The days of carrying bags of quarters to and from the laundry room are over for Shippensburg University students.
Free laundry is now available for students living on campus in the residence halls, according to Shippensburg University Media Relations Manager Megan Silverstrim.
Silverstrim said the idea originated from conversations held in the during the Residence Hall Association sponsored President’s Hours last year.
“The students asked for this and President Carter worked with housing and residence life and SUSSI (Shippensburg University Student Services Inc.) representatives to respond for the need for reduced laundry fees,” Silverstrim said.
Student fees have not changed as a result of the elimination of laundry charges.
Starting in the 2020–2021 academic year, SU will offer special interest suites. The suites were advertised at the recent Student Involvement and Services (SIS) Fair.
According to a flier distributed at the SIS fair, special interest suites are described as a “new opportunity for your friends, club or organization to live together and create a community dedicated to a common purpose.”
By participating in this style of housing, residents would have the opportunity to utilize hall spaces for group activities, and create a strong presence on campus. The community could also serve as a recruiting tool, Silverstrim said.
Alex Karlheim, assistant director for residential education, called the new suites “a neighborhood for you and your friends.”
Silverstrim said the new suites have already garnered interest.
Special interest suites can reserve four to 14 beds, but if a group is larger than 14 beds accommodations can be made.
Group and organization applications for special interest suites are due online by Oct. 11.
Applicants will be notified in mid-January if their request is approved.
Over the summer McLean Hall, a traditional residence hall, saw renovations and updates to give more students the opportunity to live on campus.
According to Jason Barauskas, SU assistant director of housing operations, McLean Hall was renovated over the summer to better serve students.
Renovations and updates included new furniture and TVs, painting and a kitchen remodel complete with a brand new sink, stove, refrigerator and cabinets, he said.
Traditional housing in McLean Hall costs $2,660 per semester, a cheaper option compared to the similar two-person, one-bedroom modern style B-suite option which costs $3,889, according to the student accounts office.
The two-person rooms include closets, desks, shelves and a shared bathroom with other students living on the floor.
Barauskas said McLean is housing almost 100 students during the fall semester.
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