The second session of the Student Center Cafeteria Management Committee (SCCMC) meeting was held at 3 p.m. on April 25, 2025, in the Global Campus Central Library. Hosted by the Global Campus General Affairs Team (GAT), the meeting brought together diverse members of the Kyung Hee University (KHU) community—including representatives from staff, faculty, students, the KHU Cooperatives, and KHU media outlets. The meeting addressed several key topics, including the recent food poisoning incident on Global Campus, monthly operational results, improvements, and future plans—all aimed at enhancing the Student Center cafeteria's welfare services.

The meeting notes for the SCCMC meeting.

Photo by Lee, Su-in / The University Life

Response to Food Poisoning Concerns

A suspected food poisoning incident from earlier in April was a major topic of concern. A key topic was addressing the suspected food poisoning incident from the previous month. On April 15, several students reported symptoms after eating at the Student Center cafeteria—now operated by the KHU Cooperatives—the day before.

During the meeting, the KHU Cooperatives explained how they had dealt with the incident so far.  They voluntarily reported the case to the Giheung-gu Office for investigation. Suspecting that leftover chicken from lunch had been reused for dinner, they sent both meals served that day for bacterial testing. Additionally, they recruited volunteers for testing to identify possible bacterial contamination. 

The Global Campus Student Center cafeteria's meal storage

Out of 69 survey participants, 45 agreed to take the test, and nine completed it. However, the results from both the meal samples and individual tests have not yet been released. The KHU Cooperatives have committed to sharing these results as soon as they become available.

Regarding compensation, Kim Min-hwa, secretary of the KHU Cooperatives, said, "If the food poisoning is found to be our fault, we plan to provide full compensation, including coverage for medical expenses, prescription costs, and compensation for those who participated in sample testing." Moreover, when the GAT suggested refunding meal costs to those who dined that day, the KHU Cooperatives responded that they would address any requests once they were properly organized and submitted.

In response to the KHU Cooperatives' handling of the incident, the GAT expressed hope that student satisfaction would be maintained. "The number of visitors to the cafeteria has not declined so far. We hope the KHU Cooperatives can maintain this status through continued proper management and response."

Cafeteria Generates Surplus Despite Challenges

During the meeting, the KHU Cooperatives also presented unexpected operating results. When they initially took over the Student Center cafeteria, they signed an agreement with the GAT that included a deficit compensation clause. This was because the previous runner had operated at a deficit, and the KHU Cooperatives did not expect the cafeteria to generate a surplus.

However, contrary to these expectations, they generated a surplus of approximately 12 million won in their March operations. Moreover, despite initial losses from opening preparations, they now anticipate that the overall deficit will gradually decrease or even be eliminated as operations continue.

Another finding from the financial report was a high cost of sales, indicating that their profit per meal is lower than that of the Seoul Campus. They explained that due to understaffing; they are forced to prepare the maximum number of meals each day, leading to more food waste and higher disposal costs. Therefore, they plan to recruit more employees to improve operations.

Concerns Over Student Workload

Some committee members expressed concerns about whether the KHU Cooperatives were overworking student employees. The GSA asked about the reason for ongoing student worker recruitment, with concerns that an exhausting workload might be causing frequent turnover.

The student workers at the Global Campus Student Center cafeteria are primarily responsible for cleaning the tables.

Kim answered, "The recent recruitment post is due to our need for additional employees. While some students have left for personal reasons, I have never heard of anyone leaving the KHU Cooperatives due to a heavy workload."

The KHU staff representative also questioned the KHU Cooperatives' treatment of student workers, stating, "The National Work-study Scholarship program typically assigns students to administrative support, such as library assistance. I am concerned that the work at KHU Cooperatives might be too hazardous."

Kim explained that the student workers at the KHU Cooperatives are not part of the National Work-Study Scholarship program, but rather KHU's own Work-Study Scholarship, which is not limited to administrative support. Furthermore, the GAT added their perspective on student workers: "I occasionally visit the Student Center cafeteria and observe the students working. They are not doing strenuous work, so I do not think there is a need to worry about their workload."

Meal Price Adjustment

The GAT addressed the upcoming price changes as the final topic of the meeting. They explained, "The meal prices at the faculty cafeteria in the Student Center will be adjusted as of May 19. The current 500-won discount on the It’sMe app will end, making the price 7,000 won per meal. Additionally, kiosk orders will cost 500 won more, bringing the total to 7,500 won per meal."

The GAT explained that they decided on this adjustment for two reasons: to normalize the price and to distinguish between KHU members and non-members. "When the KHU Cooperatives took over the cafeteria, the meal price of the faculty cafeteria increased from 6,500 to 7,000 won. To maintain visitor numbers, we offered a 500 won discount through the app to match the previous price. We believe now is the appropriate time to return to the standard price."

They also stated, "Non-KHU visitors frequently use the cafeteria. To differentiate between KHU community members and outside visitors, we decided to set the kiosk-purchased meal ticket price at 7,500 won.”

The notification regarding the meal price adjustment

Looking Ahead

The SCCMC held its second meeting to discuss the latest issues regarding the cafeteria. Despite the concerns raised, several improvements had been made before the session. Future meetings are expected to take more steps forward by addressing food safety, transparency, and student welfare, enabling better welfare services for the KHU community.