Campus Services Partners with Columbia College Student Council on Menstrual Hygiene Product and Condom Dispenser Pilot

Campus Services and the Columbia College Student Council (CCSC) have partnered together to install tampon and pad dispensers in the laundry room of the major undergraduate residence halls. The products are provided free of charge.  

This is an expansion of initial pilots conducted in four residence halls (Carman, East Campus, McBain, and Wien), as well as ongoing distribution in select academic spaces on campus. According to data collected by the CCSC, the Spring 2024 pilot indicated a greater demand for menstrual and contraceptives and a need to broaden the available access points.  

Council representatives Sarayu Bethamcherla, CC ’26, president of the class of 2026, and Matias Hernandez, CC ’26, student services representative, presented results to Campus Services leadership and a shared vision for year-long, expanded pilot, in line with peer institutions and state universities.  

The initiative was voted on and passed in a referendum this past fall by the Columbia College student body. 

The Aunt Flow dispensers installed are already in use at other campus locations like the International Affairs Building (SIPA) and widely used in other schools and education institutions. The products are 100% organic cotton. Students can scan the QR code on the dispenser if product needs to be refilled or if repair is required. 

Data from this round of the pilot will be used to establish long-term need and to make recommendations for institutionalized funding and oversight.  

A second stage of the initiative included condom distribution which started in March, again working to provide access points in closer proximity to student life. Condoms are currently available at a variety of locations on campus. Additional distribution points expand access to items for students where and when they need them.