Washington College Magazine
Say Amen(ities)
Under Barnes & Noble management, the College Bookstore gives trade books and faculty-authored texts new prominence. The store will get a facelift this summer, including new paint and fixtures.
For today's students, lifestyle amenities rank a close second behind academics when it comes to choosing a college. Students are influenced by the quality of facilities available and appreciate name-brand recognition, whether it's the jeans they wear, the food they eat or the stores they frequent. This fact played a large part in the College's recent decision to outsource management of its dining services and bookstore operations to external companies.
This fall, Chartwell's, one of the leading food service providers for colleges and universities took charge of dining services, and the College entered into an agreement with Barnes Noble to operate the bookstore. Although both facilities traditionally have been operated independently, most colleges and universities nationwide—including the majority of schools in the Centennial Conference—use outside vendors.
"The decision to outsource dining services was centered around improvement," reports Bryan Matthews, vice president of administrative services, who served on the committees considering dining and bookstore options. "We want only the best quality for our students, faculty and staff. Of course this means food, but it also extends to the total dining environment."
Greeted by cosmetic alterations in Hodson Hall, returning diners also noticed considerable changes to the menu. With options such as Jamaican jerk beef and grilled chicken with brie and sliced apples, Chartwells' fare focuses on healthy, gourmet-inspired recipes along with favorites such as hamburgers, pizza, salads and sandwiches.
Then bookstore manager Susan Haines announced her resignation last summer, College officials took the opportunity to negotiate a partnership with one of the largest booksellers in the country.
Changes to the bookstore's display and inventory will occur in the upcoming months. All staff of the bookstore, as well as dining services, will maintain their employment status with Washington College.
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