Updated meal plan options

SJU Dining Services made adjustments to their block plans in an attempt to enhance the value that students get out of their meal plan. Tim McGuriman, associate vice president of Administrative Services, said after they came up with new ideas for potential meal plans, they asked the University Student Senate for their input.

“Before we put those into effect we ran them by the student government,” McGuriman said. “We really do want to reach out and get student support for those changes.”

The new plan includes more “round numbers” on meals, and a new meal plan exchange program that allows students to use 15 of their meal swipes in Campion Food Court at Hawk Wrap, Grille Works or the York Street Market stations.

New Campion Dining Hall head chef

Over the summer, SJU Dining Services hired new head chef Donald Stauffer after a vetting process that included two culinary tests in front of Aramark and St. Joe’s executives. Stauffer was given a box of mystery items and told to cook whatever he wanted according to Mark Giardini, general manager of dining.

“He performed really well,” Giardini said. “Overall, in addition to his culinary skills, his leadership skills and personality played a lot into our final decision.”

Hired over the summer, Stauffer had the opportunity to hire his own sous chef for the kitchen, as well as plan different menu options before the students arrived.

Student falls off McShain Bridge

A student fell from the McShain Bridge the evening of Saturday, Sept. 21.

“[The student] accidentally fell from a ledge along the McShain Bridge after climbing a fence to an unauthorized area,” Cary Anderson, Ed.D., vice president for Student Life, said in an email to The Hawk.

Officers from both the Lower Merion Police Department and the Office of Public Safety and Security responded to the incident. Both declined to comment.

As of Sept. 22, the student is currently in treatment at a local hospital, according to Anderson.