Answer: Mike Calabrese occasionally does coffee give-aways which he sponsors. Events have mostly been sponsored by the library: poetry readings & slams and live music. Also held here are department sponsored coffee hours (basically we're open to discussing ideas as long as the place stays open for everyone to use).

Many of the performances in Java Wally's are from RIT students, student groups, and faculty. The library also posts to the Rochester Music Coalition and sends annual email to all of the RIT student organizations inviting them to use the café or the Idea Factory.

While wedo not pay performers, we do invite them to showcase their talents and sell their CD’s, T-shirts etc. We do offer them free food and beverage from the café.

The only reason we turn down performances are:

· The group wants exclusive use of the area. We do not close the café to the public.

· The genre of music is too loud or “heavy” for our area. We usually request that groups don’t amplifiers.

· The event is too large for the area (in which case we ask that people use the Idea Factory instead).

Answers: Our goal with artwork is to have a variety of subjects, colors, sizes and mediums that enhance the coffeehouse atmosphere, while also providing a free opportunity for people to display their work. Any and all artists are welcome to submit artwork for display, but preference is given to RIT students, alumni, faculty and staff. Most of the art that has been submitted is from students or alumni, but some faculty and staff continue to use the venue to display their work as well. Occasionally, we get submissions from the community outside of RIT.

The permanent wall mural was painted by an RIT art student who is now an alumni and professional artist. Generally, the art is rotated as new work is submitted, but a few large pieces have remained on display since Java Wally's opened. Those pieces, former winners of RIT's Purchase Prize contest, now belong to the RIT Archives and Special Collections.

Artists interested in having their art work displayed in Java Wally's start first by talking to Sue Roethel in the Library Administration office (475-2028 or smrwml@rit.edu). Sue works with the artist meets to determine a timeline for display, hanging needs, and to sign an agreement that releases the Library and Java Wally's of liability should anything happen to the piece while it's on display. We have never refused any artwork for any reason, however, we do reserve the right to refuse a piece that might be considered offensive to the general public.

Answer: At this time, the cost of soy milk is almost 4 times the cost of milk. Adding $.50 to the cost of soy-made beverages allows us to basically recoup the cost of goods sold instead of losing money. It has been our policy to charge extra for soy beverages at our other locations and at Java Wally’s as well--a year ago soy beverages were $.50 extra and it is only with the new manager that there was some confusion. Rest assured we are trying to find cheaper soy or rice milk alternatives and when we do soy prices will drop as well… we hold no malice for our vegan or lactose intolerant customers nor do we try to gouge those that have different needs.

Answer: The Food Debit Account allows students to make purchases from RIT Food Service operated services only -- such as the dining areas, the Corner Store, the Candy Counter and food/beverage vending machines.

Java Wally's is a first of it's kind on campus. It is a separate food and beverage entity not connected to RIT Food Services (and thus not tied into the meal plan). It is a coffeehouse concept created by, and an operation run by, RIT Library and Java's (a funky off-campus coffeehouse). We regret we cannot take Debit--and will post signs making it clear that we do take Flex and cash.