One way Aramark Collegiate Hospitality continues to strengthen campus dining options and operations is by eliciting feedback from all consumers, specifically from students.
As one example, DiningStyles surveys are conducted during the academic year at more than 250 colleges and universities where Aramark operates.
To take that one step further, in 2022 Aramark Collegiate Hospitality formed the first Council of Student Advisors to have more in-depth conversations with and gain valuable insights from college students.
From approximately 200 applicants, 12 students from different universities across the U.S. were invited to participate on the Council of Student Advisors for the 2022-2023 school year.
Gaining Insights, Enhancing Experiences
The Council met virtually with Aramark leadership once a month from August 2022 through April 2023 with each meeting focused on a particular topic, such as activities to orient and engage first-year students, reaching commuters, digital communications, care packages, menu development, health and wellness, and sustainability.
For their time and insights, students receive professional development opportunities and access to a complimentary meal plan at their university. Council members can serve up to two academic year terms.
Building a stronger, ongoing relationship with students has already resulted in new and updated features to help Aramark Collegiate Hospitality deliver a more memorable dining experience.
For example, the Council influenced Aramark Collegiate Hospitality’s decision to add a virtual assistant to help students navigate Aramark’s campus dining websites which allow students to review their campus dining hall menus, find nutrition information, provide feedback, and more on their smartphones or at kiosks on campus. The Council even helped choose the virtual assistant’s name (Sam) and fun personality.
As a direct result of engaging with Council members on student care packages, Aramark Collegiate Hospitality made changes to its popular Munch Mail gift ordering and delivery system, including new options such as a build-your-own package feature and enhancing the site navigation and search.
Council Summit May 16-17
Seven of this year’s members attended an in-person Council of Student Advisors Summit May 16th and 17th at Aramark’s headquarters in Philadelphia.
Summit activities included a Council presentation to Aramark Collegiate Hospitality leadership on enhancing communication and building brand loyalty, a menu tasting and kitchen tour with the Aramark culinary team, a session with Aramark Talent Acquisition experts on professional development and career opportunities, and a trolley tour of Philadelphia.
Council members also participated in a community service activity providing interview kits to students living with autism from the School District of Philadelphia that are part of Project Career Launch, a school-to-work program run by Transition Pathways at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute. The service activity was performed in partnership with Aramark’s employee resource group, THRIVE.
All student travel, hotel, and food expenses for the Summit were covered.
Students interested in participating in the 2023-2024 Council will be invited to apply starting in June 2023.
