Written for The Argo by Mary Gallagher

Stockton University has a variety of dining options to choose from on campus, but the convenience of those options drops significantly when considering the windows of time in which you can actually order from them. There are an array of restaurants or dining halls that Stockton students may choose from at both the Galloway and Atlantic City campuses. However, according to Stockton’s section of the Dine On Campus app, only six of these locations are available in any capacity after 7:00 p.m., and all six of said establishments reside solely on the Galloway campus. 

With the difficulties of trying to balance classes, schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and a possible job or internship, it can become almost impossible to ensure that you are getting a balanced and sufficient meal schedule while living as a residential student. When said activities, such as a night class or organization, pass that 7:00 p.m. deadline, it is made all the worse. 

It can be argued that students must put in the effort to schedule their eating routines around the twist and turns of each location’s individual timetables, but the reality is that many students find it difficult enough to eat properly without the strenuous addition of academic pressures. This is especially true for those who have dietary restrictions (whether for reasons of self-interest, allergen, or religious beliefs) that may not be met by any of the late-night dining stops. 

As if these issues were not enough to raise concerns about the dining hours here on campus, only three of the six post-7:00 p.m. locations are open past 10:00 p.m., only two of which maintain this curfew all seven days a week. 

Now it is obvious that a change in schedule across several eateries cannot be enacted overnight. There are a variety of people affected by Stockton’s dining departments, whether it be our food service workers, custodial staff, or members of the catering department. This decision is one that must be dealt with with careful consideration for all involved, but that should not exclude the students, staff, and guests who these establishments are provided for.