In response to “Task force should prioritize laundry room issues” (Tuesday, March 12): The problem of consistently out-of-order machines due to the practice of unplugging the card reader was recognized mid-fall semester. The most problematic locations were addressed over the Thanksgiving break and all remaining locations were corrected during the winter break. This was accomplished by preventing access to the card reader outlets. As a general rule, reports of out-of-order machines are addressed same day or within 24 business hours. Equipment concerns may be reported to the Campus Card Office. 

Beginning with the fall 2019 semester, the University will introduce an Included Laundry Program where access to residential laundry facilities will be included as part of the resident student's housing package for all students living on campus. This means that use of laundry machines will no longer require campus card (WhoCash) or quarters to activate the machines – the card swipes and readers will be eliminated. It is the University’s hope that this program improvement will create value and enhance the on-campus community living experience. 

-Jeffrey Hershberger is the director of University Services.