As the 2023-2024 academic year begins, there are new dining spaces and concepts as well as novel and exciting classes within the Patti and Allan Herbert Wellness Center that await students to boost their well-being.
Dining Services has made several changes on the Coral Gables Campus, including:
- The Halal Shack, located in the Hurricane Food Court, is a new culinary addition that combines mouthwatering Mediterranean flavors, savory Middle Eastern spices, and classic American style to create a healthy eating experience.
- Just Baked Bistro, located in The Market of the Hurricane Food Court, has many offerings for those on the go. A wide variety of hot meals and snacks, including White Castle Sliders, Potstickers, and Krispy Kreme Donuts, are available.
- The Mahoney-Pearson and Hecht-Stanford Dining Halls have made several improvements including the addition of OZZI, which is a new sustainable take-out program. Purchase your OZZI container, fill it with the food of your choice, enjoy your meal wherever you choose to eat, and return the container to the OZZI machine located outside either dining hall. In addition, both dining halls have reimagined the take-out areas to include a variety of items including ice cream, frozen entrees, snacks, and more. At the Mahoney-Pearson Dining Hall, updated seating areas provide a cozy and welcoming environment to enjoy meals and connect with friends.
- Sushi Maki, Tossed, Daybreak, and Archivist Café have all included self-ordering kiosks. These allow purchasers to place an order, pick it up when it’s ready, or to scan grab-and-go items.
- Yo-Kai, formally located in the Shalala Student Center, has moved to the Hurricane Food Court. It offers fast vending machines with favorites that include ramen bowls, pho, and much more.
- Elia at Sebastian’s Café, located in the Newman Alumni Center, provides Greek-inspired café favorites and a range of Mediterranean cuisine.
View menus and hours of operation.
“UM Dining is super excited about the opening of Halal Shack. We worked closely with student leaders last spring to identify a new concept that would unite cultures and students through food,” said Ana Alvarez, assistant vice president for auxiliary services, dining, and vending. “It opened July 31, and the feedback so far has been fabulous.”
Another great resource on the Coral Gables Campus is the Patti and Allan Herbert Wellness Center, which is known for its results-driven approach while providing a healthy, safe, and fun environment to work on health and well-being. A membership with the Wellness Center provides many perks including group fitness classes and access to member spaces like the racquetball and tennis courts and the pool. Updates this academic year include:
- Outdoor Adventures provides a challenging adventure-based program to students to enhance engagement and well-being. The center will host a Women’s Climb Night, a fall climbing league, and a variety of fall trips including Stand-Up Paddleboarding, surfing, and mindfulness trips. It also provides gear rentals, a bike shop, and group development programs. Visit the Outdoor Adventures website for a full list of upcoming adventure trips and more information.
- Instructional Programs emphasizes healthy lifestyle behaviors by offering group exercise classes. New or revamped classes being provided this fall include Hip Hop Dance Intensive, Reformer Pilates, and ballet classes, to name a few. Visit the Department of Wellness and Recreation to register or get a full list of upcoming classes, including a Riding Through the 305 Cycle Class slated for Aug. 24 at 6:30 p.m.
- Getting a personal trainer is a great way to receive one-on-one guidance from a knowledgeable and certified fitness guide. Sessions can be purchased at an additional cost; and beginning this fall semester, there will be a promotional package for this service. Members can use the promo code PTSTU23 to receive 50 percent off their first eight-pack of fitness sessions.
The Herbert Wellness Center provides a wide variety of offerings to students, staff and faculty members, and alumni. It also has a fitness lab, provides health education, sponsors and provides massage therapy services. Visit the Wellness and Recreation website to get a full list of all upcoming events and classes.
The variety of resources provided on campus allows students to make their well-being a priority by keeping their bodies nourished and in shape and leaving them feeling well-connected, empowered, and ready to take on their academics.
