As a part of a plan by Ohio University's Culinary Services to enrich the student dining experience on campus, Nelson Dining Hall will soon undergo some major changes. This means it will have to close at the end of this quarter to allow the construction.
Brian Thompson, director of Auxiliaries at Ohio University explained that the renovations "are a part of Culinary Services' progressive capital master plan. We have really progressed into a master plan that looks to elevate the student dining experience across campus. These renovations enrich the experience of all campus customers, from students, faculty, staff to our daily campus visitors and guests. Overall, Culinary's continued renovations and service commitments help to strengthen Ohio University's prominence in recruitment and retention."
Corey Sheeley, a sophomore living on OU's South Green, said she's not upset about the changes,
"I'm excited," Sheeley said. "I've heard about some of the things they'll be adding to the dining hall and I think it sounds really cool. Of course, I won't have a meal plan by the time it opens but I'm just glad to have the quality of dining services improving. It really shows the university cares and wants the students to be happy."
However, not all students share this positive outlook. Some say they don't understand why the renovations are needed, and are concerned about how the closing will inconvenience them. Many are fearful with Nelson closed, there will not be enough room at other dining halls to accommodate all the student diners.
Alexa Krivoniak is a sophomore living in Adams Hall; she said she appreciates Nelson for its proximity to her dorm.
"I'm upset because even if the other dining halls are open, I feel like they'll be so packed it will be impossible to get in at a reasonable time," Krivoniak said. "Shively is already extremely packed, so I'm not sure how they're going to make it possible for people to all eat without waiting an absurd amount of time."
Nelson will close after dinner service March 13, and will remain closed for spring quarter and over the summer. Nelson Market and Grab N' Go will be closed for summer due to low traffic in the past.
Some students say they don't understand why it is necessary for the dining hall to shut down entirely during construction. Thompson of OU said it's unavoidable.
"To properly complete the renovations for its Fall Semester 2012 opening, it will become necessary from a construction schedule standpoint to close Nelson's main dining hall for Spring Quarter," he said. "This will allow critical project, utility and infrastructure work to occur in the current Nelson kitchen that otherwise could not be completed while in full operation."
Of course, with an entire dining hall closing, there plenty of people will be out of a job. Dining Services says the job loss will be cushioned by the increased hours at Shively.
"With Nelson Dining offline for the Spring Quarter, we anticipate some added need and shifts at other operations like those of Shively Court and Jefferson Dining," Thompson said.
Shively will soon be offering breakfast and weekend hours, which will theoretically cushion the job loss, but probably not employ everyone displaced from Nelson.
Yet many students are still very excited by the prospect of Shively being open on the weekends, as it is widely considered the favorite among the dining halls.
Some student employees said they're worried about their job security. Blake Tan, a sophomore who has worked at Nelson for the past year, claims he will be out of a job all spring quarter. "I'm not happy about it, however at least I'll have a job next fall quarter," he said.
Student employees at Nelson are not the only ones concerned about their jobs. Some employees of Shively hall said they're concerned, with all the workers facing layoffs at Nelson, that their work hours might also be cut. Senior Ryan MacAndrews is one with such concerns.
"I get a lot of hours from the sub boards, and I think there will be far less available shifts available if hours are so sparse," he said.
According to the current plans, Nelson's new residential dining court will feature a concept-based approach to campus dining, with four new stations, each offering a variety of daily selections, sides, beverages and desserts.
The main residential dining court will offer expanded seating for over 800 diners. The separate campus café venue will seat up to 50, and offer a variety of caffeinated and specialty beverages.
