Warde Academic Center at Saint Xavier University
SXU News
During An Afternoon with the Student Government Association on November 10, SGA President Ethan Coe informed students that Saint Xavier University was reviewing whether to renew its contract with Starbucks. At the time, no additional details were provided, marking the first occasion in which students were made aware of potential changes to the campus coffee space.
Further clarification came during the spring semester, when University President Keith Elder, PhD., and Vice President of Student Life Katy Thompson, M.A., outlined SXU’s plans regarding the Starbucks contract and the future of the space. Thompson stated that “the main factor considered is that we are nearing the end of a multi-year agreement.” She added that renewing the contract would require the University to invest “over $500,000 in enhancements to that space.”
University administrators from Student Life and Auxiliary Services reviewed recommendations from the Food Committee, which includes representatives from the Residence Hall Association (RHA) and SGA. These recommendations guided discussions regarding the renewal of the Starbucks contract and potential alternatives for the space.
Student input played a central role throughout the process. Thompson shared that student opinions were incorporated “over the course of the fall semester meetings where student representatives from SGA and RHA announced the change and the necessary investment to renew.” During these meetings, students were invited to provide recommendations and suggest alternatives for the space. Many students submitted petitions and proposed options for local coffee shops and other coffee chains.
A final meeting on December 3, 2025, resulted in student leaders supporting the decision to end the Starbucks agreement effective June 30, 2026. Thompson stated that further announcements will be made to students once a new concept for the space has been selected. She added that all dining services will close as scheduled at the end of the semester on May 8, 2026, which will mark the last day of Starbucks operations on campus.
RHA and SGA will continue working with Country House Kitchen management to reimagine the space. Student Life will collaborate with students and the Senior Leadership Team on opportunities such as naming the space and providing input on coffee selections, drink options, and food offerings. The redesigned space will also be available for student programming without franchise oversight, allowing for a broader range of activities on campus. Thompson emphasized that student input will guide the design and operation of the space to ensure it meets their needs.
Elder highlighted that the changes align with SXU’s broader strategic plan, Innovate 2028. “One of the main components of SXU’s strategic plan, Innovate 2028, is spaces,” Elder said. “So, we are working on spaces like Gilhooleys and reimagining the basement of the library. Please know we are taking a comprehensive look at spaces related to the student experience and getting student input.”
Students will also have the opportunity to provide feedback on coffee vendors at upcoming events in March, and the selected coffee will be offered at Coffee Cats, similar to current operations between the two venues.
By involving students at every stage, SXU aims to create a space that supports engagement, programming, and community-building while providing a refreshed coffee experience for the campus.