April 1, 2016

Assessment of Wichita State University dining being initiated in April

Wichita State University has retained Envision Strategies LLC, a food service consulting firm based in Colorado, to conduct an assessment of the campus dining program to understand how well it is meeting the needs of the campus community. Envision team members will be on campus Monday-Wednesday, April 4-6, to meet with students, faculty and staff, observe the dining operations, assess the existing dining operations and learn about the culture and unique attributes of Wichita State.

The study will assess the demand and types of dining that are needed, as well as how this might change in the future relative to the Innovation University and other strategic initiatives the campus is implementing.

As part of the assessment, the consulting team will also help the university identify potential operating models that will best meet the objectives, mission and vision of WSU.

Since 2003, food services on campus (residential and retail) have been operated by Sodexo. In July 2017, Sodexo's contract with the university will be up for renewal. Hiring Envision Strategies is a proactive step to meet the ever-changing dining needs on campus.

Following their visit, a web-based quantitative survey will be available so campus community members can give their opinions about the current and future needs of the campus dining program.

An analysis of the market research results, operational data, university's vision for the campus dining program and the consulting team's experience with industry best practices will help guide the assessment, as well as any strategic recommendations.

In collaboration with the university, a preferred operating model will be identified, and the Envision Strategies team will assist WSU in developing a request for proposal (RFP).

Those who want to set up a meeting with an Envision Strategies representative may contact Angela Schultz at 316-978-3487 or angela.schultz@wichita.edu.