Dining is one of the largest divisions of Projects & Services; at least one representative is assigned to each dining center on campus, and he or she focuses solely on improving student satisfaction at that location.

Dining hours of operation is always a topic of discussion within student government, and Projects & Services continuously works to ensure that dining centers are open early and late enough to serve every student’s needs.

We work closely with Dining on all of their developments, from bringing Starbucks to Wilson Commons in 2006, to the more recent redesign of Hillside Café and extended service at the Meliora.

There are several other programs that run in tandem with feedback. The Dining Employee Appreciation program began in 2008 as a way of demonstrating students’ gratitude for all that Dining does to serve us ever better.

One key role of this committee is analyzing the efficiency and effectiveness of the university shuttle system. We provide transportation with continued feedback and urge them to make needed changes. Parking is also a key aspect of Projects & Services’ focus, to ensure that parking fares are reasonable and space is available.

In 2006, the Projects & Services committee introduced the ZipCar program, and achieved a driving age requirement of 18 instead of the standard 21.

The Projects & Services Committee is responsible for the bi-annual Walk for Light, when students and administrators walk the River Campus with Security to evaluate outdoor lighting and safety.

The first ever successful Walk for Facilities was held in December 2008 when teams of students and administrators surveyed all public spaces, yielding a ten page report of recommendations and improvements to the River Campus. Security and American Disabilities Act (ADA) issues were fixed immediately, and progress has steadily continued. Improvements include new shower heads in bathrooms, improved outdoor lighting, repaved sidewalks, and more.

Information Technology is an ever updating department on campus, so Projects & Services stays at the forefront of technological developments.

Notably, thanks to a proposal written by Projects & Services in 2008, URWireless coverage has been expanded to the Frederick Douglass building for Fall 2009. Coverage will continue to expand in coming years.

Projects & Services also initiated the computer kiosk program around campus. The most recent addition was a kiosk in basement of Todd Union.

The committee also works with University departments to update their websites to contain useful and pertinent information. Part of this program is adoption of the new University design template for easier navigation and consistency.

A representative from Projects & Services sits on the Classroom Teaching and Learning Technology Roundtable (CTLTR) with one professor from each academic department and several administrators from the College and University IT.

Sustainability is consciously present in all of this committee’s projects. From sustainable food sources providing our dining centers, to energy efficient light bulbs in our buildings– a more sustainable lifestyle is always our goal.

The Walk for Dark began in 2009, when undergraduates scoured River Campus throughout the night recording every unnecessary light bulb left on. The results were staggering, and the Projects & Services committee continues to work with the SA Sustainability Coordinator to improve electrical waste based on this report.

Following improvements initiated by the Projects & Services committee, the Student Sustainability Council was created to facilitate the prioritization of sustainable life on campus.

City Cycles is the University’s free bicycle rental program, funded and maintained by Projects & Services. The program was founded in 2006, and greatly expanded the following year in response to its overwhelming success. Students are able to check out a bike for up to 24 hours at a time from Goergen Athletic Center by simply showing their ID.

Projects & Services has student representatives that sit on the University of Rochester Student Health Advisory Committee (URSHAC) throughout the year to keep lines of communication open for continual health service improvements.

In 2006, this committee is also originated the free vaccine program offered by UHS, initially with the HPV vaccine.