For the time being, Across Campus is going on hiatus.

I created this blog–as its tagline indicates–to provide administrative updates that are relevant to the community. Over the last few months, however, communications throughout the College have been increasing and improving in other ways, perhaps creating less of a need for this type of blog.

The MiddPoints Weekly News & Announcements blog, which launched officially this spring, has seen an increase in posts and readership. The NEASC reaccreditation meetings provided an opportunity for all community members to share their concerns and ideas for making Middlebury a better institution. The Staff Council survey and ensuing campus- and district-wide meetings brought to light many of the challenges our staff encounter in the work that they do. The Vice Presidents have been communicating and working with their areas to address these issues, which primarily focus on work load, prioritization, and equity. Similarly, the upcoming Manager Training Program is designed to address these issues, as well.

We’ll take a break for now and reassess where we are in the spring.

Dear Students:

I write with what I believe is an exciting proposition for student entrepreneurs, and good news for campus life.

As you know, the College has struggled during the last year to find the right staffing model for the Grille and Juice Bar. Given our desire to reduce the operating deficit in that venue—more than $300K per year—we decided to close the Juice Bar last spring, reopening it only for the summer when the Language Schools assured a steadier stream of customers.

None of us likes to see the Juice Bar empty, and so by virtue of this e-mail, we are inviting students to submit plans for establishing a student-managed Juice Bar. Interested students will submit their plans as part of a competitive bidding process, and the strongest proposal will be awarded the contract for managing the Juice Bar, with operations to begin in January.

The ground rules for a student-run Juice Bar are as follows:

• A student manager employed by the Grille and advised by Grille management will run the operation.
• The student manager will create a staffing plan, budget, set the hours of operation (within the time the space is open), and hire and manage the student workers.
• The student staff will create and price the menu, order and prepare the food and beverages, and manage the budget. Some food items may need to be prepared in the Grille kitchen due to equipment and ventilation needs (guidance on this will be provided by the Grille management).
• The student staff will work with the Grille management, MCAB, and CCAL on entertainment/programming in the lower level of the Grille.
• The student management staff will be paid an appropriate wage, and will be employed by the Grille. In that role, they will follow all Grille procedures and policies for the preparation and service of food, cash handling, and general conduct, including regulations set by the Health Department and Department of Liquor Control.
• The Grille management will function in an advisory role so long as the student management team operates within the established guidelines.
• After all costs/wages are covered, any excess profits will be directed to charities or an approved student organization.

Completed proposals are due on Tuesday, November 30, and should be submitted by e-mail to vpadmin@middlebury.edu. Individuals as well as groups are invited to apply. NOTE: to download the application form, click here: JuiceBarApp

A committee made up of students, faculty, and staff will select the winning proposal. Proposals will be judged on the basis of their feasibility, economic viability, vision, and simplicity. Top applicants may be contacted for interviews in early December.  The winning proposal will be announced on Monday, December 13.

If you have any questions about this process, please contact me at spears@middlebury.edu.