Dalloway's menus, security concern students
By MYRA McGRIFF
News Writer
Security and menu choices are two concerns being voiced by the student body in reaction to the grand opening of Dalloway's, the student snack bar and social center that replaced the now-closed coffee shop in the Clubhouse.
The building, one of the first projects in the Campus Master Plan, opened unofficially last week. But the opening of the coffee shop forced food services to limit nighttime service at The Crossings snack bar, located in Haggar College Center.
The Crossings, a full-service snack bar, was formerly open from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m.. The hours are now cut back to 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. The limited hours are mainly due a lack of campus demand, said Linda Timm, vice president of student affairs.
"To have four food areas running at the some time during lunch is fine but after the rush we can afford to close some down," said Timm. "So in response, Haggar's hours were adjusted."
The decision to set definite hours for Dalloway's operation was also to set up consistency, Timm said. Dalloway's currently operates from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. weekdays, and until 1 a.m. on weekends.
"Students never knew the hours of the old Clubhouse, so we wanted to set up the new Dalloway's with a consistent time it would be open," said Timm.
But Dalloway's, which is not a full-service snack bar, does not offer the food options available in Haggar. Some students are concerned that the food items offered at Haggar cannot be purchased at Dalloway's when Haggar is closed.
"Between 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. there is nothing hot to eat or [full] meals offered on campus," said Danielle Greer, a Saint Mary's sophomore.
Many students are also concerned about the security risk that the walk to Dalloway's poses. Haggar, connected to three of four residence halls by the tunnel system, did not require students to take a long, dimly-lit walk to get to the snack bar. Dalloway's, located just off the Avenue and not connected by tunnels, is a long walk from most campus residence halls.
Some students do not feel safe walking out to the new clubhouse at night, especially in light of this semester's attacks on campus.
"I work late at night and used to eat dinner at Haggar," said Diana Perez, a Saint Mary's sophomore. "But now that the only place open is far away and I don't feel safe, I just don't eat dinner now."
For the safety issues voiced by students, Timm suggest students go in groups and stay in well-lit areas. Areas of concern are also being addressed.
"The sidewalks are well-lit and I would tell student to stay to the sidewalks. The courtyard around Madeleva does pose a concern and will be assessed," said Timm.
In response to the limited selection, Timm assures the menu will expand in time and the menu now is a jumping off point.
"The staff is training now on the equipment and learning how to make the items. With additional help, expanding the menu will begin. Things are progressing," said Timm.
The food providers for Saint Mary's campus, Sodexho Marriott, want to start trying out new foods and specials for lunch and dinner. The new Dalloway's will also have specialty beverages and coffees.
"We want to have different hot specials each day and bring in a variety of foods," said Kevin Kirwan, director of food services.
Even though students are voicing concern over the new Dalloway's Timm wants students to give it some time. With the grand opening and dedication of the Welcome Center and Dalloway's on Nov. 10, she thinks students will warm up to the changes.
"I think it is going to take a little getting used to. The more students use the facility the more it will draw them," said Timm.
Timm also said in January the administration will evaluate how Dalloway's is functioning.
All News Stories for Friday, November 3, 2000
