Produced in collaboration with The Oxford Cultural Collective, TUCO notes how promoting students’ positive mental health has become a “key priority” for UK universities and colleges, and advises caterers to “effectively communicate” their institution’s commitment to supporting positive student welfare.
TUCO chair Matthew White said: “As sector leaders, (TUCO is) challenged to sharpen its thinking on student mental health and wellbeing, and provide support through dedicated initiatives.
“With an estimated 171 cultural representations in further and higher education, it is important for us to promote and support a positive community atmosphere.
“We are excited to launch this research and wish our institutions embed positive initiatives within their catering and hospitality services, to influence student wellbeing.
“We believe the power of good food, drink and hospitality can help promote a sense of inclusion, community and belonging.
“(TUCO) believes hospitality is a shared responsibility.
“By focusing on the intended outcomes of hospitality provision, communicating an up-beat message about the value of inclusion and community, and by stimulating positive emotional responses, we can challenge ourselves to embed a culture of delivering a life-enhancing hospitality experience.”
As such, ‘Hospitable Campus’ encourages universities to engage students in personalised services; achieve positive ‘meaning’ for hospitality spaces; and bring students together through creative interventions.
The paper is available to download now via: https://www.tuco.ac.uk/grow/tuco-research.