Student opinions and potential changes to campus dining.
On Thursday, Oct. 8, the Student Government Association Culinary Council was held in the Faculty Club, where student complaints were discussed with Sodexo general manager David Wilcox, executive chef Michael Fusco and Senior Director of Campus Services Robert Kowal. Wilcox has only worked with the University of Tulsa for three months and Fusco one. These are two of many recent additions to TU’s dining staff, as Wilcox mentioned that “virtually every management position has changed,” with layoffs also made to cut costs.
The first issue discussed was Hurricane Market and its operating hours, which are currently from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Kowal noted that “a lot of people are not happy with how early they close.” However, change is unlikely, as Wilcox added, “We did try to address this across campuses going with more of a 24-hour mark market and just doing the self-checkout thing. That has not been successful not only here but at some other places.” Kowal also mentioned students’ “desire to have fresher items there,” but said, “They obviously have a shorter shelf life, and if they don’t get purchased, that’s a loss that the organization [Sodexo] takes.”
Good news does exist for commuters though, as a new meal plan specific for them was discussed. Including what Wilcox mentions as “a rate where they get a better value for their buying dollars at the door. I have done plans for commuters at other universities where we can discount, like, meal swipes. And so it would be what we call a block plan where it might be a block of 40 meals.”
TU is also working to improve and expand allergy-friendly options, including vending machines featuring snacks that cater better towards students with dietary restrictions. Kowal contacted Imperial, the company that runs TU vending machines, and “all it took was a call and an email and saying, hey look, I want some gluten-free options. I need some nut-free things.” Additionally, Wilcox stated that in Pat Case and the Student Union “there will be little icons so that if you have a dairy allergy … a peanut allergy or a soy allergy, you can see that icon immediately and you will be able to know, stay away from that.” Students with dietary restrictions may also have another option for dessert, as the Pat Case ice cream machine currently offers “vanilla and pineapple, both non dairy products.”
Kowal and Wilcox also emphasized their desire to improve messaging, as many of the small changes go unnoticed. When asked about where food waste from Pat Case goes, Kowal responded, “We have stuff literally every day that is taken out of Pat Case [that] supports the Coffee Bunker here in town.” The Coffee Bunker is a non-profit organization that supports military veterans through a range of services and resources, including mental health resources, career guidance and assistance in transitioning to civilian life. This is one example of the lesser-known efforts from Sodexo and the campus dining services to make positive change in the community.
When it comes to the Student Union, Kowal noted that “Chick-fil-A obviously is very popular” and the disappearance of Gus T’s has been met with some relief — as he joked that “some people were really passionate about how much they hated Gus T’s.” Although, more pessimistic feedback also very much exists, as sophomore Joseph Aranda said that “napkins, straws and cups aren’t stocked on the weekends” and popular Instagram account @patcasereviews on instagram stated that “most sushi offerings are carb heavy.”
Regarding the quality and health of Pat Case, @patcasereviews opined Pat Case’s “variety of nutritional options.” They expressed that it is the “easiest place for students to have access to vegetables, fruits, grains and protein options.” Aranda agreed, as he stated that he “really appreciates the overall quality of Pat Case in both the healthy options and the space for conversation with other people.” However, when it comes to the Student Union, they bluntly stated, “ACAC has terrible options. Subway and Sol are for the most part not nutritionally sound options. Chick-fil-A is often out of salad entrees and punishes diners seeking healthier choices with the upgrade for salad or fruit sides.” Junior Anna Lepere agrees, expressing that “we need more healthy options on campus so having a smoothie or protein shake option at ACAC would be beneficial.”
On a more exciting note, Kowal mentioned a potential free opportunity for students: “a cooking class or something … taught by chef Fusco.” The Student Union may also welcome a new restaurant as soon as the beginning of the spring semester. Kowal said, “There was some talk about an Asian concept coming in that also offered a lot of hot options, and that just hasn’t come to pass yet.”
With several changes in the works, TU students can look forward to new options and improvements on campus. However, Kowal said that if any problems arise, “the answer is the second floor of the Student Union. Just walk in, lay your woes at our feet, give us a chance to solve them for you.”
