Editorial: Dining renovations

This summer, an important part of student life will undergo some major changes. Schott Dining Hall will be renovated to more closely resemble a food court. Although these physical changes will have a positive effect on current and prospective students alike, there is one other thing that should be addressed.

Currently, the cafeteria stops serving the main lunch line at 1:30 p.m. This means there is no main course available, and students are left to choose from items like cereal or a bagel. This is a time of day that some students still choose to get lunch. The cafeteria needs to extend lunch hours until 2:30 p.m. to ensure that students have the ability to eat after a long day of classes.

This also contributes to students’ unhealthy eating habits because well-balanced meals aren’t available.
The improvements will bring a new focus on healthier, fresher food and promote better eating habits of students. Cooks of “The Fresh Food Company” will prepare food right in front of students so that students have the ability to decide how their meal is prepared.

Diners can also choose a wide range of foods including Mediterranean, international and comfort foods like macaroni and cheese. This will also put JCU at the same level of other major universities such as Wake Forest.

Although these changes are going to provide students with more options and ultimately enhance the dining experience, without longer dining hours, not all students will be able to enjoy them.

Next year’s renovations are a great improvement but for students who are here now, Aramark needs to listen to students’ needs. Extending lunch hours could be a simple change that would essentially benefit the entire student community.