By Rory McNelley, Education and Enrichment Coordinator

In Monday’s Student Government Association (SGA) meeting Liz Kestermann Chartwells Higher Education Resident District Manager spoke to senators about progress on proposed projects and brainstorming new ones. Chartwells is in charge of the dining options and catering on campus, as well as working with Auxiliary Services to provide vending and market options for students.

Last year, senators pushed for a microwave to be installed in Hoff Dining Commons. This has been put in place according to Kestermann. Additionally, dining dollars are now accepted at the student concessions booth at Xavier basketball games starting this season.

Chartwells First Year Eats program has been successful in giving first years a place to go to meet friends and enjoy free food. This initiative is new this year. Chartwells events have sold out since the beginning of the year signaling increased student engagement. Kestermann pointed out an increased attendance with the new class compared to previous years.

Cintas will once again host the Cincinnati Bake-Off. Chartwells is looking for students to help with the event; sign-ups will open later this month. Additionally, they are looking for more student employees for the upcoming basketball season. Student workers would provide help as servers, bartenders, food runners and help with restocking. Students receive perks like free meals during their shifts and 250 Chart Points which are similar to dining dollars.

Signature events are scheduled for the semester, include Late Night Breakfast on Dec. 8th and treats during the Crosstown Shootout Campout.

Kestermann also mentioned the changes students have noticed since arriving in August. The deli has transitioned to a self-serve station near the salad bar. This caused “Cantina” to transition to “La Mesa” which now has two sides making lines shorter for students. Additionally, Chartwells has partnered with Nestle to provide Iggy’s Coffee which includes a Starbucks beverage program and food provided by Father B’s Bakery.

The Musketeer meal swipe sharing will begin soon. Students can go into the Transact app and donate dining hall swipes to students who are food insecure. Both the donation and receiving of the swipes are confidential. Chartwells is partnering with Last Mile Food Rescue to make sure leftover food does not go to waste. Lastly, the Hoff Dining Commons will begin composting next month.

In other news:

• SGA appointed three new senators; Senator Murphy, Senator Erion and Senator Doon.
• A little library will be installed in front of the GSC in about a month, after much effort.