Dartmouth Dining Services is the frequent target of attacks in this opinion section. In an effort to improve overall quality, I thought I'd offer some helpful suggestions to you, the customer, from my perspective as a Novack cafe and Topside employee.
I. Slow your roll. Getting perfect service is not your God-given right, so don't act entitled to speedy, flawless service. Recognize that most DDS workers are your peers; they are just as stressed, busy and clumsy as you are. And regardless of whether you think the full-time DDS employees are paid too much, they are still human beings and deserve just as much if not more respect than you hopefully show fellow students. We notice students who sigh heavily and roll their eyes when their cappuccinos don't have the perfect amount of caramel syrup and we will remember you when you come back. An attitude will not improve the quality of your food or the speed with which it's delivered. For the most part, we are trying our best and want you to be satisfied.
II. Pay attention. You are a special, valued customer, but so are the other 14 people waiting in line behind you. When we call for the next customer or try to hand you your Hot Pocket, listen and respond appropriately. If you've made it to Dartmouth, I'm sure you know how a line works, so don't look around awkwardly when you've made it to the front of one. And if your card is buried under seven layers of zippered compartments, start retrieving it in advance.
III. Know what you want. No one's ever accused DDS of being too varied. Ninety percent of the menus at the dining halls never change, so you shouldn't be overwhelmed and flabbergasted when the big moment to order comes. If you're suddenly struck by indecision, ask for a suggestion. Most DDS workers have had everything on the menu twice and we are happy to help.
IV. Turn it off. I understand that your current phone call is super important, you're on your way to a new Brick Breaker score and your current playlist is so good, but you can disconnect from the technological grid for the 48 seconds it takes to order and receive your food. When you turn your head away from your phone and whisper your order, it's difficult to know what you want, it's awkward to interrupt you and you hold up everyone else in line.
V. You don't need a bag at Topside. Believe it or not, you're usually toting a carrying device already your backpack. Unless you're riding a bike, about to hike miles to your dorm or an artist who specializes in green plastic, avoid wasting. A lot of items, such as chips, are already bagged or have a handle designed to facilitate easy carrying. It's not because the person bagging is lazy; it's because requesting a bag for two packs of gum is outrageous and unnecessary. And if you're embarrassed by the tampons or condoms you've purchased, don't be. The bags are see-through anyway.
To be fair, this list of suggestions is not directed to all of campus. And sometimes, the fault lies with the DDS worker, not the customer. I apologize on behalf of the socially inept student who sulkily scans your items without looking up, the overly gregarious worker who chats more than he or she works and the incompetent employee who hasn't bothered to learn the cash register after working for four terms. I know DDS is far from perfect because I've worked with the aforementioned people before. So, if we're off task, please kindly remind us.
But, after two hours of serving coffee, washing dishes and stocking Snickers bars, our shifts end, and we're no longer working for you. We're your peers and your friends, so please act accordingly.
