Hungry for new options? Shippensburg University’s campus dining menu is changing.
SU announced its new partnership with Aramark for campus dining services. Aramark replaces SU’s former dining services provider, Chartwells.
In a Zoom interview, Kim Garris, chief external relations officer, said SU suspended its contract with Chartwells, a New York-based higher education dining provider, due to the coronavirus. However, an email sent by university officials last Friday said the contract expired. Chartwells has not yet offered comment.
SU announced its partnership with Aramark to provide dining services to students in an email sent by Donta Truss, senior vice president of enrollment management, student affairs and student success and Scott Barton, senior vice president of administration and finance.
Aramark will provide dining services for future semesters beginning fall 2020. The email also said the university will make necessary updates and changes to current dining facilities over the next several months.
“Our goal was to create value, enhance the student experience and elevate the quality of the dining program,” the email read.
Students can expect updated ordering and payment kiosks, meal plan flexibility, extended hours at participating venues and a teaching kitchen where they can take cooking lessons and make meals for themselves.
Kriner Dining Hall will remain open for one year, the email also said.
University officials are scheduling virtual meetings with student groups over the next few weeks and will survey students to learn more about campus dining interests.
For students remaining on campus during the spring 2020 semester, meals on campus look a little different. The university partnered with University Grille to provide meals to the 21 students remaining on campus.
The Shippensburg restaurant is providing breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday-Saturday, and brunch and dinner on Sunday. Garris said the university is also giving students coupons for snack items and groceries from local businesses.
“It’s our way of also contributing to the local community,” Garris said.
The university will continue serving students through the end of the semester.
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