Free pads and tampons for Bradley University students
Danielle Schenkel and others' contributions have led to the installment of six free pad and tampon dispensers in various buildings on campus
Thanks to Danielle Schenkel’s contributions in her role as assistant director for wellness and programming, Bradley University students can now enjoy free pads and tampons in the women’s restrooms inside multiple locations on campus.
Dani’s responsibilities are split between student activities and student support services. Aside from helping in many aspects of student life, Dani is in charge of the feminine hygiene program, condom distribution program and any other wellness related initiatives she feels students may need.
When walking into certain bathrooms on campus, people will now see that there are free pads and tampons. What was your involvement in this new resource?
It was a resource that already existed before I started working in my position. Bradley has a partnership with a company called Aunt Flow. They provide the dispensers, we purchase them and get a discount on all of their pads and tampons. When I came into the position, I had noticed that there was really only one dispenser that was serviceable and that one was in the women’s locker room in Markin. Because of this I started having conversations about expansion and new dispensers with Anne Hollis, Director of Student Support Services. We determined how many dispensers we would be able to fund. At the same time these conversations were happening, the Student Senate approached me and we worked together to identify where the best locations to install new dispensers would be.
There are currently two dispensers in the Student Center, one in the basement and one on the first floor; one on the first floor of the BECC; one on the first floor of Westlake; one on the first floor of Bradley Hall and the existing one in Markin.
How long did it take to approve and install the dispensers in the bathrooms and what was the reasoning for making free pads and tampons available to students?
I started the project mid to late October and we finally got all the dispensers installed while the students were all gone over winter break. When classes started they were ready for use.
The purpose behind the project is to have an equitable availability for students who may be in need of these products and have them accessible no matter what space they may be in. We all know sometimes nature calls when we are not expecting it. That’s why I wanted to start with academic buildings and the student center, where students spend most of their time outside of their living space.
What is the cost the University is taking on to do this?
Each new dispenser costs about $200. We purchased six new dispensers. We just bought supply as a startup to see how far that will go, so don’t have an exact number right now. Hopefully we will have a better idea on numbers in the future.
Is there anything else you would like to discuss that I didn’t ask?
Aside from being free to use, the supplies are scent-free and organic which is better for your body. Sometimes getting products like this can be a cost concern for students as they are more expensive. That's why I really appreciate the company we work with, they’ve got people’s health in mind. We are definitely hoping more students become aware of it, we are seeing how this semester goes with the implementation of the dispensers.
If you have any questions, comments or concerns surrounding the feminine hygiene program or another program supported by student activities or student support services, please email: wellness@bradley.edu.