Staff shortages within Dartmouth Dining Services and a large on-campus population this fall are making for long waits at peak mealtimes -- and some frustrated students.
A few minutes after classes scheduled in the 12-hour time slot let out, lines stretch out the door at the Courtyard Caf in the Hopkins Center, while students bump elbows in lines at Collis Caf.
Julia Treseder '07 was among dozens of students Wednesday who hurried over to Collis straight after their 12-hour classes. But even after the trek, she said she and her friends decided to chat for a few minutes before getting food, in hopes that the lines would clear out.
Some upperclassmen placed some of the blame on freshmen for mulling over what and where to eat. But this year's wait times are worse than ever, partly because of a staff shortage in Dining Services, said Dining Services director Tucker Rossiter.
"This seems to be an extremely tough starting year," Rossiter said. "A few more people [are] out than the norm."
Students said a 10 to 15 minute wait in Collis lunch lines is not uncommon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Rossiter said the eatery adds extra staff members at lunchtime to reduce the wait time, but the tiny midday hotspot remains crowded nonetheless.
"There will always be lines at certain times -- it's unavoidable," Rossiter said.
However, students complain that it is difficult to get the foods they want, even at times other than the peak lunch hour.
"In the morning, I'd like to get eggs, but I get oatmeal because the line for the grill is too long," said Andrea Palmer '08.
Others have started eating at unconventional times to avoid the rush.
Still, Adam Goldfarb '08 said, "If you want the food badly enough, you can get it."
Jen Ross '08 was similarly unfazed by the lines. "I don't care about the crowds; I go no matter what time," she said.
Despite the staff shortage, Rossiter expressed confidence that the vacancies will be filled by next week.
Regardless, with DDS serving about 13,000 meals each day, it is likely that some dining halls will always be crowded at mealtimes.
"We think we serve good quality food," said Rossiter. "We take it as a compliment that students like to eat at Dartmouth."
