Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQs - Dining

Last updated: 04/7/21 9:48 a.m.

To learn more about the steps EMDH is taking to ensure students still have safe, convenient access to quality food on campus, please watch review Dining's PDF reference guide.

SAFETY

What extra steps are being taken by EMDH staff to ensure the safety of guests?
The safety, health, and well-being of our employees and guests remains our top priority. EMDH is working closely with University leadership and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) to exceed guidelines set by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), IL Department of Public Health (IDPH), and IL Board of Higher Education (IBHE).

Each day, EMDH practices the highest standards for safety and sanitation, including:

• Requiring all guests and employees to wear face coverings at all times, unless an individual is eating a meal in a designated dining area
• Ensuring physical distancing guidelines are followed with floor markers six feet apart, plexiglass barriers, and contactless systems like self-swipe card readers
• Substantially reducing self-service and using disposable containers whether guests select carry-out or choose to dine in designated dining areas for both food and beverages (24 oz cups)
• Enhancing cleaning practices to include the sanitation of all tables and chairs after each use, as well as more frequent sanitation of restrooms and other high contact areas

All staff involved in food production and service are required to:

• Wear face coverings and gloves at all times
• Attend COVID-19 related training sessions
• Participate in daily temperature and symptom screenings
• Continue to focus on frequent handwashing and changing of serving utensils during service times

The following changes to seating have been made:

• Seating in all dining centers and retail dining venues has been reduced and positioned in accordance with physical distancing requirements, following the restaurant guidelines set by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), IL Department of Public Health (IDPH), and IL Board of Higher Education (IBHE).
• Designated dining areas have been created with appropriate seating capacities in each area. Tables in designated dining areas are set up a minimum of six feet apart, ranging in group size from one to four people only.
• Each table in designated dining areas will include a card system to identify tables safe to use (green) and tables that need to be cleaned (red).
  • Cards will be sanitized after each use.
  • Patrons must wait for a table to be marked with a green status before sitting down to dine.
• Additional exterior seating will be available outside of the dining centers and the Bone Student Center.
  
  

GENERAL QUESTIONS

What hours will the dining centers be open this spring?

• Marketplace at Linkins
  
  • Monday – Thursday: 6 AM – 10 PM
  • Friday: 6 AM – 8 PM
  • Saturday: 9 AM – 8 PM
  • Sunday: 9 AM – 10 PM
• Watterson Dining Commons
  
  • Monday – Thursday: 7 AM – 10 PM
  • Friday: 7 AM – 8 PM
  • Saturday: 9 AM – 8 PM
  • Sunday: 9 AM – 10 PM

Can faculty/staff, university visitors, and guests dine at the dining centers and satellite location?

At this time, only meal plan holders will be allowed to access to the dining centers. Faculty/staff, university visitors, and guests of meal plan holders will not be able to dine at these three locations but will be welcome to do so at the retail dining venues on campus.

MEAL PLANS

Can I cancel my meal plan if my Housing contract has been cancelled?

Students that were living in the Residence Halls can cancel their meal plan once they have moved out of their room.

Students that were living in Cardinal Court or Fell/School Street can cancel their meal plan if they have not used any portion of their meal plan (meals or flex dollars).

How do I cancel my meal plan?

You will cancel your meal plan for the 2020-2021 Academic Year by selecting the "2020-2021 Meal Plan Contract Cancellation Request" option from the drop down menu of the Appointment and Forms module in the Housing & Dining Portal.

The process requires you to download the 2020-2021 Meal Plan Contract Cancellation form, complete the form, and upload the completed form to the Housing & Dining Portal.  You can also return the form by mail, fax to (309) 438-8521, or email to MealPlans@illinoisState.edu.

What reason do I check if I am cancelling my meal plan?

If you are unsure which reason you should check, please choose the one you think fits your situation best.  Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality will be able to verify if you are eligible to cancel under any of the above criteria.  If you do not receive a cancellation confirmation email within 10 business days, please email MealPlans@illinoisState.edu for a status update.

Nutrition/Dietary Concerns

What if I don't think there are enough dining options that fit my diet?
We strongly encourage you to contact our registered dietitian, Desiray Yeaw, at dyeaw@ilstu.edu to ensure your specific questions are answered, your concerns are addressed, and you are well informed of all the menu options available to fit your needs and preferences. Our registered dietitian offers individual consultations for students with food allergies, restricted diets, and other nutritional needs, including weekly meal planning guidance and menu adaptation.

EMDH Student Employment

Is EMDH still hiring student employees?
Yes, EMDH is continuing to hire student positions for the spring semester. Each EMDH student employee plays a critical role in creating safe, memorable experiences for students, guests, and the entire Redbird community, working with dedicated staff members of the full-time team.

The health, safety, and well-being of our employees and guests remains our top priority. Like full-time staff, all student employees involved in food production and service will be required to:

• Wear face coverings and gloves at all times
• Attend extensive safety training sessions
• Participate in daily temperature and symptom screenings
• Continue to focus on frequent handwashing and changing of serving utensils during service times.

What are the benefits of working for EMDH?
As the largest employer on campus, EMDH offers a wide range of positions with competitive wages, flexible schedules, and a variety of leadership opportunities. To learn more about EMDH's mission and core values, please visit the EMDH website. To learn more about the hiring process, please visit the EMDH employment website.

Food Insecurity

What resources are available for students facing challenges related to food insecurity and hardship?
Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality (EMDH) is committed to providing care for the Redbird community. If an Illinois State University student is dealing with challenges related to food insecurity and hardship, they should contact EMDH@IllinoisState.edu for more information and guidance on the available resources.