Beyond the Tray: Chartwells Program Links Dining to Student Wellbeing, Campus Success

Charlotte, N.C. – For decades, college dining halls have been primarily focused on sustenance – providing fuel for students navigating demanding academic schedules. But a new program from Chartwells Higher Education aims to redefine that role, transforming dining from a transactional necessity into a cornerstone of student wellbeing and a driver of campus success.

Chartwells recently unveiled “Milestones,” a comprehensive program designed to integrate the dining experience with student development across all four years of college. Built around themed phases – ‘Figuring It Out’ for freshmen, ‘Thriving & Exploring’ for sophomores, and ‘Preparing for What’s Next’ for juniors and seniors – Milestones aims to provide targeted support, foster a sense of belonging, and ultimately, prepare students for a successful transition to life after graduation.

“We realized that dining is one of the few consistent touchpoints every student has on campus,” explains Eva Wojtalewski, CEO of Chartwells Higher Education. “It’s a natural hub for building community and providing support. Milestones is about intentionally leveraging that potential.”

A Holistic Approach to Student Success

The launch of Milestones comes at a time when higher education institutions are increasingly recognizing the importance of holistic student support. Traditional models of academic advising and mental health services are being supplemented by programs designed to address students' social, emotional, and financial needs.

“There's a growing understanding that academic success is inextricably linked to student wellbeing,” says a higher education administrator familiar with the program’s development. “Students who feel connected to their campus community, who have access to supportive resources, are more likely to thrive academically and persist to graduation.”

Milestones aims to contribute to this holistic approach through a series of targeted initiatives. For freshmen, the ‘Figuring It Out’ phase focuses on orientation events, peer mentoring programs, and customized dining options designed to ease the transition to college life. Sophomores benefit from opportunities to explore different cuisines and participate in culinary workshops, fostering a sense of adventure and community. And for juniors and seniors, the ‘Preparing for What’s Next’ phase focuses on career-focused dining events, networking opportunities, and workshops on financial literacy and life skills.

The program also features a series of signature events throughout the year, including welcome-back feasts, themed dinners, and graduation celebrations. These events are designed to create memorable experiences and foster a sense of belonging among students.

Beyond the Meal Plan: A Strategic Investment

While many universities offer some level of dining-related programming, Milestones stands out for its comprehensiveness and strategic alignment with student development goals. Unlike traditional dining programs, which often focus solely on food quality and convenience, Milestones is designed to be an integral part of the overall student experience.

“This isn’t just about offering better meal plans,” explains a university dining director who has consulted with Chartwells on the program. “It’s about creating a learning environment that extends beyond the classroom and fosters a sense of community. It’s a long-term investment in student success.”

Industry analysts are also taking note of the program. “We’re seeing a shift in the higher education landscape, with universities increasingly recognizing the importance of experiential learning and holistic support,” says a market research analyst specializing in the higher education sector. “Programs like Milestones are at the forefront of this trend.”

However, the success of Milestones will depend on more than just program design. Effective implementation will require strong collaboration between dining services, student affairs, and other campus departments. It will also require a commitment to ongoing assessment and improvement.

Navigating Implementation and Future Growth

Several universities are currently piloting aspects of the Milestones program, with a full rollout expected in the fall. Initial feedback has been positive, with students and administrators alike praising the program’s focus on community building and student wellbeing.

“Students are really responding to the sense of connection and support that Milestones provides,” says a resident advisor involved in the pilot program. “It’s creating a more positive and engaging campus experience.”

Looking ahead, Chartwells plans to expand the Milestones program to include additional initiatives, such as sustainability-focused dining events, partnerships with local farmers, and opportunities for students to get involved in food service operations.

“We see Milestones as a long-term investment in the future of higher education,” says Wojtalewski. “We believe that by providing students with the support they need to thrive, we can help them reach their full potential and make a positive impact on the world.”

As universities continue to grapple with challenges such as rising tuition costs, student debt, and mental health concerns, programs like Milestones offer a promising pathway to creating a more supportive, engaging, and successful campus experience. By redefining the role of dining services, Chartwells is helping to forge a new model for higher education – one that places student wellbeing at the heart of the learning experience.