Student Covid Info SPRING 2022 Dining

Information below is only for the Spring 2022 semester.

 

What will dining look like in the spring?

At this time, we expect most dining locations to be open on a modified schedule, including Chickie’s & Pete’s in Lawrence Center, Twisted Taco across from Main Hall, and a sushi station in the Ram’s Head Food Court, as well as tried-and-true favorites such as Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, and an expanded Einstein Bros. Bagels.

Any modifications or restrictions impacting levels of service, seating capacity, etc. will follow CDC and PA Department of Health guidelines and will be adjusted as new guidance is provided.

For more information and updates, please visit https://westchester.mydininghub.com/en

Will I receive a refund for the two weeks of remote instruction?

 
No.  Since academic instruction will take place during these two weeks and dining options on campus will be open beginning on Saturday, January 22, there will be no refunds. You are welcome to use all campus resources available during this time. 

OTHER DINING FAQS

How can students keep Kosher?

Aramark is working to identify potentially viable options in the future dining program.

 

What Halal options are available? 

Aramark is continuing the conversation with campus student groups and the university to determine the next steps to incorporate Halal options.  To date, all whole muscle chicken offered at Aramark locations is Halal certified. 

What is being done to promote and add Vegan options on campus?

Aramark and our onsite registered dietitian Nora Abrahams have partnered with the Nutrition department to increase our plant-based availability to students.  In conjunction with the Eat A Plant Save The Planet program, Aramark helped identify plant-based food availability on and off-campus.  

On Dining's proprietary website, CampusDish, there are locations on campus where you can find vegan and vegetarian options.  They will also post these locations through their social media channels.  

·       Recently, the Salad Bar offerings at Lawrence have expanded to include vegan proteins.

·       Go to Dining's social media channels to learn more about plant-based pop-up events and surprise events!

·       Dining Social Media Handles:

            Instagram/Facebook: @WCUDiningServices

            Twitter: @WCUDining

What forms of payment will the new Commons dining hall accept?

Currently, the Commons will accept the following:  Meal Swipes, Debit, Credit, Cash, Flex, and Rams Bucks

The meal plan swipe policy has not differed since the fall of 2021.  As we move forward with the opening of the Commons building, Dining will determine the best path for the meal swipes in the future.   

AT THIS TIME NOTHING HAS CHANGED

https://westchester.mydininghub.com/en

Where are meal swipes accepted?  

Each meal swipe is worth $6.00.  If you are running low on flex you can add more by going to the student’s MyWCU portal or go to the bursar’s office. 
Meal swipes are accepted at the following locations:
Two Swipes per transaction: 

Greens to Go
Sandwich Shack
Rammy’s Corner
Chic Fil A
Chickie’s & Pete
Grill Works 

One swipe per transaction: 

Wild Blue Sushi 

One swipe meal deal: 

P.O.D. Markets
Einstein Brothers Bagels 

 

https://westchester.campusdish.com

Why are some dining options closed and what steps has Aramark taken to staff these areas?

Dining understands the environment of the pandemic has caused a labor shortage. In the PASSHE school system, there is a 50% staffing gap across all universities. In response to the shortage, Dining is pulling all available resources to bridge the gap. 

Aramark is always looking for Students to join their team.

  • Starting wage is $10.50
  • FREE FOOD
  • The incentive for student workers is $250 for 250 hours worked per semester

Please see the following ways Dining has increased their hiring efforts:

  • Increased starting wages by an average of $4.00.
  •  Current staff received an average of $1.00 wage increase.
  • Paying a $5.00 shift differential for working weekends.
  • Wage increases for student workers.
  • Added a Senior HR Manager to oversee the recruiting and onboarding at WCU.
  • Added an hourly HR specialist.  Areas of focus include recruiting and hiring.
  • Dining continues to have and have had several job fairs on campus.  This includes participating in local and virtual job fairs.
  • There is an employee referral bonus of $400.
  • $300 sign-on bonus.
  • Invested in promotion ads on LinkedIn, Indeed, and any other major market job website, including social media.
  • Actively engaging with Contract Labor Companies to secure temporary staff.
  • Partnered with our Community Outreach Talent Acquisition Supervisor to schedule external job fairs and advertise with contacts outside of Aramark.
  • Aggressively following up on any lead, including talking to people in public about joining our team at WCU.