Goodbye GET App
The First Days of Dining Services Upgrades
St. Lawrence University Dining Services recently implemented new updates to several on-campus services. On Sunday, Director of Dining and Conference Services Marijo Haggett announced that the campus meal plan software, point of sale system and online ordering system would all receive upgrades. According to Haggett’s announcement, the upgrades are designed to make the “dining experience smoother, faster and more convenient.” These upgrades were initially scheduled for completion in August to avoid making the change during the semester.
One major upgrade is the move away from the GET app that patrons have used to order food online for the past three years.
Patrons must now use a new “Mobile Ordering OnDemand” website to make online orders at the Northstar Cafe, Spartacus Cafe and Pub 56. Haggett said the switch to the website was necessary because, “the previous software and hardware needed to be updated to remain in compliance with industry standards.” Haggett said dining services, “partnered with new companies who provide better partnership and programs.” She says she believes the new website will result in “faster check out at registers, providing the ability to order from all food stations at Northstar and cashing out once.” Another addition to Northstar is an integrated kiosk for ordering and many back-of-house features for dining staff that promote efficiency. There is also a second website at which students can check their meal plan account balance and transaction history.
“Tap-to-pay” registers are another new dining feature. Before, patrons swiped their student ID cards into the system, which was a slower method to tapping the card. Haggett says this new method was necessary for “card integration” and the “convenience for students.”
Online ordering at Pub 56 is a completely new feature of the website, previously not available on the GET app. Pub 56 was previously not managed by dining services, but now Haggett says she hopes students will realize there is a new location at which to use their dining dollars.
As the new system went live on Wednesday, many students and faculty across campus formed their opinions, both positive and negative. There were notable issues with pre-orders on meals. Patrons would order ahead of time, but their order would encounter technical issues while going through the system. Their order receipts would not be printed at the respective stations. As a result, pre-orders were suspended (as of Thursday morning). Students who could not place orders online due to technical difficulties were asked to order in person from the location’s cashier.
Many patrons took issue with a small detail of the exchange: not being notified when their order was completed. On the GET app, patrons received two confirmation messages for when they placed their order and when it was ready for pickup. Now, without a confirmation email, patrons have to wait a predicted amount of time before picking up their order.
Haggett says dining services are aware of the mixed reception. “We know that is very frustrating. We have had onsite and remote support that work on resolving all issues.” she said. However, Haggett said there have been many behind-the-scenes successes that students and faculty may not be able to see. “While it was not seamless, we know we are headed in the right direction,” she said.
As for the future of the new system, Haggett says she hopes to add more upgrades. Dining services and its partner company will be developing an app in which both the ordering and meal plan overview will be accessible. Haggett also noted iPads for ordering around campus that accept meal plans and credit cards for pop-up events on campus. Haggett says the dining services team is thankful for students, faculty and staff for bearing with them through this transition. Only time will tell how the new services will upgrade and adapt in the coming weeks and months.