What am I suppose to eat?!?!

After a long morning with classes, you may feel tired and experience a rumble in your stomach. You are hungry, and the only thing you care about is solving that situation. Luckily, for all ECU students, there are various options available for the hungry student.

Whether you are looking for a hearty breakfast, a midday snack or a yummy smoothie to put some pep in your step, ECU dining services strives to provide this and much more.

ECU dining guarantees that there will be plenty of exciting opportunities for incoming students, as well as innovative changes for ECU students coming back for another year.

Many renovations are currently taking place, along with other projects in the works. Todd Dining Hall is finishing up summer construction on College Hill, and will be open to students soon.

"At Todd Dining Hall, students will be able to see their food prepared in front of them," said Allison Metcalf Woodard, the district marketing manager for ECU Dining. "The many changes being made will take any mystery out of food preparation, allow for more interaction between staff and students, and bring a better quality of freshness for all."

Woodard added that Todd Dining Hall will also feature take-out options in between meal periods, so any students who might have class or obligations during regular times, will always have a way to grab food.

Students will also be able to enjoy seating not only in usual areas, but also in the food court around stations where food is being made.

However, Mike Lysaght, the Resident District Manager of ECU Dining, says that no definite date can be given at the time.

"We don't want to confuse students or distribute information that might not be accurate; however, we believe the outcome will be phenomenal and students will be pleased with the results," said Lysaght.

Todd Dining Hall isn't the only dining place that is undergoing major changes. Starting in January of 2009, Wright Plaza will take out Java City coffee and replace it with Starbucks. This construction is phase one of a two-part production, which involves the entire closing and renovation of Wright Plaza, with the exception of the Starbucks.

For returning students, many may have heard rumors about a Chili's restaurant opening at the Croatan. According to ECU dining, the reports are true and after major reconstruction, the Croatan will become a two-story building, hosting Chick-fil-A along with a Chili's restaurant. Students will experience counter-style service along with a possibility of a wait staff. The menu will be designed to be as unlimited as possible, but no alcohol will be served.

Construction isn't the only thing happening with dining at the university. Many new changes are coming that might surprise students. This includes going tray-less, a change that many universities across the country are adopting.

"We tried this last year for two days in an effort to measure just how effective it would be for us," Woodard said. "We found that there was less food waste and that we save water."

However, for students that might not be used to the idea of going tray-less, Woodard says that a limited number will be available for those who request it.

Other changes include listing ingredients and nutritional information, which will help with students watching caloric intake and those that may have specific food allergies. Also, there will be more vegetarian and vegan options for students, with Todd Dining Hall offering at least one vegetarian or vegan feature at all times.

However, ECU dining wants to see results outside of physical construction, renovation and internal changes. For Woodard, offering the best options for students is a main objective.

"Our goal is to offer the greatest value, flexibility, variety and convenience with food on campus," Woodard said. "Regardless of what is going on, we strive to have a good program."

For Lysaght, witnessing the excitement of students when they see the options available is what makes it all worthwhile.

"We don't want to be just the food service that you have to eat," Lysaght said. "We want to bring excitement for on-and-off-campus students with what we have when it comes to food."

This writer can be contacted at features@theeastcarolinian.com.