OBSERVER Photo by Mary Heyl Darin Schultz, FSA executive director, recently presented the college council with proposed renovations to the campus dining facility in the basement of the Williams Center.

Darin Schultz, executive director of the Faculty Student Association (FSA), provided the college council with an update on planned renovations to multiple dining facilities on campus at a recent meeting. Anticipated changes include upgrades to the Centre Point dining facility and an interesting change to the popular El Diablo Azul.

Schultz shared a summary of FSA dining operations, which includes an annual operations budget of $16.4 million and contributes $1.2 million to the campus. He was pleased to report that the FSA has been able to have the meal plan at the same price for the past three years and that it is one of the most flexible and affordable meal plans in the SUNY system.

The FSA is a significant source of employment on campus, as there are 35 managers, 39 full-time union employees, 98 part-time union employees and approximately 300 student workers.

The FSA owns and self-operates three franchises including Starbucks, Tim Hortons and the campus bookstore and convenience stores. Campus cafes include the 100 percent plant-based Sprout Cafe (former Fenton Cafe), Tea Rex, FREDExpress and cafes in Mason and McEwan Halls. Council member Cynthia Ahlstrom inquired as to whether or not the FSA’s expenses are in line with their revenue. “Yes, we have a balanced budget…we are operating in the black,” Schultz stated confidently.

“I want to talk to you about Centre Point food court,” he said to the council. “It’s in dire need of a renovation, even though it’s only 11 years old…it was dated almost the day it opened with the colors and the set up…We want to be able to create a warm and inviting retreat for students, rather than the bright vibrant orange and bright greens and yellows.” Schultz added, “On the food side, we want to integrate kiosk-ordering technology to improve the production efficiency and customer experience. Right now, we have upwards of 100 customers every 15 minutes, so by having the kiosk, the customer can order and get through the line quicker.”

Proposed changes to the basement of the Williams Center include larger TVs for campus sports viewing, more private dining areas with different styles of tables, wood trim and warmer colors and some soft seating to create a welcoming space. Council members responded enthusiastically and Schultz advised that the timeline on the remodel begins soon. “We will start the week before graduation this coming May 2019. We will be done and ready to open by fall in August 2019,” he stated.

“Do you do student surveys? Find out what they like?” Chariman Frank Pagano asked Schultz. “You know why I’m asking that? I see students on campus and I ask them about everything. I ask them what’s their biggest complaint on campus. It always comes down to the food — not enough variety or the same thing over and over again. To students, I think food is probably the most essential thing that they can get on campus. I was wondering how you address that.”

Schultz went on to explain that in recent years, the FSA has responded to requests for more vegan and vegetarian options. He also broke the news that the popular El Diablo Azul will soon undergo changes. “We’re going to be most likely changing that to a rotating unit. In other words, rather than it being Mexican/burrito concept all year ’round, every week we’re going to change,” Schultz explained. The FSA has three rotating options planned: “El Diablo as it is today, then a street-meat Halal type concept and then the third week being Italian.” Multiple council members murmered their approval. “It’s going to be a lot of work, but I know we can do that. That would address the variety issue,” Schultz stated. He plans for the change to be implemented at the start of the spring 2019 semester.