Information is circulating that Millersville University is considering outsourcing Dining Services. MU is one of the few universities that still has an independent dining vendor, so the switch to an outsourced vendor will cause major issues.

First off, switching to an outsourced vendor will cause any full time dining employees to lose their jobs, as well as benefits. Many of the full time dining employees have dedicated 10+ years to giving students the best dining experience they can give, and some of them were close to considering retirement. However, this switch would cause them to lose their jobs prematurely, taking away their hopes and plans for retirement. 

Also, having an independent vendor like Millersville currently has gives the benefit of the opportunity for student workers. Many students, including myself, take advantage of the opportunity to work for MU dining as student workers. It is a fairly flexible job that works around students' schedules. Outsourcing dining would prevent the opportunity for student workers completely. 

There does not seem to be any other motives for this outsourcing other than profit. Millersville thinks that they will profit off of an outsourced vendor, but fail to consider the fact that it will result in lower quality of food and less dedicated employees. Many of the full time employees care greatly about the quality of food and service that MU dining gives its students, and the addition of student workers helps and also allows a feedback loop since they are in contact with students and can see what works and what does not. Outsourcing dining will just bring in outside workers who do not truly care about the students, but are just working for their paycheck. Millersville should NOT outsource dining services.