UNews - food services

Aramark readying for changeover

trevor.kenney — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 22:17:18 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge food services begins a new chapter May 1, 2013 when Aramark Higher Education officially joins the U of L community.

Marking the most transformative food services change at the U of L in 30 years, the introduction of Aramark as the new food provider is the culmination of a comprehensive and consultative review of food services on the Lethbridge campus.

"The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge prides itself on the experience it offers its students," says U of L President Dr. Mike Mahon. "We recognize that food quality is critical to that experience, and we are thrilled that our campus community will be provided with a variety of high-quality food options for the foreseeable future."

A number of renovations are planned over the summer to accommodate the significant changes that Aramark will bring to campus, all focused on taking the campus dining experience for students, faculty and staff to a new level.

"We are excited to begin serving the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community," says Jeff Marcellus of Aramark as his company begins a 10-year agreement with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. "Our goal is to enhance the dining environment and experience for students, faculty and staff, and to build partnerships across the campus community."

Tim Hortons will be the first location to open under Aramark's leadership on May 1 in the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness. This will continue to be a full Tim Hortons that will offer everything from classic hot beverages and donuts to sandwiches and chili.

A fully renovated dining hall, a convenience food outlet, a full Starbucks, Subway and an Express Tim Hortons will open at other campus locations in the fall.

The change to the current ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall dining hall will be significant as Aramark transforms the space into the Urban Market, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Renovations include the installation of a flat top grill, pizza oven, entrée station, deli and a build-your-own salad bar, soup and coffee station. An artist's concept drawing is attached for reference.

Further down ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall, a Subway, connected to another Tim Hortons will be introduced. This Tim Hortons will be an express location, offering hot beverages and bakery items.

In Markin Hall, a convenient food outlet that will offer an assortment of grab 'n' go items including "We Proudly Serve Starbucks" coffee, bakery, soup, snacks and cold beverages, will remain. The Express menu will also include items such as sandwiches, salads, snackers, fruit and veggie cups and yogurt parfait cups.

The final addition to campus is a full Starbucks location in the space formerly occupied by Mr. Sub (directly across from Security Services and the Helen Christou Gallery on the walkway to the Library). This location will offer everything patrons expect from Starbucks, including a full food and beverage menu as well as a seating area for studying or just meeting up with friends.

Moving forward brings change

trevor.kenney — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 21:20:23 +0000

It's been said that the only constant in the world is change. That's certainly the case when it comes to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. With 40-year-old infrastructure that is starting to show its age, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ has been slowly upgrading the Lethbridge campus's physical attributes.

The Department of Facilities is working to create more modern spaces in a more sustainable environment, making the U of L a destination to be desired with better access, enhanced food services and state-of-the-art research facilities.

Unfortunately, you can't have change without, well, change. Renovations to existing structures and new construction can be noisy, messy and just plain inconvenient. That's why the department arranges to do the majority of its construction when classes are not in session.

While there are less people on campus during the summer months, the U of L is still buzzing with activity during this time and every effort is made to minimize the inconvenience to those who remain.

Most projects are completed between May and September, but some factors, such as Mother Nature (who likes to keep contractors on their toes) or unforeseen construction obstacles, can delay projects well into the fall semester. Some projects are so big that they will extend even further into the year. The impending PE Tunnel Rehabilitation and South Plaza Replacement is one of them.

Replacing the concrete in the south plaza presents a unique challenge as the PE Tunnel sits directly below and no more than 10,000 lbs. of weight can be placed on top of the tunnel at any time. Removing the concrete slabs above the tunnel will therefore require some creative manoeuvring.

The PE Tunnel restoration includes leak repairs, the installation of new air handling units to enhance air quality and the addition of new lighting. The tunnel will be closed throughout the duration of the project.

From May to possibly the end of the year, the outdoor area from the PE Building along the Students' Union Building up to the rotunda near the Library will also be closed to allow heavy equipment to move easily within the construction site. The closure also includes the bus loop, and the Department of Facilities has been working with the City of Lethbridge to establish a new, temporary bus route – the details of which will be released once they have been finalized.

Library roof

Nearby, the roof of the Library will undergo work as crews replace the roofing membrane that has been lifted by the area's notorious winds. As long as Mother Nature cooperates, the project will last from about May to mid-July. During this time the south entrance to the Library will be closed.

West parking lots

The second phase of the parking lot redevelopment project will see Lots E and G undergo substantial work. In addition to repaving the lots, a storm water management and drainage system along with new trees and landscaping, windbreaks, concrete curbing and sidewalks, and new lighting will enhance the area. As a gateway to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, this parking area is one of the first areas of campus that people see. The project will help create a sense of place and welcoming to new and returning guests.

UCA North Patio

The wood and concrete flooring on the North Patio off the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Centre for the Arts (UCA) building will be replaced this summer. The entrance into the patio area at the bottom of the pathway will be closed, but pedestrians should still be able to access the path by alternate means.

Food Services

Now that the U of L has a new food vendor coming on board, work to update the food services area in UCA will get underway this summer.

In addition to these major projects, several others are already occurring in less obtrusive areas such as the Prairie Quad north of Markin Hall, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall Breezeway infrastructure upgrades, elevator upgrades in UCA, Students' Union Building and Turcotte Hall, and various flooring replacement and building control upgrade projects that will take place on evenings and weekends.

More information on these and other upcoming projects will be communicated to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community as details emerge. The facilities department would like to thank everyone in advance for their patience during the busy construction season ahead.

Jamie Woodford is the project assistant, communications, for the Department of Facilities

This story first appeared in the Febraury 2013 edition of the Legend. For a look at the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

New food vendor coming to campus

trevor.kenney — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 23:09:23 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has reached an agreement with ARAMARK to provide onsite food services on its Lethbridge campus.

The decision to choose ARAMARK as the U of L's food provider was, after a long and inclusive process, finalized at today's Board of Governors meeting.

After conducting a thorough and extensive review of food services on campus, the U of L released a Request for Proposal for campus food services in the summer of 2012. This began the most transformative food services change at the U of L in 30 years.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge president Mike Mahon says that a high-quality student experience is a critical factor weighed by prospective students when choosing a university. This is especially important for the U of L, as 70 per cent of its students come from outside the Lethbridge area.

"The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge prides itself on the experience it offers its students," says Mahon. "We recognize that food quality is critical to that experience, and we are thrilled that our campus community will be provided with a variety of high-quality food options for the foreseeable future."

The process in choosing a new food vendor included many campus constituency groups, the most critical being students. Students were surveyed, invited to participate in discussion groups and included as members of the final selection committee.

"We have listened to what our students have told us about the importance of food services on campus. It was critical to have them included in the process of choosing a food services provider," says Mahon.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union President Armin Escher says students benefit greatly from a variety of food options, and that he is looking forward to experiencing the transformation of food services at the Lethbridge campus.

"A variety of food options not only adds to the quality of campus life for students, but high-quality offerings are essential for student health and student success," says Escher.

In approving the agreement with ARAMARK, board members focused in part on the link between providing high quality food and the ability of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to recruit students.

"In order for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge to continue to flourish as a destination university, food options and the quality of those options are critical. Providing good food to our campus community will attract students to our campus," says board member Kathleen Willms.

ARAMARK is a leader in professional services, providing award-winning food services, facilities management, and uniform and career apparel to health care institutions, universities and school districts, stadiums and arenas, and businesses around the world.

"ARAMARK is proud to partner with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge to enhance the living and learning environment on campus," says Brian Struthers, Regional Vice President, ARAMARK Canada Higher Education.

"We look forward to serving the entire campus community. In spring 2013, there will be many enhancements made on campus in preparation for the fall semester and beyond. ARAMARK will be investing in the campus community with new dining venues that include a mix of national and proprietary brands."

The U of L's 10-year agreement with ARAMARK commences on May 1, 2013.

Globe report strong for U of L

trevor.kenney — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 17:19:23 +0000

The 10th Globe and Mail ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Report Card results are out for 2013, and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has maintained or increased its letter grades in a majority of categories.

"This is a good snapshot of how we are doing in terms of our teaching and interaction with students, services to students, facilities and overall student satisfaction," says U of L President Mike Mahon. "The results are on par with other surveys we participate in that measure a variety of performance standards, and it is important for us to have that feedback as we plan for the future."

Mahon says that as the U of L moves into a new strategic planning phase, and undertakes a number of projects that enhance the student experience on campus – including new residences, a proposed science complex, changes to on-campus food services, renovations to buildings, parking lots and new and updated programs/services, knowing what students think is crucial.

"We are working very hard to make the U of L Alberta's Destination ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. We are already attracting more than 70 percent of our student population from outside our community, and we want all our students to have the best possible experience here. Their continued input, through this survey or other surveys we conduct, will help us move the U of L forward in a variety of ways."

The Globe rankings present numerous categories that measure a variety of markers, from student satisfaction to class sizes.

The rankings are derived from a survey that was e-mailed to more than 6,000 full-time U of L undergraduate students. Of that group, more than 500 students (approximately 8 per cent) responded.

2013 2012 Grade

Most Satisfied Students B+ B+ Same
Work-Play Balance B B Same
Campus Atmosphere A- A- Same
City Satisfaction B+ B Increase
Academic Counselling B B Same
Recreation and Athletics A- A- Same
Student Services B Not Available
Environmental Commitment B B- Increase
Student Residences B- C+ Increase
Food Services D Not Available
Buildings and Facilities B B+ Decrease
Libraries A- B+ Increase
Information Technology B+ B Increase
Reputation with Employers B+ B+ Same
Career Preparation B+ B Increase
Career Preparation – Co-op B Not Available
Course Registration B B- Increase
Class size A- A Decrease
Research Opportunities B B+ Decrease
Instructors' Teaching Style B+ B+ Same
Student-Faculty Interaction A- A- Same
Quality of Teaching & Learning A- A- Same

Restaurant makeover

trevor.kenney — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 15:51:11 +0000

Food plays a major role in our lives. Far more than just providing sustenance, the food we eat and the meals we share help establish a culture, frame our celebrations and serve as a common ground. Breaking bread shapes who we are.

Jim Booth, executive director of Ancillary Services, recognizes that, and he also is keenly aware that food services at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge have been lacking.
"Food service is a gap right now in the student experience being offered by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ," says Booth. "It needs to go from mediocre to great – we need that wow factor."

To that end, for the first time in 30 years, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ has extended a Request for Proposal (RFP) to three food service providers as it looks to completely overhaul its delivery of catering and food services.

"We strive to be a destination university and the student experience on campus is paramount to achieving that goal," says Booth. "Food services touches everybody multiple times in a day. It can make your day or it can ruin your day."

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is ready to take its food services to a new level and has entered the marketplace in search of a provider that will meet the contemporary needs of today.

Sodexo, and its previous incarnations, has been the sole food service provider to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ since 1982, and over the course of the last 30 years, its relationship with the U of L community has seen both ups and downs.

"That continual service I think has served us well," says Booth. "I think it's been a good partnership, but this past 24 months has been a real challenge and they've had great difficulty in getting the right people, the right leadership to achieve the consistency of service and quality we require, whether it was in retail or catering services."

Booth initiated an expression of interest to feel out the food services marketplace and found several providers eager to come to campus. After reviewing initial proposals, an invitation-only RFP was sent out to Aramark, Chartwells and the incumbent provider, Sodexo.

"It's time for us to revisit how we deliver food services to our campus community," says Booth. "Looking forward to the next 10 years and beyond, we need someone who can keep things fresh and edgy. What we are faced with today is a need to differentiate ourselves. It is all about the experience and we need a partner that can deliver that experience."

And while the RFP is a nuts and bolts logistical document, Booth intends to mesh that with community feedback gleaned from a series of surveys and World Cafés that will be initiated later this month.

"In the past, we've had surveys that asked the transactional questions and we've responded by changing menus and so forth, but we've never really thought beyond that," says Booth. "This is about defining our culture, about finding what is unique to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and how food services relates to our strategic goals and priorities. If we get the right partner, our food services will fully mesh with that thinking, which will make them very successful and will also help us create that student experience we desire."

A total of three World Cafés will be held, Sept. 25 (9 a.m. to noon, 1 to 4 p.m.) and Sept. 26 (9 a.m. to noon), in the Students' Union Ballroom A. Sessions will be open to anyone interested in attending, including students, staff and faculty. Another dedicated to residence students and those individuals who primarily use the catering services is also planned.

As well, surveys targeting the general ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community, residence students and catering clients, will take place the weeks of Sept. 24 and Oct. 1.

"This is our opportunity to really sit down and discuss what food services can and should be at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge," says Booth. "This will add the colour and flavor of our institution to these organizations and how they interpret the results and how they respond will be critical."

Following the close of the RFP on Oct. 25, a committee will review the submissions from the competing service providers throughout the month of November. A new contract will be signed on May 1, 2013, allowing for a summer transition and training period before a soft launch and then full launch of new services in the fall when students return to campus.

"It comes down to people and to leadership," says Booth of who will win the contract. "It also comes down to having individuals that are a part of our community and consider this a partnership – they have to be as committed to the student experience as we are."

GET THE FACTS

· Booth estimates the new food services contract to be worth $40 to $50 million over its 10-year course

· Part of the new contract will require the service provider to bring in capital dollars for renovations of food service areas

· Some of the challenges facing food service providers include responding to individual dietary needs such as food allergies and sensitivities, meeting the demands of an ever-growing international student segment, incorporating local brands and presenting healthier eating alternatives

· To take part in the World Café sessions, contact foodservicesrfp@uleth.ca

This story first appeared in the September 2012 issue of the Legend. For a look at the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

UNews - food services

Aramark readying for changeover

Related Topics

Moving forward brings change

Library roof

West parking lots

UCA North Patio

Food Services

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New food vendor coming to campus

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Globe report strong for U of L

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Restaurant makeover

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