The Duke University Student Dining Advisory Committee began its meeting Monday night with one objective: to try something new.
With that goal in mind, DUSDAC members ventured across campus to evaluate the service and food at three dining options: Panda Express, Tommy’s Rubs and Grubs and the Great Hall.
After ordering dinner, everyone reconvened to discuss their experiences. Based on the general consensus, Panda Express had the friendliest service, Tommy’s managed fairly well with a staff of two and the Great Hall was a hit or miss depending on the station. Food preferences varied at all locations.
The biggest complaint was with regards to small portion sizes at the Great Hall.
“The workers are so regimented about their portions,” said DUSDAC co-Chair Jason Taylor, a senior. “I keep thinking, ‘I’m paying $8.69 for this?’ It’s frustrating.”
DUSDAC plans to continue regular evaluations of campus vendors to gain a better picture of student experiences at the eateries.
The committee also discussed recent findings in the People’s Choice survey, which asked 1,300 students to assess various eateries and included more than 800 written comments.
“I look at this as our report card,” Director of Dining Services Jim Wulforst said. “I want to be able to share all the information we get with every vendor so they know what their customers are saying.”
The information will be sorted into separate comments about the service and food quality of each eatery by the end of the week, Wulforst said.
“This is a good way for us, as a committee, to find out what the Duke student community wants so we can advocate for that,” said junior Alex Klein, DUSDAC co-chair and The Chronicle’s online editor.
He added that some results were surprising and would be discussed further in future meetings.
In other business:
DUSDAC’s Berry Tripping event will take place Thursday at 9 p.m. in the Bryan Center. Students will be able to sample foods like Skittles and vinegar after eating taste-altering berries known as miracle fruit. Tickets will be on sale this week on the West Campus Plaza for $5.
The Committee also plans to apply for additional funds from Duke Student Government.
“We are looking at ways to make sure we’re doing as good of a job as possible to evaluate on- and off-campus eateries,” Klein said.
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