Let's Do Lunch program

We know that a supportive campus climate, and the quality of faculty-student relationships, is critical to academic success. Student Life supports strengthening these relationships through LET’S DO LUNCH, a program in which students can invite a faculty member to a free lunch on campus. Students have reported that this is a great opportunity to connect with a faculty member to discuss course progress, major choice, career direction, and to receive general support and advice. Here are a few comments from students who had lunch with a faculty member:

“I enjoyed talking with my instructor outside of class – he was open about the quality of his course and suggestions from students. This enabled me to get to know him as a person as well as teacher.”

“Lunch was great. It gave me a chance to tell my instructor “thank you” for inspiring me to love math and for being a fantastic instructor. Despite me being an older student, I feel the separation between my instructors and myself. The beauty of being able to go sit and have a meal together made it possible to be outside class, comfortable, and have a conversation… It made her more accessible and it was enjoyable. Thanks!”

And from a faculty member: “This is a great idea. I rarely have a chance to talk to students on a personal level. I really enjoyed this!”

Students can obtain a Let’s Do Lunch Program application in Student Life, JMB Student Center 135. As part of the application process, students will need the instructor's signature on the application to confirm a lunch appointment has been made, attach a current class schedule, and approximately four days later a $30 meal ticket for the Cafe Alki, Alhadeff Grill or the cafeteria will be issued to the student. After lunch, we ask that a simple evaluation form also be completed by the student and instructor. That's it! 

Thank you for to the many faculty who have already participated in this successful retention and campus climate initiative. Student service and activity fees fund the program. If you have any comments or recommendations, please email us.