Student Org Collaborations

Section Contents

Student Organizations: Collaborate With Us!

Vanderbilt Campus Dining is proud to partner with registered student organizations to create meaningful and engaging culinary experiences. Our team enjoys working with students to develop specialty menus and events that bring the campus community together.

Past Collaborations

We’ve partnered with student organizations on a variety of events, including:

Cultural Celebrations

Campus Dining works closely with cultural student groups to bring authentic, traditional dishes to our dining halls in honor of special occasions. Some past partnerships include:

  • Association of Latin American Students – Latin American Heritage Month celebrations
  • Black Student Association – Traditional dishes highlighting Black culture and heritage
  • Middle Eastern Student Association – Middle Eastern cuisine for cultural events
  • South Asian Cultural Exchange – Diwali and other South Asian festival menus

Religious Observances

While Campus Dining does not endorse any specific religion, we are committed to accommodating students’ dietary needs during religious observances. Some examples include:

  • Ramadan Support – In partnership with the Muslim Student Association, Campus Dining provides meal options tailored to students observing Ramadan, including pre-dawn and post-sunset meals that reflect traditional comfort foods.

Student Activities & Special Events

Food has the power to bring people together, and Campus Dining is excited to support student-driven activities. Some past collaborations include:

  • Vanderbilt Culinary Club – Hands-on cooking demonstrations and themed dining experiences
  • Vanderbilt Student Government – Events like Midnight Breakfast and the Student Chef Cookoff
  • Resident Advisor Pop-Ups – Special late-night or themed meals hosted in residence halls

These are just a few examples of how we’ve worked with student groups to enhance campus life through food. Have an idea for a new collaboration? We’d love to hear it!

How to Get Started

If your student organization is interested in collaborating with Campus Dining, please:

  1. Review the FAQ section below to ensure your idea is feasible.
  2. Fill out the Introduction Form to start the conversation with our team.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What types of student organizations does Campus Dining partner with?

    We prioritize collaborations that help connect students with one another through food. If your organization’s event encourages engagement, education, or cultural exchange, we’d love to explore the possibility of working together.

  • What kinds of recipes can Campus Dining execute?

    When selecting recipes for collaboration, student organizations should consider:

    • Scalability – Recipes should be adaptable for 1,000+ servings while maintaining quality and authenticity.
    • Comfort & Street Food Over Fine Dining – Casual, familiar dishes work best in a large-scale dining setting.
    • Ingredient Availability – Some ingredients may be restricted due to supply chain limitations or allergen considerations. Our chefs will work with your organization to find suitable alternatives when needed.
  • What should student organizations consider before submitting a request?
    • Meal Frequency – Will this be a one-time event, a weekly feature, or a week-long series?
    • Event Programming – Is your event part of a larger student-led initiative? (e.g., a cultural festival, awareness week, or celebration)
    • Dietary Restrictions – Are there any specific dietary needs or allergen concerns?
    • Student Participation – Collaborations are most engaging when student representatives serve as station hosts, greeters, or explainers of the dishes being served.
  • What is the timeline for a collaboration with Campus Dining?

    To ensure a seamless experience, Campus Dining follows this structured timeline:

    6+ weeks before the event

    • Student organization reviews FAQs and submits the Introduction Form to schedule a meeting with Campus Dining.

    6 weeks before the event

    • Student organization representatives meet with Campus Dining to discuss the vision for the collaboration.

    3-5 weeks before the event

    • Campus Dining tests recipes, sources ingredients, and finalizes logistics.

    2 weeks before the event

    • A final meeting is held to confirm all event details.

Ready to Collaborate?

If your student organization has an idea for a culinary collaboration, we’d love to hear from you! Please complete the Introduction Form below to start the process.

Submit an Introduction Form

Have questions or need additional information? Contact Campus Dining.