Dear Student,
We are reaching out so that you know that we have heard your concerns regarding wait times at some of our dining centers during peak times, and that we are working hard to resolve the current situation. Unfortunately, the challenges we are facing are significant.
We are actively seeking to hire additional personnel to provide greater service. Please also know that we are experiencing supply chain interruptions that make getting certain ingredients extremely difficult. The labor shortage and supply chain disruptions in the food-service industry are well publicized, beyond the university’s control, and being experienced by many businesses and institutions.
Medford Campus
As we try to resolve these issues, we ask for your help as well. Please try to be flexible on selecting what times you come for meals. You can pre-order for pick up from Hodgdon, Pax et Lox, and Kindlevan Cafe. And starting October 13, Dewick2GO will open enabling you to pre-order on the Mobile App. If you don’t have the App, download it now.
As our COVID response evolves, this year’s service style has required an adjustment from students as well as staff. Fresh at Carmichael and Dewick are using multiple service points in their serving areas this year, and there’s lots to choose from––so feel free to walk around to any platform after you swipe in. If you are tired of being in that straight line, know that these facilities were designed for you to wander. Last year it was important to stay in that straight, socially distanced line. Now you are free to check it all out without waiting in a specific line.
Carmichael almost always has greater capacity than Dewick, so make that your destination for a change or to enjoy their themed pop-ups. It is also wise to arrive at any dining center at least 30 minutes before closing time so that you will have as many options available to you as possible.
We have extended hours of operation at Dewick by one hour on Friday and Saturday nights, and as of October 8, Carmichael will extend their hours of operation by one hour on Friday and Saturday nights, staying open until 9 p.m. We will be sending Push Notifications and Inbox Messaging on the Mobile App to inform you of current hours of operation and alternatives to avoid or reduce wait times.
SMFA Cafe
The SMFA Meal Plan A’s design recognizes that students who live on Beacon Street are some distance from the SMFA Cafe, so it includes the option to use Rhino Bucks at area restaurants. The SMFA Cafe itself offers a more limited range of options than our other dining centers on the Medford campus due to its size. Dining Services strives for food service excellence, but the cafe’s physical space and the relatively small number of students served limits what can be provided. Vegetarian options are offered at every meal period in the cafe, including items that are customizable such as sandwiches and salads. As more staff are available Dining Services will be adding more hot vegetarian choices at dinner. As of October 12, the cafe’s hours of operation will be extended by an extra 90 minutes until 7:30 p.m.
We apologize for the inconvenience but ask for your understanding as we navigate together the ongoing impact of this global pandemic. When you frequent the dining centers, please be patient. We and our hardworking dining staff are doing everything in our power to improve the situation.
With best wishes,
Camille Lizarríbar, JD, PhD
Dean of Student Affairs and Chief Student Affairs Officer for AS&E
Patti Klos
Director of Tufts Dining
Laura DaRos, MS
Associate Dean of Student Affairs for SMFA
