In MDining, supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion means being the consummate host. Being an outstanding host means paying attention to the details: we care where our food comes from, the work environment we serve in, and about the people who serve. We care about our students and guests and know that gathering is an opportunity to build community, exchange ideas, and learn from each other’s experiences. We believe that this is the experience our students and staff deserve. We know that we each bring something important to the table and at MDining, you have a place at our table.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is both a core value and an aspect of everything we do. We have been recognized by the National Association of College & University Food Services for outstanding work in the field of Sustainability, Diversity Equity & Inclusion, and Social Justice. We won a UM Campus DEI award in 2019, hired one of the first Diversity & Inclusion Directors for campus dining in the country, and are one of eight public universities to score 4/5 stars for Religious Accommodations from the INSPIRES Index.
We are always working to ensure all guests and employees feel welcome around our table. Some of our current initiatives include:
- Supporting students’ religious observances
- Sponsorship of the “Food as Resistance” MLK Symposium Event
- Staff Learning and Development opportunities including a Fundamentals of DEI & Hospitality Pilot class for General Managers, Culinary Leaders, and Assistant Directors
- Community Tables program for staff and students in collaboration with Housing DE&I Programs
- Commitment to interrupting food insecurity through the Maize & Blue Cupboard
- Collaboration with peer institutions through National Association of College & University Food Services and Menus of Change University Research Collaborative
- The Global Chef Series through which MDining invites international chefs to come and teach MDining chefs foods native to their culture and heritage
- Partnership with a number of student cultural organizations such as the Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs (MESA) Office and the Trotter Multicultural Center to develop and cater a culturally significant menu for special events and Heritage Months
For more information about MDining’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion commitment, feel free to reach out to our Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Amanda Ewing ([email protected]).
