When faculty and students return to campus in the next few days, they will surely notice the many changes made to the Stetson campus over the summer. In order to accommodate the largest incoming class ever in Stetson’s history, the former University Inn has been transformed into University Hall and will be home to 116 Stetson students.

Similarly, the Carlton Union Building, affectionately known as the CUB, has undergone its own transformation through long hours of planning, construction and remodeling dedicated to enhancing the dining experience for the Stetson community. The detailed descriptions of the significant upgrades are explained below by Stetson’s new Dining Services Management Team:   

The Commons 

• Currently, the Commons, C-Store and the Coffee Shop are scheduled to be fully operational Saturday, Aug. 17, the first day of FOCUS Orientation. The Hat Rack is scheduled to open shortly after. Meal plans and school year pricing will go into effect on Aug. 17. Until then, summer pricing and hours will remain in effect.
• An all-you-care-to-eat style of service will be introduced at the Commons this fall.
• Using HatterBucks, cash or credit, pay the reduced faculty and staff rate of $5 at the door and you will then be able to enjoy any cuisine you select. Guest prices will be $7.25 for breakfast, $8.25 for lunch, and $9.25 for dinner.
• A “Missed Meal Menu” will be available from 2-4 p.m., Monday through Friday. During this time, as you enter the Commons, you will be handed a menu. Simply place your order with the Associate at the grill and your order will be made fresh especially for you! The salad bar and deli will be available continuously throughout the day for your convenience.
• We know sustainability is important to the Stetson community and we are excited to do our part to help save the environment by going tray-less and offering Eco Clamshells for you to grab your meal to-go. The containers cost a onetime fee of $6 and will be available at the register as you enter the Commons. Simply swap out your used container for a clean one complete with ecofriendly utensils and a cup; we’ll take care of the washing and sanitizing for you!  If you already own the previous to-go container, you are welcome to swap that one with us for no fee.
• The Faculty Lounge, located on the first floor of the CUB, is being made available for faculty and staff as a quieter space for lunch-time discussions with colleagues. Initially folding tables and chairs will be used until the new replacements arrive in early September. Faculty and staff who purchase a meal during lunch, will be able to re-enter the Commons for additional helpings without having to re-swipe/pay for another meal. Beverage stations (coffee, water and lemonade) will be available in the Faculty Lounge from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The Hat Rack

• 2.mato is a new dining concept for the Stetson community. 2.mato is a fresh, contemporary and youthful twist to the typical pizza joint. Here you will be able to enjoy fresh pizza by the slice, calzones and pasta favorites.
• In January 2014, Au Bon Pain will replace Einstein Brothers Bagels. From our authentic artisan breads and scrumptious pastries to inspired menus filled with savory sandwiches, soups, salads and entrees, no recipe is less than perfect; no request beyond our reach.

The Coffee Shop & C-Store

• The Coffee Shop and Outtakes C-Store have received upgrades as well. Stop in if you need a quick bite to eat or just a good cup of coffee to get you through your next class or meeting. The Coffee Shop features “We Proudly Serve” Starbucks coffee, and an expanded selection of deli sandwiches, salads, parfaits, fruit cups and more to keep you going.

Faculty and Staff ID Cards 

• Faculty and staff are able to continue to purchase HatterBucks on their current ID card.  HatterBucks can be purchased at any time and must be paid for in cash, check, or with Visa, Master Card, American Express or Discover. HatterBucks can be purchased in increments of $50 or more.
• Stetson University has partnered with Fifth Third Bank to issue new ID cards to students called the Hatter 1 Card. This card provides students with access to select residence halls and academic buildings via proximity chip technology, access to the dining services for meal plans and HatterBucks, and an optional prepaid debit MasterCard through Fifth Third Bank. Faculty and staff interested in obtaining a prepaid debit MasterCard with Fifth Third Bank will need to have their ID card replaced.

Free Drinks 

• Given the implementation of the all-you-care-to-eat concept in the Commons, students on the meal plan will have unlimited beverages during the respective meal-times. For faculty and staff, free fountain beverages and coffee are available in the Hat Rack between 7-10 a.m. and 5-6 p.m. with a swipe of your ID card. No HatterBucks will be deducted from your balance. This will begin as soon as the Hat Rack construction is complete.

Thank you for supporting the upcoming changes to dining services. This will enhance the overall experience of the dining program for the entire campus community. We look forward to providing the best quality food and services, as well as the continued, necessary renovations and updates to your dining facilities.

To stay up-to-date with these changes, upcoming events, and exclusive promotions, take a look around our website (dineoncampus.com/Stetson), like us on Facebook (facebook.com/StetsonDining) or follow us on Twitter (@StetsonDining).

We look forward to serving Stetson University and having a successful year together!

–Your Dining Services Management Team

Paul Johnson, Senior Director of Dining Services

Lindsey Bishop, Marketing Director

Don Stanwick, Residential Dining Director

Rebecca Williams, Catering Director

Candra Reid, Associate Controller