By Ana Zeikidze, Staff Writer
There’s a change at Mabee Dining Hall and at Sacred Grounds, the cafe inside the Dugan Library.
To buy things at either dining location, Newman University students must now scan their ID cards or use the Saavor app. Previously, students only had to say their ID number at Sacred Grounds and Mabee.
This change was recently made by Great Western Dining, Newman’s food service provider.
"The Saavor app was made as a convenience since almost every student carries a phone," Dean of Students Andi Giesen said. “It allows students to use their account without needing their physical ID card.”
Students can use their Newman email addresses to set up the Saavor app, which can be downloaded on smartphones.
Students who live off campus and do not have a meal plan get $60 added on to their tuition fees allocated to Sacred Grounds purchases each year, Giesen said.
The funds were first given to all students for free last semester only to encourage them to try out Sacred Grounds. Student residents who do have a meal plan must now pay out of pocket at Sacred Grounds or deposit money for that specific use in the Saavor app.
"Those $60 belong to the students this year,” Giesen said. “They've already paid for it."
Jorge Rodriguez, a student who doesn't live on campus, says he supports the new method and thinks security is important.
"That's the best way to do it because you can see the person and their picture on the ID," he said. "If you only give a number, you don't know who it is, and they might be pretending to be someone else."
On-campus students like senior Ali Mounir say they have mixed feelings about the change.
“Logically, it’s more convenient,” he said.
However, Mounir also said the new system poses potential challenges for students who forget their ID cards.
“At one point, they used to let you give your ID number, but now if you forget your card, you’re out of luck,” he said.
Sacred Grounds gives students a range of food and drink choices, Giesen said.
“The food and service at Sacred Grounds is fabulous,” she said. “I recommend anyone try it if they haven’t already.”
PHOTO: Courtesy, Newman University
