When students came back to campus from summer break, they found something was amiss in the Dugout. Renovations had been done to update the look of the dining facility but there was something missing – the Southwest Express counter had been removed.
Southwest Express remained a dining option for students, but it now expanded into the space of Passport which removed a dining option.
“Passport provided a pleasant food option that was always a nice change from Dugout or Saga,” Haden McKenzie 26’ said. “Its removal not only took away some amazing meals, but also limited our quick and convenient food options on campus.”
The removal of Passport has created strain on other dining options, and some students feel that it has inhibited their ability to eat in between classes. “I waited in the entrance line for 24 minutes,” Elijah Dallah 26’ said.
Students with dietary restrictions and tight schedules have been particularly affected by increased wait times at Bertholf Commons, the primary dining hall. “Sometimes I get back from my field observation hours and the gluten free station has nothing left,” Ben Michalowski ‘26 said.
Another concern students have expressed is the updated meal-swipe system. Students are given a set number of meal-swipes. But, depending on the plan, they can only use five to eight of them per week at the faster options. This has made students feel rushed at the primary dining facility.
“I outright don’t go to Saga these days because the lines are insane. It’s just not possible to eat a healthy sitting while waiting 30 minutes before you even get a chance to sit down,” Caden Gowans ‘27 said.
One group of students particularly affected by this issue is music students. They have found it difficult to fit a meal in between classes and rehearsals.
“Personally, I’m frustrated with the limitations of where to use swipes because my rehearsal schedule is not typically conducive to going to Saga,” Owen Lowe ‘26 said.
While students expressed gratitude for having dining options, they remain concerned about further strain on the system.
“Of course we should be thankful for having food, but it’s concerning to consider what would happen if our student population continues to grow like it has in the past few years,” Lacey Hodge ‘26 said.
Students can share their concerns and feedback on the Illinois Wesleyan University Sodexo portal.