MORGANTOWN — WVU Dean of Students Corey Farris spelled out some of the reasoning behind and expected benefits of the university’s recent decision to outsource its dining services.
The Board of Governors on May 25 approved the selection of Sodexo — which operates concessions at the sports facilities — to take over dining services operations.
Farris said the decision was a response to several needs, including keeping up with evolving student needs and tastes in foods and modernizing facilities.
Students tastes have changed, he said. They want fresh food prepared in front of them. They’re concerned about sustainability and want locally sourced food. Sodexo has arranged to obtain food for local farms.
Regarding facilities, he said, contracting with an outside party will enable modernization to move ahead with outside capital and no direct WVU expense. Sodexo’s investment will allow modernization to move more quickly: one to two years instead of five if WVU had to gradually raise the money.
Sodexo will handle operations at the Mountainlair food court, the residence halls, executive catering at the president’s residence and other function, meal options and plans, and operations at WVU Tech and Jackson’s Mill.
Not everyone is happy with the change. Bryan Jarrell, former public relations manager with WVU dining services, contacted The Dominion Post to air his concerns.
He said he left when he learned the outsourcing was planned and took a job in Ligonier, Pa. He fears that those who take up employment with Sodexo will see their hours cut and receive a lesser package of benefits. His work week was 37.5 hours; Sodexo counts full time as more than 30 hours.
Under WVU, he said, employees are guaranteed to work at a single site. Under Sodexo, some may be moved around or even transferred to other campuses.
WVU explains that under the agreement with Sodexo, dining services employees with three or more years of on staff will be able to choose to remain WVU employees or transfer to Sodexo.
Those with less than three years will be offered jobs with Sodexo but may not remain WVU employees. Sodexo will honor current WVU pay rates.
Farris said that employees won’t need to fear demotions. In fact, Sodexo’s expanded service will require more people and more people in responsible positions. An executive chef won’t be filling ice machines because Sodexo has too many chefs.
The Sodexo contract is a multi-year contract. Farris said the exact number hasn’t been pinned down, but they envision at least 10 years.
“I think its going to be exciting over the next year or so,” he said, as Sodexo comes in and renovates. There will be ongoing conversations and adjustments as WVU and Sodexo get feedback from students, staff and faculty. “We’re going to see some great things” happening that WVU is not able to do because of its size and scale of operation.”
