In an attempt to enhance students’ overall dining experience on college campuses nationwide, Sodexo Campus Services, the provider of food services at UAB and abroad, created a Student Board of Directors in 1995. As a result, students are now included in the various decisions that are made about topics ranging from ambiance to food selection. UAB undergraduate Lisa Hayashida was recently named to this board, and, along with other members selected from around the country, will voice student opinions and suggestions about campus dining to the main Sodexo headquarters.
“If [my peers] want to see different foods come to the dining services then they can speak up, and I can take it to the conferences that I attend,” Hayashida said. “As a representative of UAB and Sodexo sitting on this student board, I speak for a large crowd. I know that you can’t always make everyone happy, but if they see changes then that means we’ve been heard and something is getting done.”
According to Leigh Ciarkowski, Campus Restaurants Marketing Manager at UAB, the Student Board of Directors help Sodexo keep up with the ever-changing food trends among college students.
“The latest trend with students nationwide is a push for not only healthy dining, but healthy living, focusing on low-fat, low-carb, less sugars, and vegetarian entrees,” said Ciarkowski. “And sustainability outside the dining facility, recycling, using biodegradable or reusable materials. This trend is true for UAB as well and we are working to meet our student’s needs.”
Being chosen for the Student Board of Directors is not a trivial matter. Applicants are considered based upon their performance with essay questions and also in interviews. Numerous applications are received from around the country, making competition tight.
“I was thrilled when I found out that I had been selected as the UAB representative,” said Hayashida. “It's a big selection process. They receive hundreds of applications and only twenty-five get selected. It's been a pleasure getting to work with the Sodexo crew here at UAB … It's been a really fun experience.”
As a board member, Hayashida will participate in monthly conference calls, submit monthly progress reports, and attend a national conference, all in an effort to improve campus food services.
“We come up with ideas and events to host in the dining services on all the campuses so that the food isn't just food. We try to make food service as fun as possible.”
Food is certainly an important topic to many people. Students can attest that a good meal is inextricably linked to intellectual and social prowess. Not only does food provide nourishment, it offers a chance for fellowship among friends who may be catching up on the latest news or between acquaintances that are getting to know each other. Hayashida believes that mealtime is instrumental in bringing people together.
“When people are around food they are happy,” she said. “People are open-minded when we are happy. This is a great way to communicate and build relationships around food. Food is something that should bring joy to your life so enjoy it while you eat with the people you love.”
Published in the UAB Kaleidoscope newspaper, 01/13/2009
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