By Rob Gauler
*Kelsey Welke contributed to this article
Commons or “UC” Breakfast began in Fall 2006 as a way to offset the costs of adding a “late-night” meal option of on-campus diners.
“Students said they wanted to be able to have a ‘late-night’ option on campus,” University Center Director Bob Barry said. “To offset our costs in adding that option, we closed breakfast service at Drumlin and Esker Halls and opened a single breakfast service in the UC.”
Esker Hall began serving breakfast again in fall 2010.
Barry said the popularity of Commons Breakfast can be attributed to its warm atmosphere. He said it is always highly ranked on student surveys compared to other dining options.
“The same menu is offered at Esker Hall,” Barry said. “Esker Hall can seem not as welcoming because of its size. Having 20 students in Esker Hall will feel very different then having 20 students in Ike Schaffer Commons.”
Part of what makes up the warm atmosphere is the employees, Barry said.
Cashier Arlene Gunnick said her favorite part of her job is interacting with students. Commons Breakfast Service Operator Tina Noll said she agrees.
“Students love the breakfast,” Noll said. “We get a crowd of regulars who come most days during the week. I enjoy getting to know all of the students who come through.”
Freshman Cieria Childress said she feels the warm atmosphere of Commons Breakfast.
I like the setting,” Childress said. “I feel comfortable here and I like the environment.”
In addition to the inviting atmosphere, junior Ryan Kolter said he believes its location on campus also helps its popularity.
“It is very centrally located [on campus] so getting to it in the morning is easy,” Kolter said. “I usually run into someone I know here.”
Commons Breakfast is served 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Monday through Friday in the Ike Shaffer Commons located inside the University Center. Barry said the breakfast runs as late as it can to allow proper time to turnover for the lunch service.
Gunnick said she recommends students who have not had Commons Breakfast to give it a try.
Meals can be purchased with a meal transfer, dining dollars, purple points or cash.
