HUDS Survey, A Work in Progress

This morning, first-years are firing up waffle irons in Annenburg Hall.

Before this fall, waffle making on Wednesdays and Sundays was restricted to the upper-class Houses. But after Harvard University Dining Services (HUDS) asked students last spring what they thought of their dining halls, the privilege has spread to all.

Through Sunday, HUDS is offering the latest in its student satisfaction and preference surveys, this time a preference poll focusing on which entrees students like to see when they head to the dining hall.

The surveys, which started five years ago, went on-line last year and now includes more open-ended questions where students can air gripes and lavish praise.

Last year’s two dining surveys brought an unprecedented amount of feedback, says HUDS spokesperson Alexandra McNitt.

Last fall 1,666 students responded to a survey specifically geared toward diet preferences, including vegan and vegetarian options. This year, McNitt said, dozens of vegetarian and vegan recipes have been added to the menu cycle.

Last spring’s satisfaction survey had 1,010 responses, and based on what those students said, HUDS has made the deli bar and chef’s choice meals weekly options, rather than monthly ones.

The survey also inspired a number of changes targeted at specific complaints. Some students, for example, said they regularly missed the special salad bar on Wednesdays. So now the weekly special is offered on a different day each week.

Many students praised the dining hall staff on the surveys, although some say they are still waiting for improvement on the meals.

“They’re moving in the right direction,” said Krzysztof P. Wozniak ’05, “but very slowly.”

Wozniak and several other students said HUDS is doing a good job of being responsive to students. But they cited ongoing complaints, including sub-par fare on Fridays and lunch foods reappearing at dinner.

When students return from Thanksgiving break, results from the current surveys will be posted in dining halls.