Student wellbeing increased through Hospitable Campus
The University Caterers Organisation (TUCO) and The Oxford Cultural Collective have worked together to launch a new publication, ‘Hospitable Campus’. The publication signifies TUCO’s intention to start a national conversation about ways in which on campus hospitality can make positive contributions to student wellbeing.
Matthew White, Chair of TUCO commented: “As sector leaders, we are challenged to sharpen our thinking on student mental health and wellbeing and provide support through dedicated initiatives. With an estimated 171 cultural representations in further and higher education, it is important for us to promote and support a positive community atmosphere.We are excited to launch this relevant piece of research and wish for all our institutions to embed positive initiatives within their catering and hospitality services, to influence student wellbeing. We believe the power of good food, drink and hospitality can help promote a sense of inclusion, community and belonging.”
Promoting students’ positive mental health and wellbeing is now a key priority for UK universities and colleges. Within the report, TUCO recommend caterers to think strategically, effectively communicate their institution’s commitment to supporting positive student welfare, and shape human interactions.
It notes interaction with students is a key factor in giving them a sense they are in a safe and welcoming space. The research encourages universities to empower staff to engage students in ‘personalised’ services, achieve positive ‘meaning’ for hospitality spaces and use creative interventions to bring students together, in turn providing them with opportunities to pursue shared interests, and ultimately generate a sense of community.
Further to this, it found that even in commercial environments, whereby the depth of interactions is limited by time, front-line hospitality staff can elicit powerful emotional responses from students – both positive and negative.
Four case studies are featured within ‘Hospitable Campus’, showcasing some excellent examples from The University of Manchester, The University of Huddersfield, Harper Adams University and The University of St Andrews. Each recognising cultural diversity, they share innovative operational practice, including practical ways to implement cultural activities, satisfy international tastes, support health and wellbeing through engagement and inclusion and create an organisational culture that puts students first.
Matthew White further added: “We believe hospitality is a shared responsibility. By focusing on the intended outcomes of hospitality provision, communicating an up-beat message about the value of inclusion and community, and by stimulating positive emotional responses, we can challenge ourselves to embed a culture of delivering a life-enhancing hospitality experience.”
Hospitable Campus – Foodservice management and student wellbeing research is available now here