Crissie Elrick
Photo Editor
cmelrick@valdosta.edu

Students will soon have the opportunity to get to know their professors outside of the classroom by having lunch together at an on-campus dining hall.
On Sept. 1, Out to Lunch will officially kick off. This program allows on-campus residents with meal plans to set up a lunch meeting with a professor of their choice.
Students can schedule it for a time that is convenient for them and their professor.
“Spending time with faculty adds to the college experience, as opportunities like Out to Lunch remove faculty and students from the formality of the classroom and allow them to engage in conversations about not only academia, but life and common interests as well,” Sarah VanKuiken, Academic Initiatives and Residential Education Coordinator, said.
VanKuiken also added that taking a professor to lunch is a way to show appreciation for the professor and possibly establish mentoring relationships.
Students who wish to set up a lunch meeting can contact their professor and then pick up a coupon for their lunch guest in the Housing Office.
Students will then be able to use their meal plan and present the faculty member’s coupon at the same time.
Students seeking more information about the program should contact Sarah Vankuiken at slvankuiken@valdosta.edu, or stop by the Housing Office located in Powell Hall. Out to Lunch is co-sponsored by Sodexo and Housing and Residence Life.