During the Spring 2002 semester, Grinnell College students were given the opportunity to contribute to an electronic survey about college dining services. The survey was administered through Blackboard, a college supported web/course tool which offers respondents both anonymity and convenience.

A total of 323 students responded to the survey with nearly 50% of those respondents providing additional short answer comments. Your feedback is appreciated and valued. Thank you!


Total responses :: 323
First Year Student :: 33%
Second Year Student :: 36%
Third Year Student :: 19%
Fourth Year Student :: 12%


I mostly eat at ____ Dining Hall :: Cowles-49%; Quad-38%; Both-13%.

Food Quality :: Wow-0%; Good-18%; Mixed-58%; Needs Help-24%.

Selection :: Wow-5%; Good-28%; Mixed-42%; Needs Help-26%.

Taste/Flavor :: Wow-0%; Good-17%; Mixed-51%; Needs Help-33%.

Eye Appeal :: Wow-2%; Good-24%; Mixed-45%; Needs Help-29%.

Freshness :: Wow-2%; Good-28%; Mixed-43%; Needs Help-26%.

Menu Variety :: Wow-3%; Good-32%; Mixed-38%; Needs Help-27%.

Vegan Offerings :: Wow-6%; Good-25%; Mixed-36%; Needs Help-26%.

Vegetarian Offerings :: Wow-7%; Good-36%; Mixed-34%; Needs Help-17%.

Service :: Wow-23%; Good-54%; Mixed-16%; Needs Help-7%.

Hours of Operation :: Wow-6%; Good-48%; Mixed-24%; Needs Help-22%.

Posted Menus :: Wow-12%; Good-54%; Mixed-20%; Needs Help-12%.

Special Meals :: Wow-12%; Good-35%; Mixed-28%; Needs Help-24%.

Dining Environment :: Wow-10%; Good-61%; Mixed-22%; Needs Help-7%.

Dining Services Staff :: Wow-27%; Good-54%; Mixed-15%; Needs Help-3%.

General Satisfaction :: Wow-1%; Good-35%; Mixed-43%; Needs Help-21%.

Satisfaction with Dining Plans :: Wow-3%; Good-36%; Mixed-26%; Needs Help-34%.

Value of Dining Program :: Wow-1%; Good-24%; Mixed-39%; Needs Help-36%.


What specific kind of nutritional information would meet your needs?
-General nutritional information available for reference. 25%
-Information available about healthy eating and diet. 4%
-Low fat or "heart healthy" items highlighted. 21%
-Calories published on menued items. 12%
-Nutritional profile of top nutrients available on menued items. 8%
-I am not interested in additional nutritional information. 18%
-Other - Provide details in "Other Suggestions" short answer. 9%


Upcoming modifications and additions as a result of student feedback:
Instant Cereals out for breakfast
Alobi Gobi on Taj Mahal Bar and Vegan Source
Apple Butter
Chocolate Chips for waffle bar
Marinated Tofu
Vegan bread available all of the time
French Bread cheese pizza (homemade)
Pudding at the salad bar
Currently reviewing cereal offerings
Nacho cheese and tortilla chips
Vegetarian pan for Eggs to Order
Breads without nut topping/ingredient
Deli bar - turkey on separate tray
Egg rolls
Improved labeling of dishes
Update dining hall entrance menus
Special Dinner Suggestions - Jewish Awareness & Vegan Options
Consistency - hours of service
Add microwaves to both dining halls
Different toaster for Quad
Pull some chairs from Quad
(Additional suggestions and comments are being considered for Fall 2002 implementation.)