On Feb. 16, students were invited to attend a public informational meeting about upcoming changes and announcements to NSU dining services with Chartwells staff and Adee Shekar, director of operations. The meeting also featured a question and answer session where approximately 40 attendees were able to bring up their concerns to the staff.
Among the topics discussed was the hybrid dining service that will be implemented at NSU this fall, provided no hitches with construction stall progress. According to Shekar, the idea behind this new hybrid service is that, during certain meal periods, an “all you care to eat” section of the UC will open. A specified area which will be constructed later this year, will be roped off, and students will pay a flat rate — which has not yet been determined — to eat for the duration of the predetermined period.
According to Shekar, the build-your-own-meal style of dining that this new structure will implement, it is believed that students who have specific dietary restrictions will be able to eat with more ease. Students who are vegan, vegetarian, kosher or who have any other restriction are expected to have an easier experience during mealtimes as students can leave non-conforming foods off of their plate, and will have full knowledge and control of what they eat.
Construction of this redesigned dining hall will take place during the summer of 2018, closing some locations. Residential students who will be living at NSU over the summer, such as orientation leaders and admission ambassadors, were assured that there will be some dining options open during this period.
Another point that was brought up was the quality of food. Complaints ranged from weird texture to underseasoning. However, Shekar said that it is nearly impossible to cater to the palates of every student. One student also brought up the idea of having a tasting committee, but that was deemed as equally difficult. Furniss explained the complications with the implementation of a tasting committee.
“You run into the situation where five students are representing everybody,” said Stefanie Furniss, director of operations for shark dining. “It’s an opinion, and it’s preference based.”
In addition to the new hybrid plan that was discussed, students seemed pleased to hear that, given no new construction or permitting issues arise, Einstein’s will be reopening after spring break. A delay in receiving permits caused the pushback for the opening, but the new renovations will give students different seating options and menu items like espresso-based beverages.
If students have more concerns with dining and were unable to attend the meeting, they are encouraged to contact Shekar at shekar@nova.edu or by calling 954-262-8830. In addition, for faster responses, the Text2Solve system available at every register on campus should be utilized.
