Outdoor seating during meals will be a reality for students soon.
Student Federation approved a purchase last week for patio furniture to be placed outside of the Grewcock Student Union, allowing students to eat outdoors while the weather is clear.
“We at Student Federation believed that outdoor seating would improve the campus, and that students would enjoy being able to eat in the nice weather,” Arielle Mueller, president of Student Fed, said.
Student Fed spent nearly $5,000 on chairs and tables for the patio located directly outside the dining room. While there are currently tables and chairs in the gated off area, Mueller explained that these tables and chairs are falling apart and need to be replaced. The new furniture will allow students to begin using the outdoor patio area.
“Campus improvement is important to us, so the money will go towards quality furniture. The current stuff is not up to par with what we’d like,” Mueller said.
Mueller said she is hopeful that the outdoor seating will be available before the winter comes this year. Student Fed has yet to order the furniture, but plans to have it set up by November.
“Outdoor seating is always a hit with students, and I’m excited to see it at Hillsdale,” General Manager of Bon Appétit Jeffrey Every said.
The new furniture is guaranteed for 10 years.
Although Hillsdale’s weather could limit the usage of this furniture, Mueller said that she isn’t worried. She said students will use the furniture while it’s available, and the students will enjoy sitting outside even if it’s only for a few months of the school year.
“People love nice weather, and being able to eat outside is just another way for students to enjoy the weather before it’s gone,” Student Fed Representative Tyler Warman said.
Every added that the weather probably won’t be an issue. Before coming to Hillsdale, Every worked at Trine University in Indiana and Trine’s outdoor seating was popular.
“The seating at Trine was only available for a few months, but the students loved it,” Every said.
Student Fed is excited for the new seating, especially because of the positive impact it will have on the campus.
“It will be nice to eat outside finally,” Warman said. “The furniture is really nice, and it should make the dining experience at school much better.”
