Pomona Dining Services meal plan changes raise concern over shared governance

The changes were informed by Dining Services’ ongoing consultation with Webb Foodservice Design Group, a consulting group that Pomona hired in January 2026 to implement wider changes within Dining Services across the next two years. In a resolution passed on Sept. 24, the Associated Students of Pomona College (ASPC) condemned Dining Services’ lack of discussion with students amidst recent decisions, and called for Pomona to renew their commitment to shared governance.

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Pomona and UNITE HERE begin negotiations for a new contract amid ULP filing, delegation

Pomona College and UNITE HERE Local 11, the union representing the college’s dining service employees, began negotiations on Sept. 8 for a new collective bargaining agreement.
Elias Pluecker PO ’28, student organizer for UNITE HERE and a member of the Pomona chapter of the Claremont Student Worker Alliance (CSWA) and, said that many employees are struggling to make ends meet and often commute from far away, unable to afford living closer to the college.

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Students picket and boycott Frary Dining Hall to protest termination of cook Rolando Araiza

Around 30 students picketed the entrances to Pomona College’s Frary dining hall at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 10 — chanting, holding cardboard signs and drumming on buckets. The demonstration, organized by the Claremont Student Workers Alliance (CSWA), encouraged 5C students to boycott the dining hall and advocate for the reinstatement of recently fired cook Rolando “Rolo” Araiza.
Picketers said the boycott directly pressured Pomona to rehire Rolo, asking students to spend meal-plan money at the other colleges. They added that making noise in the picket line drew attention to their cause, something other forms of demonstrations may not accomplish.
“I think you can do a lot of talking, but I think when you really start singing and yelling is when you can really get your message across in different ways,” Una Marie Lake SC ’29 said.

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Union leader and Frary cook Rolando Araiza terminated; Pomona faces backlash

Pomona College is under fire for terminating Frary Dining Hall cook and union leader Rolando Araiza last Thursday after 21 years of employment, months before a new union contract is due in June. Students and workers are campaigning for Arazia to be reinstated under claims that Pomona’s decision was influenced by his involvement with workers unions.

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Earthtones brings harmony and legacy to the Frary steps

A quiet breeze sang through the Frary archways at Pomona College last Thursday night, as students settled into their makeshift seats just in time for the performance to begin. Moments later, one of the 5Cs’ most vibrant acappella groups took to the stage. Earthtones, the 13-member all-Black acappella group, stood

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Frary Snack makes a one-time comeback

Over 1,000 students gathered at Pomona College’s Frary dining hall on the evening of Mar. 1 for a one-time return of the pre-pandemic tradition, Frary Snack, surprising organizers with a turnout far exceeding the expected 200. The event featured a special breakfast menu, performances by a cappella groups Midnight Echo and Mood Swing, and was a nostalgic revival of a beloved community tradition, sparking hope for its future recurrence.

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Starr receives criticism after response to Dec. 8 student demonstrations

On Saturday, Dec. 9, Pomona College President G. Gabrielle Starr sent an email to the Pomona student body condemning what she described as “two unacceptable incidents involving intimidation and conduct intended to physically restrain a student” that occurred the previous day. The incidents she referenced took place on Friday, Dec.

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OPINION: Respect for dining hall workers starts with a smile

Lizette Gonzalez PO ’27 has an important message: Say “hello” and “thank you” to our dining workers.

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