Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Will technology Help Slim Cafeteria Linves--by Robyn Bird 3/8/2011

by Robyn Bird
   
     Getting hungry during class is one of the most common distractions students face and can produce some very counterproductive results. Hungry students feel rushed with only 15 minutes between classes, making the local watering hole a dizzy mess at class changes and leaving some students with their stomachs still grumbling.
    The local cafe provides a large variety of delicious foods for students to choose from to fill those rumbling bellies, but some students have complaints about the bustle causing them to choose food or to be late for class.
    So, what is the source of this traffic jam? As if the sudden surge of students weren‘t enough, the cafeteria suffers from slow Internet connections with their credit card machine, which is also shared by the sub shop. Many students choose the convenience of a credit/debit card, but the extra seconds it takes to dial-up can really add up. The cafe opens up a second register at times of need, but students can also help improve speed of checkout by bringing cash and change instead of credit/debit cards and having money ready at the checkout. Students could also consider bringing a snack to help that growling stomach make it until a break in classes to help avoid creating the long lines
    According to Jeff Matics, Chef Director, advancements are being made to improve the cafe services. New technology intended to improve the efficiency of the workers by helping to improve ordering speed and accuracy should also help improve line times.  New touch screens will be used for workers to take orders from students.
    When the cafe is not being bum-rushed during class changes, it maintains fresh and convenient food for students and faculty, as well as a meeting place for groups. Lately the cafe has held a 50-cent barrel with Lipton Tea and Mello Yellow to keep students hydrated.
                According to the Seattle Times, caffeine, found in Coffee and snacks, helps students to focus on their instructors and maintain grades with a ‘memory jolt’ while resisting the urge to sleep during class. Students such as Pete Orn recognize the “struggle with closing eyelids and losing focus” in the middle of dissertation after a long night of studying, so students should always try to stay hydrated and comfortable.


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