By Maureen Inouye
A recent student-conducted survey attempted to assist Bon Appétit in serving students by identifying the main concerns students have about the company's management of The Cove and The Commons.
Five students conducted the study for their Organizational Behavior, taught by business professor Jack Kondrasuk last semester.
"The purpose of these studies is to make a difference," Kondrasuk said.
Each group in the class was required to study an organization and then make suggestions as to how the group could improve.
Kirk Mustain, Bon Appétit's general manger at UP, appreciated receiving the results of the study.
"Everything should always be up for discussion. That's how you affect change," he said.
The study compared Bon Appétit's stated goals and principals with student perceptions of the company.
The 100 students surveyed had several consistent complaints, identified specifically in a presentation the students gave to Bon Appétit. The complaints were:
1) The food does not meet expectations for the amount of money paid.
2) The Commons is aesthetically boring.
3) There are not enough choices for vegetarians.
4) Lines are too long.
5) There should be a point system in The Commons, like in The Cove.
Mustain addressed each complaint individually.
First, he said the money charged for room and board is an administrative issue.
"I'm given a fixed daily rate per student (from the administration), so the money you pay isn't the money I get," Mustain said. Bon Appétit does not receive funds directly from students but from UP as part of a contract.
Second, The Commons building is also the University's perogative.
"Eventually we'll need more stations and more seating, but that's going to need to come after the new dorms," Mustain said.
Mustain agreed there are not enough choices for vegetarians, but with the limited space he must concentrate on the majority's preferences, appealing to the masses.
The long lines are also a space issue, but Mustain is not sure how to correct it.
"If every student who comes in, wants a wrap - there's not much I can do about that," he said.
UP also might consider a declining point system in the future, Mustain said. That way, students can use points for both The Cove and Commons and have more choices as to where to use their money.
Bon Appétit has seen the study results and believes the students' concerns are important. Mustain hopes to see improvements in The Cove and The Commons, and suggested perhaps extending hours in the future, in order to better accommodate students' lifestyles.
"Bon Appétit makes the final decision on whether to pursue the recommendations," Kondrasuk said.
Mustain, however, seems to think that many of the concerns are not within his power to change and suggests students bring their questions to the administration.
