Laundry typically is not anyone’s favorite pastime, and inadequate washers and dryers make the process even more frustrating. Thankfully, over the Christmas break, Milligan upgraded all of the machines to simplify the chore.
An email was sent to all students on Jan. 13, notifying them of the upgrade and sharing information about the reason for the change.
According to Brent Nipper, director of property and risk management, the change came after the Student Government Association shared complaints regarding existing laundry machines on campus. The complaints prompted administration to speak with the school’s laundry provider, Caldwell Gregory, about replacing the machines.
Previously, students used coins or laundry cards to pay for each load of laundry, only being able to add funds to their cards through a machine in Sutton lobby. Now, a much more convenient method is in use.
“With the new machines, students have access to the Speed Queen payment app,” Nipper said. The new app has several convenient features, including letting users load funds, pay for laundry, view available washers and dryers and notifying users when wash and dry cycles are complete.
It seems to have made laundry a much easier task for students. “I enjoyed using the new system as it made my laundry experience much easier,” said freshman Lauren Davies after finishing a load of laundry in Hart Hall.
Since the app is replacing laundry cards, students can transfer any money left on their cards to the Speed Queen app by visiting Jack Presnell in the Milligan Bookstore. It may take around a week for these transfers to be completed. Coin payments are still accepted by the machines for those who opt not to use the app, and flyers are posted in each laundry room with instructions for downloading and using the app as well as how to use the new machines.
Each load still currently costs $1.25, but that may be changing soon. “We expect that load costs will increase 25 cents per load beginning next fall,” said Nipper. “The new load price of $1.50 per load remains very competitive when compared to other laundry facilities in the area.”
Nipper explained students should see no financial repercussions aside from the inevitable 25 cent increase. The new machines were replacements provided in contract with the laundry provider Caldwell Gregory. The upgrade will have no relation to changes in tuition and/or fees.
With little change in costs and an improved experience, the new machines seem to be a welcome upgrade by students.