2014 College Power Players: Michigan

18. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

Students Living on Campus: 10,700
Dining Head: Steve Mangan, director of Michigan Dining
Total Enrollment: 43,710
No. of Meal Plans Sold: 10,500
Annual Dining Program Revenues: $46 million
Cost Range of Residential Meal Plans: $2,012-$2,288/semester
No. of Residential Dining Halls/Commons: 7
No. of Retail Outlets: 25
Management: self-operated
Website: www.dining.umich.edu
Phone: (734) 764-1152

Michigan Dining, which this year for the first time combines residential and retail operations under a single department, is recognized nationally for its innovative POS and online nutrition/allergens information and its wide ranging menu selections. It also works directly with local farmers and producers to include local, sustainable foods in its menus, and says it was the first Big 10 university to achieve Marine Stewardship Council certification for seafood purchases. 

This year, UM has created unlimited meal plans for all residential students and several optional meal plans to those living off-campus.  It has also invested significantly in upgrading its facilities with five new dining halls since 2008. The South Quad dining center opened this fall with 10 micro-restaurants and won the NACUFS Loyal Horton Awards grand prize. 

UM dining also has invested in new and renovated retail cafes to serve the campus community, opening new Fireside Café on north campus this fall in the Pierpont Commons where it joins a half dozen other food stations. Pierpont is one of three venues with concentrations of retail dining outlets, which also include the Michigan Union with its eight concepts and Michigan League with three. Outside brands on campus include Au Bon Pain, Quizno’s, Wendy’s, Subway and Panda Express.

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