Students have enough to keep them busy without them having to be concerned whether it’s safe to eat on campus. Our new Knight Shift initiative is our plan of preparation that will ensure that we serve our Calvin students safely each and every day. Calvin Dining Services cares deeply about serving our campus community while still providing great, quality food, and service. We are committed to providing a safe, warm environment with healthy and delicious dining options. View our most frequently asked questions and our Knight Shift document.
Catering
- Q: Will catering still serve the campus community?
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A: Yes, in conjunction with the state’s social distancing, safe food handling guidelines.
A: All departments must have an account number to utilize catering.
- Q: What has catering done to ensure the safety of clients and staff?
A: We have adjusted our service to accommodate state guidelines.
- Q: What will social distancing look like?
A: Any line for food we ask there to be the standard six feet of distance between guests.
- Q: Will there be indoor seating?
A: At this current time, catering is limited to a maximum of 10 guests per room, including six feet of social distancing. This is subject to change given current executive order and local health code.
- Q: How will on-campus jobs work?
A: Students may apply to open positions on Workday. If hired, students will have the option to work in multiple food service locations.
Dining Halls
- Q: What has dining services done to address student requests for additional hours and variety of meals?
A: As far as meal options, we've brought back several of the Fan Favorites such as grilled cheese, General Tso's, cheeseburgers, and pizza to the regular menu rotation. We are also looking to add more food options when we get more staffing.
A: We reopened the salad bar. This gives the student a healthier option and more choices to choose from.
A: As of Monday, October 12, we have four different menu concepts, two in each dining hall. All four will have options for our campus community with dietary needs.
A: We are planning to open the cafe in the Devos communications building in the coming weeks. Continue to follow our FAQ for more updates.
A: We started our Sack Lunch program that gives our student diners another meal option if they want to skip the lines during lunch and dinner. You can find more information about our sack lunches on Johnny's home page.
- Q: What are some of the policies or procedures the dining halls have in place to ensure the safety of the campus community in the dining halls?
A: Take out containers will be available for all students, faculty and staff.
A: All containers will be handed to each guest individually.
A: Tables will be distanced according to the state's social distancing guidelines.
A: Tables and chairs will be cleaned and sanitized in between each use.
A: All high-touch areas will be cleaned and sanitized at least every 30 minutes.
A: All condiments and napkins will be removed from the table and served by our staff.
- Q: Will the dining halls begin serving campus favorites again?
A: Yes, We have brought back the Fan Favorites which features grilled cheese on Wednesday, General Tso on Thursday and pizza and hamburgers multiple days a week.
- Q: If I live off-campus do I need a new meal plan each semester?
A: Yes, all off-campus students need a new meal plan at the beginning of each semester. Follow the link to our sign up form to get stared.
- Q: Will there be indoor seating?
A: Yes, the will be limited indoor seating, roughly 150 seats per dining hall.
- Q: How will on-campus jobs work?
A: Students can apply for a position within dining services on Workday. Students can work in multiple locations including dining halls, Johnny's, Peet's Coffee, Catering and the Prince Conference Center.
- Q: Can I Bring Guests into the dining halls?
A: First, students will need to review the Calvin Policy and Protocols for Campus Visitors. Students with block plans or using Knight's Bucks will be able to bring guests into the dining halls as long as they are fellow students or Calvin faculty and Staff.
- Q: Will I get enough to eat?
A: The dining halls will be serving the students with a full box of food that they can customize from a variety of entrees and hot sides. They will also get to pick three additional items to take out with them. These include side salads, dessert cups, fruit, cookies, ice cream, and baked goods.
- Q: Can I get multiple meals at the same time?
A: We would ask that diners eat what is provided first, but they can swipe in for more during the meal period. You can swipe into the Uppercrust 11am to 8pm for a cold lunch option or order a sack lunch for pick-up in the morning at Knollcrest using a swipe. Don't forget students have Knights Bucks, which we increased this year, that can be used in Johnny's and in Peet's to help afternoon snacking needs.
- Q: Do I have to use the Eatable App to get into the dining halls?
A: No you do not, but we highly recommend it. The CreativeDining Services Eatable App, which includes menus for all dining locations, meal balance information, and a quicker way to check into the dining hall.
- Q: Will Calvin Dining Services still be able to accommodate special dietary needs, allergens, vegans, and vegetarians?
A: The salad bar is open in Knollcrest Dining Hall on September 15 and the Zone will have special dietary needs options. Also, every meal will have options that are allergen-friendly and animal friendly and all food items will be labeled clearly to help diners find something that meets their needs or restrictions. When in doubt ask one of our amazing staff members for help.
- Q: How can commuters and other people eat in the dining hall?
A: For the Fall 2020 semester, only diners with a meal plan or dining dollars can eat in the dining halls. Commuters should purchase a smaller meal block or add Dining Dollars through the Eatable App to be used in the dining halls.
- Q: Are all students required to have a meal plan?
A: All residents living on campus must have a meal plan. First-year students start with the popular Unlimited Meal Plan. They will have one week from the first day of classes to appeal down to the Gold Meal Plan. You can get additional meal plan information here: Calvin Meal Plans .
- Q: Why is Calvin Dining Services using disposable and why not eco-friendly disposables?
A: We are currently required by the local health department to use disposable which is line with CDC recommendations. We have attempted to source eco-friendly disposables through current suppliers and we are getting what we can. Right now there is a shortage of large to-go containers.
- Q: Will students receive a refund on room and board because they will not be returning to campus after Thanksgiving?
A: We do not anticipate issuing refunds for these days, given the overall increased costs to the institution that we anticipate as we prepare and maintain a safe housing program for the fall 2020 semester. Some of the COVID-related changes we anticipate are in areas such as cleaning, food service, and care for individual students who may become ill during the semester (who may require isolation space, food delivery, etc.). These services increase costs but will be assumed within the constraints of the current budget for room and board. In addition, housing options will remain available for students unable to travel home at Thanksgiving break (additional details about the process to apply/petition for an exception to stay on campus will be shared in the months ahead). https://calvin.edu/offices-services/center-for-student-success/academic-calendar/Academic+Calendar+2020-2021+FAQ.pdf.
- Q: What will the eating experience be like when it gets cold?
A: That depends on the state of Michigan and what phase of we are in as it relates to indoor dining. We hope to have that answer in the coming week.
- Q: What's the point of wearing a masks if we eat without a mask?
A: Wearing a mask in the dining hall at all times besides when you're eating limits everyones exposure to to everyones air particles.
- Q: Will the dining hall have queso on grill cheese Wednesday?
A: It's a strong possibility. We've brought back several fan favorites and are looking to bring back more.
- Q: Will the there ever be a breakfast option before 7:30 a.m.?
A: Yes, soon breakfast will be included in our sack meal program. Continue to follow us on social media and look for our messages in student news.
- Q: Will students receive a refund?
- Q: Are all students required to have a meal plan?
A: Meal Plans »
Johnny’s
- Q: What policies will Johnny’s have in place to ensure the safety of the campus community?
A: Johnny’s and it’s staff will continue to observe physical distancing guidelines, decreasing dining capacity, and changing disposables and packaging to ensure that prepared food remains free from cross-contamination, and plexiglass at check out to provide a barrier for our customers.
A: Johnny's will require all employees to wear masks and gloves during services. Employees will also be required to change gloves out every hour.
- Q: Will there be indoor seating?
A: There will be indoor seating student commuters only, for the foreseeable future.
- Q: How will on campus jobs work?
A: Johnny's will still hire student help. Students are encouraged to apply in Workday.
- Q: When my phone is registered in a different country, how do I change my local iTune and App Store country so that I can download the Eatable APP?
A: Launch Settings from your home screen, tap on iTunes & app store, tap on apple ID, authenticate with password or touch ID, if required, tap on Country/Region, tap on change country or region, choose a new country or region, tap on next, tap on agree to consent to the terms and conditions, enter your payment details, enter your billing information, and tap next.
- Q: Can a swipe per day from the unlimited plan still be used at Johnny's this year?
A: No, Johnny's will not have meal equivalency this year.
- Q: Will Johnny's serve burger and chicken tenders again?
A: Yes, starting Monday October 19, Johnny's will start serving a classic grill menu with burgers, chicken tender, fries and much more.
Peet’s
- Q: What policies will Peet's have in place to ensure the safety of the campus community?
A: Peet's will require all employees to wear masks and gloves during services. Employees will also be required to change gloves out every hour.
A: Peet’s will also have protective plexiglass at the register to separate our employees from our customers.
A: Peet’s no longer has a customer prep station, all creams and sugars will be added by a Peet’s staff member.
A: Peet’s and it’s staff will continue to observe physical distancing guidelines, decreasing dining capacity, and changing disposables and packaging to ensure that prepared food remains free from cross-contamination.
- Q: What will social distancing look like?
A: In addition to plexiglass barriers, we ask everyone entering Peet's to maintain a social distance of six feet.
- Q: Will there be indoor seating?
A: For the moment, the second floor of the library is confined to a maximum of 40 people. We are working towards safely opeong Peet's with socially distanced seating.
- Q: How will on-campus jobs work?
A: Students are encouraged to apply for open positions on Workday. If hired, students will have the option to work in multiple locations across campus.
- Q: When my phone is registered in a different country, how do I change my local iTune and App Store country so that I can download the Eatable APP?
A: Launch Settings from your home screen, tap on iTunes & app store, tap on apple ID, authenticate with password or touch ID, if required, tap on Country/Region, tap on change country or region, choose a new country or region, tap on next, tap on agree to consent to the terms and conditions, enter your payment details, enter your billing information, and tap next.
- Q: How long will Peet's be closed on weekends?
A: Peet's will be closed for the foreseeable future. If the depand is there for weekend hours we will strongly consider it.
- Q: Is there a limit on the amount of Knight Bucks I can use at Peet's?
A: No, you can use a much or as little of your Knight Bucks as you want.
Prince Conference Center
- Q: Will Prince Conference Center open in the coming semester?
A: Yes, on August 6, 2020 Prince Conference Center will be re-opening in conjunction with the state's social distancing and safe food handling guidelines.
- Q: What policies does the Prince Conference Center have in place to ensure the safety of their guests and employees?
A: Prince has eliminated its self-serve station and individually wrapped all hand fruits and snacks.
A: Added protective plexiglass at the check in counter.
- Q: If the Prince Conference Center is owned by Calvin University, are the rooms like dorms?
A: No, we feature 69 rooms with standard hospitality amenities.
- Q: Is transportation accommodations available?
A: No, due to safety concerns we are not offering our free shuttle shuttle service at this time. But there are also local Lyft and Uber options available. Yellow Taxi can be reached at (616) 459-4646.
- Q: Do you have an on-site restaurant?
A: No, but we do serve banquets and dinners for groups of all sizes, from 4 to 350. We are also within walking distance of Johnny's and Peet's Coffee. See their FAQ section for more details.
- Q: What is your cancelation policy?
A: Cancellations must be made within 24 hours prior to check in date and time.
Faculty
- Q: Are outside guests allowed in the dining halls?
A: No, outside guests can not eat in the dining halls.
- Q: When can faculty dine in the dining halls?
A: Faculty can eat in the dining halls starting September 1, 2020. It will only be students who have meal plans until 9/21.
A: After 9/21 anyone with a meal plan or using dining dollars can eat in the dining halls.
- Q: What are the dining hours across campus?
A: Please click here to view dining hours.
- Q: Are there any locations that are now closed?
A: Yes, Spoelhof Cafe, DeVos Cafe, & Knights Cafe are all closed.
- Q: When will Johnny's and Peet's open and what will the service be like?
A: Johnny's and Peet's will be opening on 9/2 for take-out only.
- Q: Will Peet's have food on the menu?
A: Yes, Peet's has added grab & go items to their menu.
- Q: What are the dining hours across campus?