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by EMILY MELTON
News Reporter
The Residence Hall Association recently approved a proposal to cover laundry costs by including a flat rate in the housing fee of on-campus students’ tuition and fee package.
RHA approximates costs of an additional $45 each semester.
Because next years’ student housing fees have already been established, the proposal will take place in fall of 2010 if passed.
Receiving an 11 to 3 vote, residence hall representatives discussed the feasibility of the proposal.
Some
representatives questioned its sustainability, noting students may be
susceptible to washing only a few pieces of clothing instead of
consolidating each wash for large loads.
They also questioned whether students would increase their washer and dryer usage, thus using more energy.
“But one
of the things that was noted was that we have [a] very sustainable,
environmentally-conscious student body,” RHA President and junior
political science major Thomas A. Brigman said.
One of
the representatives explained those who wash more laundry than the
typical student will be equated by those who wash less, Brigman said.
“The [representatives] also noted that a lot of people do their laundry here on campus versus taking it home,” he said.
Those
who voted in favor of the proposal suggested the new system would be
more cost-effective and easier for students who have used quarters to
pay for their laundry in the past.
“For the
most part, our students are fully behind this,” Brigman said. “I think
vigilance is the best policy in regards to these issues, the fact that
people are aware of them and are concerned about them will definitely
help with making sure the system isn’t abused and it’s used the way
that it is intended to be: to benefit students.”
Brigman presented the piece to Housing and Residence Life Director Tom L. Kane yesterday.
Kane
said he is troubled by the proposal, explaining not every student does
laundry on campus, but will be forced to pay the fee whether they use
the service or not.
In
addition to the discussion posed by RHA, he also questions if students
will overuse washing and drying machines and will allow those who live
off campus to use the service.
“I think
the main thing is that no decision has been made yet, that they made
the recommendation and we’re going to look at it,” Kane said. “Then,
we’ll sit down with them and talk about the pros and cons and then
we’ll make a decision next year.”
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