Campus Eateries and Student Satisfaction at Kean University

Miriam Atlixqueno

Co-Presenters: Tiajah Jones, Logan Fech

College: College of Business and Public Management

Major: BS.MARKETING

Faculty Research Mentor: Lee, Kyungwon

Abstract:

Campus Eateries and Student Satisfaction at Kean University:Assessing Student Satisfaction with Campus EateriesAuthors: Logan Fech, Tiajah Jones, Miriam Atlixqueno Castillo, Conner DesRochersAt the present time, Kean University's Dining locations include Keanu’s Kitchen, Starbucks, Cougars Den, and Smashburger. However, a substantial portion of the student body chooses to eat off campus at places such as, Chipotle, China Star, and other eateries around the Union area. This study will examine what has caused the dissatisfaction of on-campus eateries by commuters and residential Kean University students. We will examine the food options provided on campus, specifically regarding the perceived lack of quality within the food provided and the limited menu options available. The study will primarily evaluate whether an increase in menu options or new additions to eateries offered on-campus will result in greater satisfaction among students, thus increasing the number of students choosing to eat at on-campus locations.This research study will use a quantitative approach through an online survey via Microsoft Forms, which our team will send out via email to all current Kean University students. The online survey will include data collection of various key variables relating to dining frequency, perceived variety of food options available at the dining halls as well as overall customer satisfaction among both residential and commuter student populations. Students will be notified about the survey by class group chats, social media, and word of mouth. Therefore, there is no limitation on the collection of data.The main intention of the research is to evaluate the hypothesis that the relationship between menu variety and student satisfaction is impacted by commuter versus resident dining habits. If both groups perceive an increase in healthy and diverse food offerings, they will eat less frequently off campus. Causing less students over time to not eat from Kean University's dining locations.Keywords: Campus Dining, Student Satisfaction, Menu Variety, Kean University, Consumer Behavior