CSU Stanislaus’ dining service contract is up for renewal, and Chartwells, the university’s dining services provider, is at the center of campus discussions. The potential renewal has sparked debate as many students and faculty members express frustrations with the current state of campus dining. Issues such as high fees for club events, the limited availability of dining options and the closure of popular locations have led some to call for change.

One major point of contention is how Chartwells’ policies have financially impacted campus clubs and student organizations. Due to their exclusive contract with the university, student organizations must use Chartwells for food catering, even if it’s often at a premium price. Many clubs have expressed that these high costs cut into their budgets, leaving them with fewer funds for events and initiatives. This has created barriers for clubs trying to engage the campus community and host events without exceeding their financial means.

Adding to the concerns is the closure of several dining locations on campus, including the popular Mary Stuart Rogers (MSR) Café. The MSR Café, previously a central spot for students to grab a meal between classes or study sessions, has been closed since 2019. Students have questioned why such a popular dining location has not reopened, especially with campus life resuming in full. Chartwells’ limited staffing and operational adjustments have been cited as factors, but many students feel this response does not fully address the needs of the growing campus population.

The closures have left students with fewer dining options, contributing to overcrowding in the remaining open venues and increasing wait times. Some students report needing to leave campus to find affordable dining, impacting their overall campus experience.

The Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) Board of Directors knows these concerns and has begun advocating for more accessible and diverse dining options. Members of the ASI have proposed reopening closed locations like the MSR Café, emphasizing the need for affordable and convenient food options on campus. Director Colin Silveira for the College of Science has expressed during ASI board meetings that there is a desire for the cafe in Naraghi Hall to be reopened. ASI members have expressed interest in gathering student feedback to better understand the changes students would like to see in their dining services.

With Chartwells’ contract up for renewal, there is a growing push from students and staff for greater transparency in the decision-making process. Advocates are asking university administration and ASI to facilitate open discussions about the contract, allowing students to share their experiences and concerns about campus dining. Many hope that a review of the Chartwells contract will lead to new options, whether it’s finding alternative providers or implementing changes to make dining more accessible.

As the renewal process unfolds, it’s clear that many students at Stanislaus State are hoping for an improved dining experience that supports both individual students and the student organizations that enrich campus life. With ASI’s involvement, students may have an opportunity to influence the future of campus dining and see positive changes in their daily campus experiences.

On the other hand, some students do not mind Chartwells’ dining services and enjoy them. Students are happy with the food variety. One student in particular really likes how at the dining hall, there are different types of food stations.

“I can get all my food needs met at the dining hall. It is like a one-stop shop,” said Ariana Puccini (Computer Science, Sophomore).

Arya Dev Kaushal (Computer Science, Senior) brought up that there are not a lot of vegan or vegetarian options available for students like him who do not eat meat or animal products like eggs. Kaushal mentioned how important it is to play to both sides of students who eat meat and the other side who do not.

“The Red Wave inside and the Warrior Grill, these are also places where they tend to have a lot of meaty options but not like more vegetation options,” said Kaushal.

There are students who like to stop by whenever they get the chance due to liking the services that are offered. There are students who believe that quality meals are at an affordable price range.

“Every time I’ve come it is just different. I enjoy it all,” said Daniel Tapia (PPS Counseling Credential Program, Graduate Student) praising Stan State’s current dining options..

There are many students who find Chartwells’ dining services to be beneficial while others find Chartwells to be too restrictive with their dining options, restrictions and their price.