Starbucks coffee machines test around campus

Casey Templeton / staff photographer Starbucks coffee machines, which are being tested in various places around campus, accept Dining Dollers, Dining Dollars Gold and FLEX. A full-service Starbucks is being planned for the PC Dukes renovation.

Vending machines dispensing Starbucks brand coffee are being tested at JMU.

The plans for a real Starbucks barista are coming along, said freshman Hunter Rush, chairman of the Student Government Association’s food services committee.

"PC Dukes is going to be renovated to include the Ballroom upstairs as well as a full-service Starbucks," Rush said. "Construction should be completed by early August." Rush is responsible for bringing specialty food and beverages to JMU and fielding students’ concerns and complaints.

"The machines will offer caffeinated and decaf coffee and Starbucks’ hot cocoa," resident district manager Clete Myers said.

"We are a test pilot location for this concept," he said. "JMU and UVa. are the only schools in the country with this program. Starbucks will review the program based on this pilot series and determine if this is a concept they will continue to develop."

The machines take Dining Dollars, Dining Dollars Gold or FLEX. They will not take cash.

"I love Starbucks coffee and the fact I can now get it in a vending machine makes it that much more convenient," sophomore Ashley Fennig said.