One of the most beloved traditions at Elon University is College Coffee. And what’s not to love? It’s a chance to see friends and professors and what’s happening on campus. It’s also a chance for students to get a free snack and some coffee or juice.

There is something a little different about this tradition from past semesters — according to the online schedule, no bagels are being offered at College Coffee this fall. 

I recognize that some people may be very happy about this. Everyone has their preference for what is offered, and no bagels means more opportunities for other treats. Some people get excited about the muffins, and others love the doughnut days. 

I do enjoy the variety that is offered, but I love it when I walk past Numen Lumen and see bagels and cream cheese on those red-draped tables of Phi Beta Kappa Plaza. College Coffee is advertised on Elon’s website as having, “snacks and beverages to sustain everyone until lunch.” 

Bagels were my favorite because they’re generally the only College Coffee option that doesn’t give me a sugar rush. Doughnuts are delicious, but I can almost feel the glaze pumping through my veins in my next class. Bagels were the snack that actually sustained me until lunch.

Elon often reaffirms their desire to set their students up for successful, well- rounded lives. It’s part of the reason for the Experiential Learning Requirements. 

Professors are constantly encouraging students to take advantage of the Student Professional Development Center, the Center for Writing Excellence and Counseling Services. There are many ways for students to set themselves up for success in their future careers as well as in their personal lives.

Another way students can do that is eating well. So why are the College Coffee options always one step away from desserts? It is not the university’s responsibility to make sure we are eating our vegetables, but I do think that we deserve more. 

If Elon is going to encourage students to come to an event, that event should help students — not set them up to crash in their next class.Bagels are not universally healthier than doughnuts, muffins or the occasional cultural celebration snack. But I’m not saying that bagels should be the only baked good offered at College Coffee. 

I am saying that I’m disappointed to see the snack that I believe best met the description of the tradition gone from Phi Beta Kappa Plaza.