Recent changes to dining options for Village residents have been an outcome of student voice.  Despite a Facebook post on the “Stan State Confessions” page expressing frustration with the “no take-out deal,” Main dining, now the principal option for on-campus students, offers more choices than the cafe-including take-out.
The soft launch for a new take-out option is Thursday, Oct. 8.  Chartwells and Housing have collaborated to develop the “clamshell,” an all-you-can-stuff box that housing residents and all other students can carry outside of Main Dining.  The decision to include a portable option was a direct reaction to student demand.
In regards to the initial lack of takeout, Village resident Bianca Gonzalez (senior, Criminal Justice) said, “It becomes a struggle, sometimes I don’t have dinner because I don’t have time.  It’s a bit of a battle.” In addition, Commercial Operations Manager Wendy Olmstead and Director of Housing Jennifer Humphrey looked to the the year end resident exit surveys as a resource for student resident feedback.
On campus residents were once able to take food from the village cafe to their dorms.  Allowing Village cafe meals in the dorms was originally intended for sick students, in which case a Residence Assistant would pick up the meal.  Take-out was not formally part of the program, but evolved to be so.  When students asked for take-out from Main Dining, Chartwells was quick to answer.
Dining Services Director Marco Velasquez said, “It was students voicing a concern, and us responding to it rapidly.” In addition Velasquez said, “It’s effective and convenient,” in describing the clamshell.
Both student and staff heading to Main Dining, there will be a one time five dollar fee which may be paid using cash, card or Flex dollars for the 32-ounce, reusable clamshell.  After use, it should be returned to Main Dining where it will be properly sanitized-students, do not have to clean the clamshells themselves.  In exchange, Main Dining issues a card for a later visit, which will be used to receive a clean new clamshell.  Once the year is over, the card should be returned for reimbursement of the five dollars. 
The clamshell is dishwasher and microwave safe, and designed to slow down bacterial growth.  The food will be kept fresher for more time-a useful addition considering how much can fit into the container.  Though the clamshell is generous in size, Olmstead said the aim is not meant to encourage overeating, but promote health.
Part of the initiative also includes availability of leafy greens, whole wheat pasta alternatives, and overall, a wider variety of choices than at the Village Cafe. 
“Rather than just having one entree that they would get in the housing cafe, they now have a choice of six entrees,” Olmstead said. “They also have an all-you-can-eat choice.”
“There’s lots of variety in Main Dining, and the grill, so I haven’t been negatively affected by it (the change to Main Dining),”  Village resident Georgina Salgado (freshman, Psychology) said.  
Also in mind during the transition to Main Dining was a way to better suit the need for a  student sanctuary.
“Now they can study in groups and also have food at the same time,” Olmstead said.  “We were able to accommodate both housing students and the rest of the campus community.”
The future of the ongoing goal to create an atmosphere will involve more opportunities for student engagement.  Velasquez said the partnership between Chartwells and Housing will be part of creating events in Main Dining, including special nights with themed dinners open to not just residents, but all students. 
“What we’re trying to do is make it better for the majority,” Olmstead said. “This is the best part of my job, when I see people from different departments coming together and putting something like this together.”
For nutritional information on the menu for Main Dining, visit the Dining webpage at csustan.edu.