The Bean has implemented new rules and regulations to better protect the university as the fall semester begins.

The campus dining hall has put into place multiple new precautions for the semester, including a 50% capacity limit for students as well as safety training and personal protective equipment for all associates.

“All associates are wearing face coverings, gloves, getting temperature checks and practicing social distancing,” David Casida, Senior Director of Dining Services, said.

“Also, we have Plexiglas barriers at all payment and check-in desks,” Casida said. “[We are] partnering with university leaders to plan all operations, traffic patterns, hours of operations and appropriate service response based on recommendations from local authorities such as state health department, CDC and local officials.”

The Bean is a popular establishment for faculty, staff and students across campus.

Associates will work to keep tables clean and available for students as quickly as possible while still adhering to the new 50% capacity guideline.

“Our front of house team including managers, supervisors and staff will work diligently to keep the dining room cleaned and open tables and chairs available as quickly as possible,” Casida said. “Our cashiers will communicate information about wait times, if any, and work to seat our guest right away.”

In efforts to help with these changes, the dining hall will also be introducing new programs this fall.

These will include hot and cold meals available to-go at the entrance of The Bean and exchanged meals at Tu Taco and Breakfast Co.

This means students can elect to swipe for a meal and drink at these establishments rather than wait on a table to become available in the dining hall.

“[Our goal is to] provide quick and convenient hospitality at as many service locations as possible,” Casida said. “We will remain fluid in our response to conditions as they arise.”

Overall, it is recommended students continue to follow social distancing and mask guidelines while utilizing dining services.