As the fall semester at NCC commences, COVID-19 restrictions have been adjusted toward dining options on campus. This is reflected in Au Bon Pan’s reopening as well as swipe restrictions within students’ meal plan. The new meal swipe restrictions have created an uproar within the student body.
New meal plan adjustments
Dining options on campus include Kaufman, the Cage, Boilerhouse Café, Au Bon Pan and newly added, Smart Market. NCC’s dining provider is currently Chartwells, which cater to numerous schools around the country. Students can swipe up to four times a day at Kaufman and once at one of the other four locations.
“Students can now use one swipe per day at dining locations outside of Kaufman including Au Bon Pain, Burger 630, Papa John’s, and Moe’s Southwest Grill when open,” said in an email sent by Mary Koyl, housing coordinator office manager of Residence Life and Campus Safety, on August 19.
SGA meeting recap
Student Governing Association (SGA) held their bi-weekly meeting on August 30 at 5:30 p.m. at Wentz Science Center. SGA has accomplished numerous initiatives throughout the summer such as downtown Naperville discounts for students. Therefore, students hope that the change in the meal plan is their next goal.
“This new meal plan really restricts choices on campus. With students forced to eat at Kaufman for most of their meals, lines are long, and food runs out quickly,” said Sophia Hiatt ’24.
Among the group, ideas were shared for compromise with Chartwells. This included a 50/50 swipe variation rather than 1/4. Meaning students would be able to spend two swipes at Kaufman and the other two throughout the day at other eateries. This was one of many solutions that SGA and other students proposed for change within the meal plan.
“One suggested compromise was still limiting the number of swipes to three or four a day, but letting students pick where to use those swipes. That would hopefully keep students from overwhelming Chartwells without taking away students’ control over their diet,” said Hiatt.
Email SGA to voice concerns about dining opportunities on campus.
