The Board of Regents unanimously voted Wednesday to give the University's food-service contract to Chartwells.
Students have complained that UNM's food-service provider, Aramark, doesn't provide healthy options, puts high prices on its products and forbids them from bringing food into the SUB for special events.
Aramark's eight-year contract expires in April.
Food service companies Aramark, Chartwells and Sodexo put in bids for the contract.
Regent Mel Eaves said he was leery about signing another long-term contract.
"I want to be assured that the proper language is in this contract to protect the University," he said.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
Eaves said that when UNM inks the million-dollar food service contract, the University should be able to end the contract if Chartwells doesn't satisfy students, faculty and staff.
"I know the students have had a number of complaints about Aramark," he said. "I would like some assurance that the contract that we sign gives the University the option to take action if those kinds of incidents occur under this new contract."
Walter Miller, associate vice president of Student Life, said he plans to put a 'no cause' clause in the contract, which would allow the University to break its agreement with Chartwells at any time for any reason.
Dan Twohy, regional vice president for Chartwells, said the specifics of the contract have not been determined.
"We're in a period where we're negotiating the contract with the University," he said. "So, the director of purchasing had to ask me to wait to talk to the University until the contract has been officially awarded - as in that it's signed, sealed and delivered, which we expect to happen anywhere from a week to two weeks."
A spokeswoman for Aramark declined to comment.
Associated Students of UNM President Ashley Fate, who participated in the selection process, said Chartwells was a popular choice because it was willing to focus on students' needs.
"We asked Chartwells - the company we're negotiating with currently - 'How do you feel about letting the students have their own food in the student union?'" she said. "And their immediate response was, 'It's their building. They should bring the food they want into their building.'"
Fate said she is confident Chartwells will put students first.
"When Chartwells said it would focus on the students, it spoke volumes," she said. "It means that they're aware that we're their primary stakeholders. And to be honest with you, that's what my main concern is: How much do they care about us?"
