Feminine hygiene products available at no cost to TWU students

Mar. 3, 2020 — DENTON — Spearheaded by TWU’s Student Government Association (SGA )and concerned graduate students, the university is piloting a free menstrual product program in order to provide students with access to products.

In 2019, a committee of TWU students, administrators and staff were asked to make recommendations about how to improve access. Based on survey results and conversations regarding expired products, inoperable coin machines and the lack of use, the committee made the recommendation to replace the old, coin machines with new, free dispensers across campuses.

“The option to provide free products is a progressive approach to addressing the issue,” said Dr. Stephanie Brown, associate vice president for student enrichment, health and support. “Our students led the charge, and they are to be commended for their contribution to the campus community.”

Signage on the machines encourages users of the free products to take only what is required when there is an urgent need. Dispensers are located on all three campuses in the following areas:

Dallas – women’s restrooms, 3^rd and 6^th floors
Houston – women’s restrooms, 1^st, 2^nd and 4^th floors
Denton

Arts and Science Building (ASB) – women’s restroom, 1^st floor
Ann Stuart Science Complex (ASSC) – women’s restroom, 1^st floor
Blagg-Huey Library (BHL) – women’s restroom, 1^st floor
Classroom and Faculty Offices (CFO) – women’s restrooms, 1^st and 2^nd floors
Multipurpose Classroom-Laboratory (MCL) - women’s restroom, 1^st floor
Student Union at Hubbard Hall (SUHH) - unisex restroom, 1^st floor
Woodcock Hall (WH) – women’s restroom, 1^st floor

Expanding access to feminine hygiene products has been a growing concern for college campuses across the county. TWU’s pilot will run for two years, allowing the university time to assess the needs, usage patterns and costs associated with providing free products. Data collected during the time period will enable the university to assess options and long-term sustainability of the program.

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Page last updated 2:36 PM, March 3, 2020