Navigating the Higgins Dining Dilemma: Addressing the Lengthy Wait Times
As the academic year progresses, Clark University students have found themselves facing a new challenge when it comes to accessing their campus dining options. The introduction of The Table at Higgins has led to a noticeable increase in wait times, leaving many students frustrated and seeking alternative solutions to satisfy their hunger.
Streamlining the Dining Experience: A Call for Efficiency
The Higgins Hustle: Navigating the Lengthy Lines
The wait times at Higgins have become a source of frustration for many Clark students. What was once a quick tap-in has now evolved into a 20-minute wait, with an awkward moment at the front of the line as the system loads. This inconvenience has created a sense of anxiety among the student body, leading many to seek alternative dining options, such as The Bistro, to avoid the lengthy queues.Connor Dunham, a Clark Sophomore, notes that the Higgins experience is comparable to last year, where the food quality started strong but declined as the year progressed. He has personally experienced wait times of around 15 minutes, and believes that the wait time at The Bistro is equally as long as the wait for Higgins.Sophomore Hazel Crossman echoes these sentiments, stating that the wait time at Higgins has a significant impact on her decision to dine there. She often chooses to wait and eat at a less convenient time or opts for The Bistro instead. Hazel has experienced wait times of up to 10 minutes, and if the line hasn't moved by that point, she'll leave and come back later. This, she says, affects her study time, as she has to "stop studying to go eat."The lengthy lines have been particularly problematic for Hazel on Mondays, when she only has 30 minutes between the end of her class and the start of her work shift at the Goddard Library. She has yet to successfully get into Higgins during this window, as the line often stretches outside the University Center door and into the green.
The Bistro: A Convenient Alternative
The long lines at Higgins have repeatedly forced Hazel to order from The Bistro, which has subsequently made her late to work or forced her to leave in the middle of her shift to pick up her food. While she recognizes the efforts of the Higgins staff to check people in as quickly as possible, the wait time has become a significant inconvenience.A Clark senior interviewed for this article has faced similar challenges, with the long lines at The Table at Higgins forcing her to seek other options, such as ordering ahead at The Bistro. She notes that the wait times have created a lot of stress in planning her meal times, especially between classes. When asked if the long lines have deterred her from getting food at Higgins, she simply states, "For sure. Not worth it."
The Higgins Dilemma: Balancing Quality and Efficiency
While many students acknowledge the improvement in food quality since last year, the lengthy wait times have become a significant deterrent. The constant pressure on students' schedules has led to a growing frustration with the current system in place at Higgins.The issues with the system should be addressed by the Clark University administration, as students pay good money to have uninhibited access to food on campus. It has been over six weeks since the current procedure was implemented, and there have been no noticeable improvements or attempts for improvements disclosed to the student body.
A Call for Change: Prioritizing the Student Experience
Clark students deserve a dining experience that is both efficient and accessible. The lengthy wait times at Higgins have become a significant source of stress and inconvenience, forcing many to seek alternative options or adjust their schedules to accommodate the delays.The university must prioritize addressing the issues with the system at Higgins, ensuring that students have timely access to the food they need to fuel their academic and extracurricular pursuits. By working to streamline the dining experience and reduce wait times, Clark can demonstrate its commitment to the well-being and satisfaction of its student community.As the semester progresses, students eagerly await to see if any changes will be made to improve the Higgins dining experience. The university's response to this challenge will be a testament to its dedication to fostering a supportive and accessible campus environment for all.
