Students express concerns over Boost
Boost is an app used to order meals or drinks ahead of time so students do not have to wait in line.//Alexis Friedman / The Hofstra Chronicle.
Boost: Mobile Food Ordering is an app used across many college campuses across the country, including Hofstra University, which allows students to order meals or drinks ahead of time, essentially removing the need for waiting in a line.
“It’s just easier, as a college student, I don’t have a lot of time,” said Thomas Zgaljardic, a freshman business analytics major. “I can order something in the library then just go pick it up.”
While students find the idea of Boost convenient, the app has its flaws. Like all other apps, Boost is susceptible to some minor inconveniences.
“Sometimes it glitches and the order doesn’t go through,” Zgaljardic said.
Currently, the app has a two-star rating in the Google Play Store and a 2.8-star rating in the Apple Store. Some students say customer service could be the leading factor for this.
“The customer service aspect isn’t as great as one would hope,” said Nick Lupinacci, a senior electrical engineering major. “There should definitely be some sort of way to add a note to Boost orders, especially for those with dietary restrictions.”
Customer service issues seem to be at the forefront of frustration against Boost. Lupinacci added that the inability to provide a note for an order can result in incorrect orders.
A problem that students have raised across the country with this app have been the app not showing every menu option that is offered at certain spots.
Another issue surrounding the Boost app concerns the availability of pick-up times. Currently, the app offers ten minute intervals for pick-ups.
Miles Klass, a junior and information systems major, was one student who expressed a frustration with the currently available times. “They should implement intervals of five minutes for order times, not ten,” he said.
“Our goal as a dining team is to have all orders fresh and ready on time,” said Lexis Meehan, a marketing manager for Hofstra University campus dining. “There is always a learning curve, for our employees, our campus and our students.”
Boost is not owned by nor affiliated with Hofstra University. The app is utilized by a plethora of colleges throughout the country, with each college being responsible for creating the menus for the eateries which students may order from.
“Boost is a proprietary program owned by [the] Compass Group,” Meehan said. “Our managers work with the Boost team to decide what brands and menu items will become available in the app and submit requests for when menu and promotional updates need to be made.”
Meehan urges students to voice their concerns with the app whenever they encounter a problem.
“If there are any menu items you feel should be included in the app, please reach out to our dining team, or submit a request through the Boost app in the account lab,” Meehan said.
