I am a junior and I have relied on Fountain as my main source of meals for much of my college career. However, it pains me that the service lately has portrayed a distinct turn for the worse.
Every year student expenses increase. A general truth in business is service should reflect what people pay. It is bad planning to restrict the ever-growing student population on campus to eating on main campus alone. As students, it is essential for time management to have easy access to sustenance. Students need food for thought.
One evening I arrived at Fountain at 7:20 p.m. and I noticed a huge line with my friends at the tail end of the food line. The line for burgers, fries and hot dogs was packed. There was one lonely fellow on the grill trying his best to keep up on orders.
Other staff at Fountain appeared to be busy putting away food and closing for the night. I wondered why they were not helping this guy out a bit with orders. He looked frantic, trying his best to serve and do his job.
At about 7:32 p.m. the only other foods consisted of cereals and salads. For me, that is sufficient but not nearly enough of a selection. I say we get a variety of foods like pasta, shrimp, mashed potatoes and mac and cheese.
Being from humble beginnings I know how to wait — I waited. What is worse is that the shift manager came by and essentially told me and others in the line to only request just one burger and no other large orders.
The way I see it, a patron of University Dining pays for the convenience of a full time staff dedicated to serving them as soon as he or she steps into the dining hall. I want full service every time I swipe my card with my paid meal plan or cash at the door. Every menu item should be available from 6 p.m. to 7:59 p.m. and 59.99 seconds.
I understand the staff is doing the best they can with what they have. Also, I appreciate the hard work the staff puts in everyday to feed the thousands of students that eat on campus everyday. However, if the dining halls are going to charge full price for every meal then they should return full service.
It would be one thing if University Dining right out from the beginning made it clear they closed Fountain at 7:20 p.m. But this is not the case. As it is now, they close the doors at 7:30 p.m., and service for anyone inside is minimal at best.
I have been asked to leave Fountain as the hour approached 8 p.m. I want to have time to take advantage of the dining hall. I do not appreciate the show downs I have with cafeteria staff.
I feel like someone owes me money back.
It occurs to me that we students often forget cafeteria staff often work long hours, but I want food and time to relax. I work long hours too. I expect my hard-earned money to go to good access, service and a variety of foods.
