A Conclusion of Our Findings

After conducting surveys and interviews, we have come to the following conclusion. It seems as though the majority of upperclassmen, or atleast upperclassmen that do not regularly eat at the dining halls, are very impressed by the new Center for Community. However, as was evident from the responses we received from freshmen, all new things lose their luster after awhile. Upperclassmen felt pangs of jealousy as freshmen got to use the new building. The reason that the C4C seems so popular is that the building is new and many upperclassmen thought it had the most variety and the best tasting food. While it is true that the C4C has many options, due to the fact that students can choose food from different stations, the menus at the other dining halls change every night. Freshmen found that the C4C did not have variety because of this reason. Also, freshmen preferred the convenience of eating at dining halls that are closer to their dorms once the excitement died down. For example, many freshmen surveyed in Sewall preferred to eat there because it was so close for them. Many students also found that the amount of money spent to build the C4C was outrageous and could have been used in other ways to improve the campus.

However, it is also important to recognize opinions besides the students. Gerry Prete, a cook at the C4C, thought the dining hall was a positive addition to the campus because the stations allowed for more interaction amongst students and workers. Freshmen should also consider the fact that a lack of variety may also correspond to the fact that the dining hall is new. As workers get more comfortable with how the new dining hall will run, menus will change just like they do at the other dining halls.

Further, as our background research shows, the C4C is home to more than just a dining hall. Many student groups on campus have offices in the building. While there are mixed feelings on the building, the combination of foods inspired from different parts of the world and as a center for student services does seem to make it in theory a "center for community." It does get the seal of approval for ambience, amount of choices, and predictability. It does lack diversity at each station, an overall feeling of being a cost effective choice for CU, and upperclassmen feelings on being leftout from the excitement. It seems it isn't everybody's cup of tea. Try it out for yourself, and see if you think the C4C is really all that.