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:
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- Hissho Sushi will open on October 18 from 10:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. This is a cash only operation.
- 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.
- 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.
- An additional station has been added at Holmes to help alleviate long lines
- UNC has purchased a limited supply of 3.1 cu. ft. mini-fridge units. You can rent these units for free by clicking here.
- 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