The limited dining choices of Summer term are a common source of complaint among Dartmouth students, but thanks to the collaborative efforts of Student Assembly and Dartmouth Dining Services, last week saw the beginning of a small but significant expansion in weekend on-campus food options.
At Tuesday's Assembly meeting, Student Body President and Summer Chair Janos Marton '04 announced a pair of changes agreed upon in a discussion last week with DDS Assistant Director David Newlove and Director Tucker Rossiter.
Over the weekend, DDS implemented the opening of Food Court between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. -- a time in which students could previously only patron the Hopkins Center's Courtyard Caf.
Additionally, on Saturdays and Sundays DDS will offer bagels, donuts, coffee and orange juice from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m at the Collis Center's lounge.
"DDS basically took it into their own hands," Marton said of the service, which was once provided by Collis itself. Marton described Rossiter and Newlove as "very excited about all the changes happening."
DDS will also preview its much-anticipated delivery service for two weeks in mid-August between the hours of 6 p.m. and 1 a.m., according to Student Services Chair Diana Thai '04.
During this trial run, the service will include only cold-cut sandwiches, with the possibility of more meal and snack options to follow, Thai said, "depending on how it goes."
In another possible change for the coming year, Novack Caf may move to all-night hours Monday through Friday.
The continuing problem of low student employment levels at DDS, however, may curtail plans.
"You can't have it both ways," Marton said of the competing demands of students for more service and lack of interest in working the necessary jobs and shifts.
Ongoing discussion over the new door locking system also occupied the Assembly's attention.
In an open meeting with students and a representative from Safety and Security last Friday, members culled ideas for potential improvements.
Summer Vice Chair Steve Zyck '04 will ultimately submit a proposal of such changes to Dartmouth administrators.
Among the difficulties brought up at Friday's meeting, Zyck noted that Dartmouth students living on-campus and around Hanover but not currently enrolled in classes felt unhappy about their inability to visit friends with ease.
Additionally, graduate students and other community members visiting affinity houses felt excluded by the new entry system.
One reform that Zyck said the Assembly will "probably be advocating for" was the activation of the system only during evening and night hours.
Such a change would lessen inconveniences for visitors and students inclined to forget their cards, but Zyck noted that Dean of Residential Life Martin Redman had expressed concerns over daytime crime in meetings.
Temporary visitor entry cards are currently available, but Zyck said that an insufficient number of students know of their existence, much less how to obtain them.
Tuesday's agenda also included brief discussion of a pair of potential Fall term changes to Dartmouth's alcohol policy.
Under the current system, which Marton described as "frustrating" Greek houses wishing to register a party must coordinate with staff at the Office of Residential Life, who then proceed to notify Safety and Security.
Proposed changes would allow students to work directly with Safety and Security.
Students working on the reforms are also seeking to increase the flexibility of the "good samaritan" policy. Marton expressed optimism for the odds of these proposals.
Members also debated potential co-sponsorship of a Psi Upsilon barbecue to be held for the teenagers and student mentors involved in the Summer Enrichment at Dartmouth program, as well as an Organic Farm event in early August.
