The best way to evaluate how students feel about campus eateries may not be through Today@AU, but rather by setting up computers in TDR, the Joint Committee on Dining Services discussed Nov. 3.
The survey examines all dining venues on campus such as the Terrace Dining Room, the Tavern, The Eagle's Nest, Einstein Bros.' Bagels, Jamba Juice, Chik-Fil-A and Salsa.
"The survey is 110 questions," said Carlos Ramirez, chairman of the General Assembly's Committee on Student Life. "The amount of questions that students answer depends on how they answer the survey. They might not have to answer all 110 questions."
Despite the amount of questions in the survey, Ramirez and the Joint Committee on Dining Services expect approximately seven hundred people to respond. The survey is designed for both students and faculty.
"We plan to publicize the survey through posters and flyers around campus as well as Student Confederation e-mails," added Ramirez.
The Joint Committee is considering setting up computers in TDR for students to fill out the survey after eating their meals.
The Joint Committee didn't agree with advertising the survey through the Today@AU e-mails.
"People don't read Today@AU," Ramirez said. "Students just simply delete them when they see it in their mailboxes. I believe that [Resident Assistants] should have a big part in encouraging students to take the survey."
Bon Appetit, which plans to help finance the survey, doesn't support the use of Today@AU, either. "It doesn't give a lot of statistical accuracy," said Jack Cahill, general manager of Bon Appetit for AU.
Students also shared their thoughts on Today@AU and the survey.
"No one reads AU e-mails, unless they're about something extremely important," said sophomore J.D. Terry. "No student has enough time to read or fill out things such as a 110-question survey."
Freshman Lili Leifert agreed that e-mail is not the best way to get the survey out.
"One hundred ten is fine if they're yes or no questions," Leifert said. "I do read Today@AU occasionally, only if I see something that catches my eye."
Ramirez is still hopeful that the survey will be completed.
"I think it is a good idea," Ramirez said. "The survey is necessary to determine how students feel about their dining services."
The Joint Committee comprises members of the General Assembly's Committee on Student Life and the University Administrative Review Committee, according to the Committee's report.
For more information on the Joint Committee on Dining Services or the Committee on Student Life, visit the Student Confederation Web site at Studentconfederation.org.
