Winters Dining Hall Town Hall

Hey guys,

I am going to be once again trying out the live blog process to tell you about what is happening with the Winters Dining hall. I am disappointed right off the bat because the only word I have had about this was a piece of paper in my mailbox. No e-mail has been sent out and no real effort has been made to ensure attendance at this event.

It is a space that will be taken away from commuters, but commuters have not been given a chance to speak to it.

If you have any questions you want me to pose, post them in the comments and I will ask and post the answers on here.

7:57
The dining hall is half filled with seats and half with food. A presentation screen on the stage and portraits of what they would like the dining hall to look like on the side.

8:08
So far it looks like there are about 60-80 people around here. The back of the room is filling up with people trying out the new food that I assume is being proposed for the Dining Hall. I see members of WCC, Food Services, Housing, Aramark and other places in the University.

8:13
It seems like this is a proposal being pushed primarily towards Residence Students. One question I will be sure to ask is what they think the effect will be on Commuter students as they are an important part of our community who already find it hard to connect.

8:17
It seems like things are about to get started. They are asking people to take their seats and people are slowly making their way over.
Anthony Barbisan is standing at the front getting ready to begin his talk.

8:23
he starts off by saying it is a proposal. Not a done deal. He wants to get some feedback and input and looking forward to questions. We have already heard a lot of feedback.

8:28
Did research with 4270 asking questions about food on campus.

72% desired an all you care to eat dining room
75% stated that sustainability issues are important
Healthy options
Social atmosphere/ambiance and comfortable
9.25 - 12 acceptable range meal.

8:31
Proposal is to transform Complex 1 and 2 dining halls into dedicated Marche-style all-you-care-to-eat dining rooms. Potential to implement this for September 2010
Only if it is something that people want.

8:32
Have heard loud and clear that space is an issue. the VP Finance and Admin is committed to ensuring that we protect student space. Is there an alternate location for this?

8:38
The seating looks as if it would fill the room. Capasity is 212.

8:41
Nutritionist monthly seminars, and possibly personalized appointments. Eco friendly dining - removing alot of garbage through food services because it is mostly take out style.

8:54
Talk of 330 meals per year that would be forced into these two places.

In my opinion the impact on the Absinthe Pub would be destructive.


So this went on for another hour and a half. There were tons of questions and as Mr Barbisan said it himself "We hear loud and clear about the space issue".

This was filmed so as soon as I find the footage I will put it online here for you!