The Texas State University System (TSUS) has approved a contract for Texas State with Aramark Collegiate Hospitality, which will serve as the new food supplier on campus effective June 1. This change comes as the institution prepares to comply with Texas House Bill 127.
Aramark will replace Chartwells Higher Education, which has provided food services at Texas State since February 1998. Chartwells has been responsible for dining halls, Paws-N-Go, J.C. Kellam’s snack bar, and catering services.
The contract, valued at $301 million over a ten-year term with a five-year renewal option, aims to ensure access to safe, nutritious, and diverse food options for the campus community.
Planned changes under Aramark include updated culinary concepts for residential dining halls, expanded retail dining options, improved access for off-campus students, integrated technology, and enhanced food security initiatives.
As a result of the transition, a WARN notice indicated that 183 layoffs from Chartwells will take effect on May 31. It remains unclear how many positions may transfer to Aramark.
A mass email from Vice President for Student Success Cynthia Hernandez outlined Aramark’s enhanced focus on access, quality, convenience, and consistency in dining services. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions during a campus webinar on June 9.
Texas State is also preparing to implement Texas House Bill 127, which aims to strengthen protections against foreign influence and research risks. This initiative, led by Shreek Mandayam, vice president for research at Texas State, includes enhanced screening and oversight of foreign funding.
HB 127, effective September 1, 2025, prohibits universities from contracting with foreign adversaries for certain software and mandates compliance audits every four years. Institutions found in violation will face funding restrictions after a grace period.
Mandayam plans to meet with the board of regents in August to ensure compliance with the new regulations.
Source: universitystar.com via Google News.
