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Important Update

from Dr. Tobias Guzmán (10/8/21) regarding the closure of Tobey-Kendel Dining Room:

Dear Students:

We try hard to get it right, but sometimes we make errors. Even with 26 years of professional experience, I still have blind spots. This past Wednesday, we met regarding the closing of Tobey-Kendel (TK). For those of you who were present, thank you for spending as much time as you did. I am writing to say that I've heard your feedback and sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and difficulties this situation has created. I have been moved by your stories and unique situations, and I care about you. I also care about our student staff, full-time and part-time staff working at all of our dining operations. Here is what I have determined are the main concerns you voiced:

  • Lack of student consultation on decisions that affect them
  • Lack of time to travel to the UC or Holmes
  • Student wages need to be adjusted
  • Handshake job announcements are misleading and unclear
  • Lines at Holmes and retail options in the UC are long
  • Lack of understanding regarding the mental health of student staff
  • Better and increased communication on social media and email
  • Student staff are not getting breaks during shifts
  • Mealtimes are not staggered enough
  • Upcharge for gluten-free items and egg whites
  • The perception that UNC is perpetuating 'the haves and have nots' environment

Decisions moving forward:

  1. Beginning October 18, TK will have lunch and dinner Grab and Go Monday-Friday
    • Lunch will be 11 a.m. -1 p.m. (cold options to include salads, sandwiches, gluten-free, and vegan options).
    • Dinner from 6 p.m. -7:30 p.m. (hot entrée with vegan options) Time was determined to help accommodate PVA students’ schedules.
    • Breakfast options: please utilize the weekend pre-order process, the refrigerator in Frasier, or obtain a mini fridge (see below) to store breakfast items.
  2. Expanded hours at Holmes Grab and Go will be from 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Over 20 different items will be available to choose from
  3. To open TK Grab and Go, Klawz Corner will need to close. We like the concept of a pop-up eatery like Klawz Corner, but we need to reassign staff to operate TK Grab and Go.
  4. Hissho Sushi will open on October 18 from 10:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. This is a cash only operation.
  5. Student employees will be offered a free meal during each working shift. This is not temporary but a permanent decision. This is for retail and dining room student staff.
  6. Handshake job postingshave been made more explicit and accurate for student staff positions. In addition, the marketing of these positions will appear on social media, among other locations.
  7. An additional station has been added at Holmes to help alleviate long lines
  8. UNC has purchased a limited supply of 3.1 cu. ft. mini-fridge units. You can rent these units for free by clicking here
  9. Additional kitchen equipment will be purchased in halls with community kitchens.

I have asked Katlyn Lucas, Kendra Smits, and Karissa Terry, members of the Student Senate, to assist me by coordinating a time to meet with students to discuss perceptions of financial, physical, emotional, and mental well-being, as well as travel accommodations on both, West and Central campus. Watch for an advertisement regarding this soon.

As we move forward, I appreciate your grace, and I commit to being responsive to your questions and concerns. I also expect TK to re-open for in person dining as soon as we hire more staff. If you would like to meet to discuss additional issues, don't hesitate to contact my office to schedule a time.

Sincerely,
Dr. Tobias J. Guzmán
Interim Vice President of Student Affairs
& Chief Diversity Officer
Pronouns: He|Him|His