Saint Mary’s University has partnered with Chartwells for more than a decade to provide student food and catering services on the Winona Campus. During that time, Chartwells has proven to be innovative, responsive, and collaborative in meeting the needs of the Saint Mary’s community.
Chartwells hired a full-time nutritionist to promote wellness and host events, such as teaching kitchens, to introduce healthy meal concepts. Further, Chartwells has implemented practices to foster environmental sustainability in sourcing its food and limiting waste.
Over the past year, Chartwells has worked with the university to develop plans for a new 10-year contract. These plans include significant investments in the Toner Student Center, specifically the renovation of the Cardinal Club, including a market and new food concept (summer 2020) and a refresh of the Dining Hall (summer 2021). Based on student input, meal plan options will also be expanded to provide greater flexibility.
“It was important for us to include our key stakeholders, specifically our students, in the process,” said Marisa Quinn, Ed.D., assistant vice president for student life. “It began with a campus survey, which garnered more than 500 responses — our best response ever for a Chartwells survey.”
Using this data, Chartwells presented the proposed renovations and meal plans to the campus community the week of March 9. Engagement sessions were held for students, faculty, and staff, and resulted in approximately 30 stakeholders in attendance and engaging individually in the process.
Feedback from those sessions was incorporated into the plan, which will be finalized in the coming weeks. Renovation of the Cardinal Club is anticipated to begin in mid-May.
“We are excited to roll out the new meal plans this summer, which offer more flexible options to students. The updates to the Cardinal Club will create an inviting community space and the much desired market,” said Dr. Quinn.
