As a result of the substantial improvements in dining services and the bookstore, and with a desire to use college resources even more effectively, CC is reallocating oversight responsibilities for several of the college’s auxiliary functions.
In 2006 the positions of legal counsel and director of business were combined when Legal Counsel Chris Melcher joined the college. The college benefitted from having one individual with significant legal and business experience manage both areas of responsibility, and achieved immediate salary and benefit savings. Now with dining services and the bookstore on firm footing, the college will eliminate the director of business position, and redistribute oversight of auxiliaries. Effective March 22, the dining service and bookstore contracts will be managed by Vice President of Finance and Administration Robert Moore, and the college’s managed properties and insurance and risk management functions will be managed by Legal Counsel Melcher, in addition to his current legal responsibilities.
In his business role, Melcher oversaw significant transformations and improvements in the dining service and campus bookstore. In 2007-08, the college completed a competitive new food service bid process, won by Bon Appetit, which was overseen by Melcher and the Campus Food Service Committee. The change to Bon Appetit has resulted in improved food service, progress on sustainability, an improved sense of community, and a contribution from Bon Appetit of $3.5 million toward the renovation of CC’s food service facilities.
Additionally, in 2008-09, the ad hoc Bookstore Advisory Committee composed of faculty, staff, and students and supported by Melcher, spent months exploring the future of campus bookstores and textbooks, ultimately reaching a unanimous recommendation to award a contract for management of the campus bookstore to Validis (Nebraska Books). The college secured a beneficial contract, and the transition took place in Block 6.
As a result of these improvements, the college now has an opportunity to reorganize these responsibilities and make permanent the savings realized from combining the positions of legal counsel and director of business.
Robert Moore and Chris Melcher will work closely to ensure a smooth transition and look forward to the greater effectiveness these changes will produce. CC is continuing its efforts to fulfill the Board of Trustees request that the college look for ways to improve efficiencies and operations. Feel free to call either Moore or Melcher, or others in their offices, with questions regarding these changes, or go to: http://www.coloradocollege.edu/welcome/presidentsoffice/melcher.asp
