Chartwells Higher Education Fosters Belonging for First-Year Students with New "First 50 Days" Initiative

Based on insights from the Campus Dining Index, First 50 Days programming aims to ease the first-year transition and strengthen community when students arrive on campus

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognizing that the first few months of college are pivotal to a student's long-term academic and social success, Chartwells Higher Education, a recognized leader in contract foodservice management, has announced its dedicated "First 50 Days" campus initiative.

This initiative transforms campus dining spaces and experiences into places that build community, foster belonging, and support student retention, starting from day one. First 50 Days showcases Chartwells' student-focused dining services, ensuring that incoming students receive immediate and ongoing support during their initial weeks on campus.

"The dining hall is often the first place where students gather outside of class, and food has an incredible power to bring people together," said Eva Wojtalewski, CEO of Chartwells Higher Education. "What makes that experience meaningful is the relationships built there, whether that's between students and their peers or with the associates who greet them every day. That's why we invest in our teams and their development, empowering them to create memorable moments of hospitality and connection that help students feel at home from day one."

Data on the impact of on-campus dining
Recent findings from Chartwells' 2026 Campus Dining Index (CDI) show that positive dining hall experiences are crucial for early campus belonging. According to the CDI, 61% of first-year students feel that the campus dining program has positively influenced their adjustment to college life. Additionally, 55% of these students believe that their dining experiences have contributed to a sense of welcome on campus.

Engaging students through First Year Eats
Through its First Year Eats program, Chartwells engages students at one of their most frequent touchpoints on campus, as 40% of first-year students visit all-you-can-eat dining halls daily, and 16% visit them 5 to 6 times per week. The program hosts structured monthly social events, such as guided dining tours or a back-to-school "Mix and Mingle." This program connects new students with peers, dining staff, and student organizations. It also offers specialized support for first-generation students, while returning upperclassmen serve as student ambassadors to help guide incoming students through dining hall resources and campus community events.

Guiding their transitions with Milestones
Milestones aligns dining hall experiences with the emotional and academic stages of the college journey. The program focuses on establishing early foundations of belonging in dining hubs to help students feel at home. It also directly connects new students to campus health, wellness, and academic resources during their first weeks on campus and throughout their college experience whenever they need it.

A different dining curriculum: the Experience Syllabus
The Experience Syllabus serves as a planning resource for campus teams that fosters peer connections through signature events, themed dining campaigns, and purpose-driven programming, such as Spirit Days, dining insider guides, or student organization collaborations. By streamlining programming, the Syllabus makes it simple for students to engage in activities that enhance belonging, well-being, and joy through food and community.

Chartwells continues to demonstrate how intentional dining strategies can actively shape the college experience. By linking data-driven insights with student-centered programs, First 50 Days ensures that incoming students are not only nourished but also fully integrated into their new campus communities from the moment they set foot on campus. To learn more, visit https://chartwellshighered.com.

About Chartwells Higher Education
Chartwells is the recognized leader in contract foodservice management, hospitality, and guest service at more than 320 colleges and universities across the United States. Chartwells delivers "Dining, Made Personal" through quality, craveable food and dining programs tailored to each campus and designed around real student life. With signature service and meaningful connections, Chartwells partners with institutions to co-create campus experiences that make students and guests feel seen and welcomed.

SOURCE Chartwells Higher Education