Following recent customer surveys conducted by Business and Auxiliary Services, new washers and dryers have been placed in residence halls across campus.
Pamela Moore, communications coordinator for Business and Auxiliary Services, said the new appliances are a direct result of the input from students.
“Customer feedback was indeed a factor in the decision. Listening to our customers and satisfying our customers’ needs are always an integral part of our decision,” Moore said.
The updated laundry equipment is designed to improve the student experience in residence halls, she said. They feature new payment methods such as Apple Pay, chip reader insert, and an option to pay through the manufacturer’s app.
The change benefits more than just residents. De’Janae Williams, a senior resident assistant at Polkinghorne Village West, believes that the upgrade will lighten the load for many resident assistants.
“It’s always upsetting when we’re unable to help residents who didn’t have physical cards or had difficulty with the card machine,” said Williams. “The new addition will definitely make the student experience for residents better.”
The change has sparked conversations surrounding the topic of free laundry services. In November, Student Government Association Senator Maurice Gilbert initiated a referendum for students to sign in an effort to provide free on-campus laundry services. Despite his efforts, the chance of free laundry seems unlikely.
Jennifer Wilder, director of housing at FAMU, said free laundry services aren’t in the immediate plans. When asked if the new appliances could mean free laundry services in the future, her answer was a simple “No.”
Residents welcomed the current upgrades. Mercedes Collins, a freshman resident of Polkinghorne Village East, is thankful for the changes.
“I think the app will definitely be more convenient and I am appreciative for all they do for us,” Collins said.
Aside from residence hall upgrades, the Business and Auxiliary Services center wants residents to know about a new food initiative called “Live Well.” The initiative, featuring healthier food options such as low calorie, vegan and vegetarian, is in partnership with the university’s Healthier Campus Initiative.