive President of CSA Hector Cruz raised concerns about creating a space for commuter students to sit within the Marketplace.
Yaun said creating a space within the Marketplace would make it difficult to monitor whether students are eating without paying. He said that he is hopeful that following the later phases of construction, there will be additional options for commuter students to sit with resident friends.
Rodgers clarified that the Terrace Lounge on the second floor is open to everyone, and that it is a great option for commuter students and residents to sit together. Yaun also mentioned that commuting meal plans are a great option for students.
Cruz commented that he looks forward to further discussing this with the USG Facilities and Dining Committee.
Eron Maltzman, chair of the student activities budget committee, asked which of the new dining options will be eliminated after the construction is complete.
Yaun said that the university has not surveyed to decide which will stay open, but ideally all dining options will remain open.
A representative for CAB raised concerns about the handling of dietary restrictions during the interim period.
Yaun said that each destination dining location currently offers at least one item for those with dietary restrictions. He also said that the university will keep working to expand allergen-free options until the Marketplace reopens.
Following Yaun’s presentation, Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Residential Life Charles Clency shared the monthly intoxication reports. After the report was presented, representatives from USG raised concerns that numbers from the previous month’s report were inaccurate. Clency confirmed that the previously reported numbers were accurate.
Executive Vice President for USG Ava Coogan presented an update on the organization’s goals for the semester. Coogan said USG is working to increase transparency this semester. She said that the board is currently working through one-on-one meetings with senators. Coogan also highlighted the presence of several guests welcomed to USG meetings. She highlighted University Dining, the Alumni Network and Public Safety.
Executive President for USG Briana Al-Omoush spoke about the proposals that USG is currently working on. Al-Omoush said that USG is pushing to prioritize sustainability and feature more DEI events.
Maltzman, who served as the student representative for the Operations and Finance and Budget committees, said that USG hosted club leader training on Oct. 4 and 18. He also said budget packs will open soon.
A representative for CSA said the new lockers, located in the basement of McShane, are now operational and ready to go. They will be free for the remainder of the semester, but will cost money next semester. A representative from RHA said that the organization’s special election period just ended. The representative said that construction for additional water bottle filling stations will begin soon.
A representative for CAB said that the board is planning to host several Halloween events, including a haunted house in Rod’s and golf cart ghost tours. The representative said that they have also planned several events for Family Weekend. She emphasized that tickets for CAB family weekend events are only mandatory for the brunch. For all other events, tickets are not mandatory, but can be purchased.
A representative for the Gabelli School of Business gave an update on class registration. The representative said that registration begins on Nov. 3.
A representative for Fordham College Rose Hill added that the class registration page has changed and that students should check for their class registration date, as the credit breakdown is slightly different than last registration period.
The representative for Fordham College Rose Hill also mentioned she would like to pursue making First-Year Formation a mandatory, credit-bearing class.
The Office of Student Involvement reported that 2023 Family Weekend preparations are underway.
Clarke reiterated that the last day of programming is Dec. 8. He also said that student clubs and organizations looking to host indoor events should book rooms soon.
Clency presented an update on behalf of RHA. He said the residence hall intent to vacate dates have been moved up, and that they are hoping the halls will be 100% full for the spring semester.
Rodgers concluded the meeting by thanking student clubs and organizations for attending the SLC meeting.
