The Student News Site of Saint Louis University

The University News

The Student News Site of Saint Louis University

The University News

The Student News Site of Saint Louis University

The University News

The more you know on Aramark: What’s said and unsaid

“We want a choice that the community feels good about”.    A statement, made by Dr. Kent Porterfield, SLU’s VP for Student Development last spring, in regard to the selection process of campus’ new food provider, Aramark, concisely reflects the general attitude of SLU’s current generation of students towards many facets of life on campus.

When, in 2010, students did not feel good about the climate created by several bias incidents, the oath of inclusion was born.  In the 2012-13 academic year, when students no longer felt good about the leadership provided by the ex-president, the Student Government Association cast their vote of no confidence in Fr. Lawrence Biondi.

In the past six months alone, students have responded (whether you believe strongly enough or not) against recent bias incidents against campus’ Jewish, African-American, and LGBTQ communities last spring and, more recently, in solidarity with the community of Ferguson, Mo. this past month (my Facebook has been flooded with events ranging from the candlelight vigil to the Sept. 4 panel and discussion all throughout my process of writing this article).

As of late, students have been socially active and aware of the going-on’s of the university.

Enter Aramark.  While it may just be my perception, the overwhelming vibe on campus in the months following the announcement of their contract and the first week of school was of excitement and anticipation.  Excitement for Panda express, for Ms. Mae coming back to Gries, and the new “unlimited swipes” option.  Anticipation for Bread Co. and the new and improved Fusz.

Story continues below advertisement

And why not?  At least for now, the new service provided seems to be a definite change for the better.  Efforts to retain all of the old front line staff, whom we all know and love, have been more than appreciated too.  Aramark, to their credit, has been more than informative to SLU’s student body, making themselves open to questions and comments to all FYE leaders and orientation sessions.

At the Oriflamme info session, which I attended, they provided a brief yet expansive 20-minute presentation on all of the changes, and stuck around for over thirty minutes to answer follow-up questions.  They were incredibly open to the students.

But maybe only because they were asked easy questions?  Maybe because we were pitching them softballs.

Now, its curve ball time.

Aramark, how are you responding to an Oakland University board member’s hesitance to renew their contract with you due to “concerns about how much Aramark pays its workers”  and the new negative reputation of your Correction Facilities service?

How are you responding to the fine by the state of Michigan, issued following a Free Press publication documenting “lack of cleanliness including maggots in and around food”?

What is your response to John Oliver’s recent comedic rant over all of the above mentioned?

I saw the brief John Oliver clip referencing them, and did some simple Google searches.  The information is easy for anyone to find.

Either way, Aramark, for the next five years, is here to stay. And we all seem to be happy about that, which is completely ok.

This is not a call to protests and anger or an attempt to stir up trouble.  However, when we as a socially conscious student body have grown to the point of pride in our low tolerance for poor social treatment of others or acts/institutions that reflect poorly on our school (again, see students’ responses to bias incidents or not up-to-par leadership), we need to become and remain educated.

Aramark at SLU, for obvious business reasons, has not been volunteering information on current fines levied against them.

They are not all bad.  From my personal experience with their employees and management at SLU thus far, I actually find them very friendly and welcoming.

To put things in perspective though, Biondi was not all bad either.  But he, in the student body’s opinion, began to reflect poorly on our institution.

Aramark is here for five years, and we are happy with that.  Or, at least, I am, because I love Qdoba.

SLU students are beginning to pride themselves on asking the hard questions of the university when needed.  So, read up.  Learn both the good and the bad of our new friends on campus.

Many Billikens take pride in their school and its reputation.

So stay informed, because without all of the facts, how can we truly know that this is “a choice the community feels good about”?

The more you know.

Leave a Comment
Donate to The University News
$1410
$750
Contributed
Our Goal

Your donation will support the student journalists of Saint Louis University. Your contribution will help us cover our annual website hosting costs.

More to Discover
Donate to The University News
$1410
$750
Contributed
Our Goal

Comments (0)

All The University News Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *