Written by Cassidy Stephenson
Housing sent out an email on January 3rd, 2020 that explained some of Sodexo’s plans for this semester and their upcoming plans for the 2020-2021 school year. This semester, the Crossroads Dining Hall will have continuous dining. This means that Crossroads will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, continuously. The weekend hours will remain the same, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.-7 p.m.
Meal conversions will no longer be available for students, but you will still be able to add Cougar Cash to your account if you are running out at any register or online. Beginning the Fall 2020 semester, students will only be allowed to use meals at the cafeteria, while Cougar Cash will only be allowed at the other dining locations (Lib Cafe, and Cougar Den).
Sodexo will also be adding new meal plans for the 2020-2021 school year. You will be able to select the one you want on the Housing Application. The All-Access Plan is their newest plan. This plan has unlimited meal swipes to Crossroads during their 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. hours.
This plan also comes with $200 in Cougar Cash and 10 Guest passes to swipe people into the cafeteria. Both of these are renewed each semester. The All-Access Plan is $2,101 per semester. The Cougar Meal Plan, now called the Block 225, has been upgraded to 225 meals (from 200) and $300 Cougar Cash (previously $225). The Maroon Plan, now called the Block 125 plan, has been upgraded to 125 meals (from 120) and $400 Cougar Cash (from $275). Block 225 Plan is $1,901 per semester and Block 125 is $1,701 per semester.
Dean Kathy Gebhardt spoke on the future plans for Sodexo such as the plans for renovating the cafeteria, “The renovation will likely begin in early April so it can be finished by August for the new academic year.”
With the renovations of the cafeteria, the entrance will be moved to the south end, a special area for allergy-friendly items, new flooring, different types of seating, and even cubicles for studying. A blueprint of the plan is attached.