Robert Nolen, Contributor
As a Kennesaw State alumnus, I recall a time just before The Commons was built when the student body – myself included – expressed concern with the selection of campus eateries. We spoke out about options and hours we wanted to see on our growing campus and, as we became involved, expanded options began to form. I was fortunate to take a job with Culinary & Hospitality Services and, in the seven years since, my colleagues and I have worked with the SGA, RHA, and general student body to implement many positive changes on campus. In this short time, the dining environment on campus has morphed from fast food and coffee to a diverse offering currently ranked by The Daily Meal as #4 in the nation. Each of these changes was the direct result of feedback from our student body.
My colleagues and I were pleased to see The Sentinel’s front-page coverage of last week’s petition to expand The Commons’ hours of operation. Although the report was appreciated, it contained significant details about The Commons’ current hours of operation that were incorrect. In August 2014, and as a direct result of increased demand for earlier breakfast service, Culinary & Hospitality Services expanded the hours of The Commons by eight hours per week, opening one hour earlier – 6:30 a.m. – on weekdays and an hour-and-a-half earlier – 9 a.m. – on weekends. Unfortunately, our old hours of operation were published in last week’s article.
Student feedback is not something we take lightly, and many of the current dining options on campus have their roots in student requests. Although there are many ways to provide feedback – petitions included – we strongly encourage students to become active in our monthly Food Advisory Committee meeting. This committee receives updates from Culinary & Hospitality Services regarding dining operations and provides an open forum to share dining-related needs and opinions to the departmental leadership.
FAC meetings are currently held on the last Tuesday of each month in The Commons, and you do not have to use a meal to attend. The next regularly scheduled meeting is set for March 31 at 9:30a.m. in the second floor meeting rooms.
Robert Nolen is the Associate Director for KSU’s Culinary and Hospitality Services.
