Weekends at Hamilton College are meant to be a time for rest, relaxation and reconnection. However, for students living on the dark-side of campus, the absence of a nearby dining hall on weekends disrupts this “peace,” turning a simple meal into an inconvenience. McEwen Dining Hall, situated on the dark-side of residential life, closes early on Fridays, and remains closed on Saturday and Sundays. It is time for that to change.

McEwen serves a pivotal gathering space for those on Hamilton’s dark side, providing a sense of community and convenience for its residents. During the week, students can take a short walk to Mcewen to grab breakfast, lunch or dinner, enjoying a variety of exquisite food options without having to walk across campus. But, on the weekends, that option simply vanishes. Instead, students are forced to journey to Commons, the only other full-service dining hall on campus, or Howard Diner, which is open but offers a limited menu. What might seem like a minor inconvenience at first is actually a significant disruption for the dark-side community experience. Imagine having to leave your residence hall on a cold December morning, walking across the snowy campus just to grab some scrambled eggs. Not exactly the relaxed weekend for which students yearn.

There is something inherently unfair about how dining services are split across campus, particularly when the weekend comes around. While light-side residents have access to Commons during the weekends, dark-side residents must make the journey or resort to eating in their dorm rooms. This discrepancy creates a less ideal situation for those who already find themselves isolated from campus facilities, like the library and athletics center. By keeping McEwen closed on the weekends, Hamilton exacerbates an already unequal campus experience.

Reopening McEwen on weekends also instills a sense of community amongst dark-side residents. During the week, McEwen is not just a place to eat — it is a space where people gather and socialize. On weekends, this opportunity to connect with others is lost. If McEwen remains open, students on the dark-side could meet friends, study over lunch or take a break from life without having to journey across campus. Food, at its core, brings people together and having a local dining hall option on the weekends allows people to sustain a stronger sense of connection.

Opening McEwen on weekends could also provide more flexibility for students with varied schedules and preferences. Not everyone follows the same schedule, and having diverse dining options allows students to choose a meal location that best suits their needs and plans. Whether it is an early brunch before a weekend trip, a quick lunch between study sessions or a relaxed dinner with friends, having McEwen opened allows students to personalize their weekends without having to stress over where to eat.

Besides the social aspect, reopening McEwen could alleviate pressure on Commons, which often gets overcrowded especially during peak dining hours on the weekends. Students are often stuck waiting in long lines or struggling to find a place to sit. With McEwen as an available option, the dining experience would be less stressful for both students and workers. It would distribute the flow of students evenly, making a pleasant experience across both dining halls.

Hamilton College prides itself on fostering an inclusive community, and part of that means ensuring that all students have equal access to its facilities. Ultimately, the matter of McEwen’s availability is about more than just food; it is about convenience, comfort and the feeling that where you live on campus does not limit you from what you can do. By opening McEwen on weekends, Hamilton can create a balanced and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Weekends are a time to unwind and having McEwen would make that easier for dark-side students. No one should have to choose between a long trek and the basic necessity of eating a meal. The dark-side deserves a dining option on weekends that is suitable and community-oriented. It is time for Hamilton to provide equal access to dining — making weekends better for everyone on the dark side.