The UW-Milwaukee Dining Hall is preparing for significant changes in the upcoming academic year. Dining Director Joie Schoonover shared details with the UWM Post.
Here are the top three things students should know:
1. PALMS GARDENS IS RE-OPENING IN FALL 2025
Palms Garden, located in Sandburg residence hall, is expected to reopen during the fall 2025 semester with operating hours from 7 – 11 p.m. The location closed originally in 2022 due to kitchen complications.
The space is currently being renovated, with updates including a fresh new coat of paint and new seating. The reopening is part of an effort to ease congestion in the main cafeteria on Sandburg’s third floor.
2. NEW MEAL PLANS ANNOUNCED
On Feb. 21, 2025, the Dining & Retail Services at UW-Milwaukee’s Dining & Retail Services emailed students about the new dining plan requirements for the 2025-26 academic year. University housing residents will be required to select one of the following plans:
The 225: Includes 225 swipes per semester, $200 in dining dollars, and seven guest passes with an estimated cost of $2,250 per semester.
Four A Day: Offers four daily meal swipes, $300 in dining dollars and 10 guest passes with an estimated cost of $2,550 per semester.
Supplemental Plan:
This plan is exclusive to residents of Sandburg East Tower, the Cambridge Upgrade Suites and Riverview. Included are 110 swipes per semester, $100 in dining dollars and four guest passes. Estimated to cost $1,400 per semester.
Students will also be able to add funds to their accounts if needed.
The updated plans aim to reduce food waste through improved portion control.
3. New Menu Items
The dining halls at UW-Milwaukee have already begun rolling out new menu items for this semester.
For breakfast, students can now expect items such as pancakes, breakfast egg rolls and french toast on a rotational basis.
For lunch, some new items that can be seen on a rotating basis are baked potatoes, mashed potatoes and quesadillas.
Students are responding positively to the changes, according to Schoonover. Schoonover mentioned that a parent reached out to say their student was enjoying the new offerings.