The University of Kentucky has selected food services company Compass Group as its preferred partner as part of its Enterprise Services Partnership.

According to a press release, Compass Group was selected as part of “a long-term initiative to help improve, coordinate and provide a range of services to the institution” and is scheduled to begin operations for dining on July 1.

The partnership will also cover maintenance, grounds, custodial and in-patient transport services.

The announcement comes after UK announced it would end its partnership with services provider Aramark Campus LLC after June 30 according to former Kentucky Kernel reporting, which will cause 926 employees to be laid off.

According to its website, UK had been searching for a new partner company for its Enterprise Services Partnership that would provide “better coordination and consistent service and standards across the enterprise,” particularly for maintenance, grounds, dining and custodial services.

UK has signed a Letter of Intent with Compass Group and is exclusively negotiating with them as a preferred partner. According to the website, the goal is to have a contract by July 2026.

“Supporting employees throughout the transition and beyond will remain a key priority for both partners,” the press release said. “Employees affected by the transition will be offered the opportunity to continue in their work with comparable compensation and benefits.”

UK has maintained that no employees will lose their jobs as a result of initiatives like the Enterprise Services Partnership. The press release said Compass Group will provide expanded training and career opportunities across its broader network.