On Dec. 3, 2025, a final meeting was held in regards to the on-campus Starbucks which resulted in the ending of Saint Xavier University (SXU)’s agreement with the company, effective June 30, 2026. In light of this change, the Xavierite Editorial Board discussed their beliefs on how this was handled and what should come next.
Every board member supported the decision to move away from Starbucks, with one saying “I feel overall positively about this change.” However, opinions on how communications were handled varied.
“I support the change, although I think administration could have been more communicative,” one board member said.
While students’ opinions were considered during the decision, communication relating to the change may have been missed by many students.
This same board member went further by saying, “I definitely wouldn’t say all students had a voice in this decision, because many students were unaware of the decisions being made. If I wasn’t a writer for the Xavierite, I probably wouldn’t have known either.”
Outside of in-person meetings most students were unaware of and an email many glanced over, information regarding how to voice your concerns on the issue were limited.
“The students [make] this school possible and including them in decisions like this helps build a stronger community between staff and students,” remarked another board member.
An additional member added: “I know most students give the Starbucks a lot of business, so it’s unfortunate that they don’t know what’s going on.”
Since Starbucks is an integral part of many students’ days, some have strong opinions on the change they possibly were not able to voice.
In relation, board members were questioned about what they would like to see in place of Starbucks and what products they deem necessary.
“I do hope that it remains a coffee shop […] I think most of us drink a ton of coffee, and having the option to get it on campus is important to a lot of students,” a board member emphasized.
Coffee is something many rely on to get them through the day, and every board member mentioned the need to keep it as an option.
Another added: “I think a local coffee shop serving coffee, tea, small sandwiches, and bakery items would be perfect.”
Alongside Starbucks, President Elder highlighted the plan to re-imagine other areas as a part of Innovate 2028—a strategic plan for SXU’s vision.
Board members were asked for their ideas on other places they would like to see re-imagined.
One member said, “I think SXU is in desperate need of some places on campus for students,especially commuters, to just lounge, socialize, or do homework.”
Others considered Gilhooley’s by saying, “I would like to see Gilhooley’s become a place that is open all the time, not only for special occasions. It would allow students to have another space to foster community.”
Places where students can hang out and interact with others are very limited as of now, and every board member emphasized the importance of these spaces.
Overall, the Xavierite Editorial Board is extremely pleased with the decision to end the Starbucks agreement and are thankful to the administration for the consideration of student’s voices. We look forward to seeing what opens in place and what changes come with Innovate 2028.