By Caroline Ryan & Jada Butler
Editor-in-Chief, News Editor
Students entering Winnick Dining hall the morning of Nov. 29, noticed a drastic change in the cleanliness of the floors, tables and equipment as well as the presentation of the food.
An article in the Pioneer entitled “Cleanliness of Winnick Dining Hall was published online on Nov. 28 and in print on Nov. 29. After the Pioneer investigated student complaints about Winnick, according to Michael Berthel, dean of students, “a meeting was convened with Aramark and A&A management teams to discuss the current state of Winnick and identify the immediate needs.”
Directly following the meeting, a plan was put in place to “address all concerns, clean all facilities and equipment, and re-design the stations to provide an enhanced presentation to all food stations. Following the cleaning, Aramark purchased new equipment and items that will help to enhance the look of the dining hall. “Some of these additions have already been implemented with additional [equipment] being added in the next few days,” Berthel stated.
Students have noticed the change in the dining hall, and seem pleased with the changes. “It’s never been like this,” Emilia Herran, a senior business marketing major, said. Zachary Cofrancesco, a junior business finance major said he has seen a huge improvement in the visual appeal of the dining hall.
“Curly fries every day. Bring nuggets back to Winnick,” Greg Lee, a junior sociology major, said about the change of menu options made on Thursday, Nov. 30, when curly fries and chicken nuggets were offered at the Street Food station.
According to Berthel, other changes will be made at Winnick in the coming weeks. A&A, the outside custodial company that oversees cleaning the dining facility, has increased evening custodial staff to help prepare the facility for the following day. Both Aramark and A&A are reviewing all campus locations to ensure facilities are being properly maintained.
“My job is to be the chief advocate for students on campus and I want to hear about their experience. This has been a very collaborative process to address student concerns and ensure that we are offering an outstanding dining experience for our students. We will continue to identify ways to improve food service, facilities, and student life,” Berthel said.
Students can send questions or concerns regarding the dining hall to Berthel at Michael.Berthel@liu.edu.
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