By Isabella Kulenkamp / Staff Writer 

Missouri Valley College made a number of changes to the dining setup and locations over the summer and students are mixed in their reactions to them. 

There are new square tables offering additional seating in the Ferguson Center dining facility as well as new televisions that have school events advertised on them. There are many mixed opinions on the new changes on the new cafe set up as many weren’t expecting it when first arriving.

“The new square tables make it very hard to walk and communicate with the people around you,” said Senior Kylie Linson. “You can’t walk five steps without running into someone or a chair.” 

While the new seating may not be universally loved, students are responding favorably to The Valley Express. Many students go there because of the variety of on the go options and convenient meal times. 

“MVC is hoping that the Valley Express will allow students more of an opportunity to enjoy fresher options while being able to check mail and get to class in a timely manner,” said Vice President of Operations Tim Schulte. “The expanded hours should allow those that have to be at an event some extra time to grab something to eat or drink. The entire idea was based on students and trying to give the students the best options that MVC could provide.” 

In past years, a similar service was at the Malcolm Center bistro for lunch but this year, the Valley Express is in the Ferguson Center serving food for all three meals of the day; breakfast, lunch and dinner. Many students find the times and location more convenient and are very pleased with this change.

Representatives from Fresh Ideas, MVC’s contracted food service provider, did not respond to requests for an interview for this article.