The University of North Alabama is moving forward with its change in food-service vendor, partnering with Chartwells and ending a 39-year affiliation with Sodexo.

According to a report from the Times Daily, the university's Board of Trustees voted unanimously giving the university administration the authority to finalize a 10-year contract with Chartwells. University officials say that food service is the largest contract at North Alabama, and that Chartwells scored the highest out of the vendors considered both in terms of brands and concepts, as well as in cost to students and the university. The university's new contract with Chartwells took effect June 1.

The report reveals that Chartwells has proposed $6.6 million in capital investment to renovate and build out campus facilities for new food vendors in addition to keeping mainstays like Starbucks and Chick-fil-a.

UNA Vice President of Business and Financial Affairs, Clinton Carter, said in a statement to the Times Daily that Chartwells' proposal scored 32 out of 35 in the food-service committee review, while Sodexo scored a 21 out of 35. Aramark also submitted a proposal for the university's food service contract, though no scores were reported.

The Times Daily report also reveals that that UNA's proposed agreement with Chartwells guarantees a minimum of $4 million in commission for the university, with an 8% commission on sales up to $8 million. Should the university surpass that mark, the commission will rise to 11% for any sales made beyond $8 million total. UNA's Carter says that current food sales at UNA hover at around $5.9 million. Chartwells also proposed $52,500 annually in catering, and a $20,000 donation to athletics.