On Monday, March 16, the Sherman Dining Hall reopened after being closed for over a month due to a fire. The Feb. 2 fire led to the complete closure of the Sherman-Hassenfeld building, including dining facilities and conference spaces. Upon reopening, Sherman is offering options from nine different stations, excluding kosher dining. 

In a March 10 email to the Brandeis community, Associate Vice President of Campus Services Susan Scannell wrote that the fire “caused significant damage throughout the dining hall and conference center” which will require full repairs and inspections from the city of Waltham before the entire building can be officially reopened for use. However, she announced that the dining hall will fully re-open on March 16, minus the exception of the kosher dining station, which will continue to be offered in the Faculty Club.

While the dining hall is open and servicing students, damage from the fire remains evident, as all of the food stations on the non-kosher side remain completely blocked off. Food service has resumed on the kosher side of the dining hall, and full seating is available. Campus Services shared that the menus will alternate every other day to accommodate both meat and dairy options. 

On March 13, the Hassenfeld Conference Center reopened, including Sherman Function Hall. However, the email shared that the building’s audiovisual equipment is currently not functional and will supply groups with portable equipment if needed. Additionally, the Stein is expected to reopen shortly after April break to serve kosher dairy options, along with Feldberg Lounge for additional seating. 

Scannell acknowledged how the closure had disrupted students’ experience, as she wrote that “we sincerely appreciate your understanding.” She concluded that the University remains committed to providing “a variety of options” to accommodate student needs. Sherman will open for all-day dining beginning Tuesday, March 17 as repairs to the building continue.