Gold Star Ratings and New Dining Options Reflect Hartwick’s Focus on Healthy Choices
New menu options, a redesigned Commons dining hall and the launch of My Dining Hub are making it easier for the campus community to explore healthy choices.
Hartwick College Dining Services has earned gold star ratings in two consecutive food safety audits conducted by the professional auditing firm Steritech, in fall 2025 and again in spring 2026.
Under Steritech’s national rating system, a gold rating indicates that a dining operation received no critical violations and achieved a near-perfect score during the audit. Earning gold in both semesters reflects the team’s consistent attention to food safety and kitchen operations.
At the same time, dining across campus continues to evolve with new menu options, expanded programming and more opportunities for students to help shape the experience.
Under the leadership of Executive Chef Devin White, the Commons menu has expanded with several globally inspired options and new weekly features shaped by student input.
Recent additions include Taco Bar Wednesdays, sushi bowls, chicken tikka masala served with naan, falafel with tzatziki and pork belly chimichurri. Breakfast offerings have also grown with overnight oats and avocado toast.
Dining locations across campus are also introducing new events and experiences. Table Rock Café now offers more frequent weekly specials, including healthier options such as a recent Cobb salad feature.
JC Café continues to host events that bring students together, including a talent show planned for April.
Throughout the semester, Chef Showcases highlight different cuisines and themes, and a Restaurant Night scheduled for April will transform the Commons into a restaurant-style dining experience for students. Farmers’ markets and additional dining celebrations are also planned.
Students seeking guidance on healthy eating will also see a familiar resource return this semester. Hartwick’s campus dietitian, Ruth Sullivan, will meet with students during visits scheduled for March 31 and April 28, providing an opportunity to learn more about nutrition and balanced eating.
Sustainability continues to play an increasingly important role in campus dining. Last semester, Dining Services began composting food trimmings and coffee grounds at the Pine Lake campus and is exploring the possibility of expanding the program to include post-consumer waste.
Dining has also introduced more plant-based menu options to help reduce the carbon footprint of campus meals. Partnerships with local providers are expanding as well, including increased offerings from Chobani and more seasonal produce from Antonucci’s.
Students also have a direct voice in shaping dining through the Dining Advisory Group, which meets every two weeks and connects with the Student Government Association to gather feedback and recommend improvements. The group is currently considering expanding allergy-friendly options and introducing a dedicated allergy-free station in the Commons.
Dining Services recently launched a new website called My Dining Hub, giving users easier access to menus, nutrition information and dining updates. This Hartwick-specific, mobile-friendly site replaces CampusDish platform and makes it easier to explore menus, hours and dining events.
The platform lets users filter menus in real-time for allergens, vegan and vegetarian options, as well as access expanded nutritional information and connect to a dietitian. Anyone can create an account to personalize their experience and stay up to date on menus and events. Students can also check meal plan balances and add declining balance funds, bringing key dining information together in one place.
Recent updates to the Commons dining hall have also transformed the space. New windows now brighten the dining area and provide better views of the Susquehanna Valley. Updated flooring and a refreshed layout modernize the environment and improve space flow.
The reconfiguration of dining stations was designed not only to improve efficiency but also to make it easier for students to explore a wider range of options, including choices that support healthier eating habits.
Among the additions is a new Smoothie Station, where students can customize drinks with ingredients such as hemp, flax and chia seeds. The updated station layout also highlights fresh ingredients and balanced meal options, reinforcing Hartwick’s focus on wellbeing as part of its identity as “The Life Balance College.”
