Laundry Concerns Across Campus

Some of the new washing machines in Champagnat. Source: Lily Jandrisevits '25

There have been consistent complaints about laundry rooms across Marist College, especially in Champagnat Hall.

"The washing machines in Champ are always broken," said Erin Choi '25, who lives in Champ. Choi also stated that for weeks only two of the washing machines were functioning for the nine-story residence hall.

Many students were upset about this, complaining about having to wait for long periods to get a washing machine. Students also did not feel their concerns were being heard, considering how long the machines were broken. Many of the broken machines specifically had signs on them showing they were out of use, often stating that they needed specific parts for repairs. 

Evan Spillane '25, SGA 2025 Class President, recalled seeing two girls argue over the machines, going back and forth over who got there first, reflecting the overall frustration from many.

Now, the broken machines have been replaced by new ones, but many are still uncertain why it took so long.

Victor Aduan '22, a resident assistant and SGA Distanced Student Representative, explained, "to the best of my knowledge, Marist has a company that supplies, installs and maintains Marist's washers and dryers, and this company (CSC Service Works) only sent repair personnel to assess the machines about two or three weeks after several reports were submitted by Champ RAs and the Resident Director, Asia Rosa."

"Following their assessment, the difficulty became sourcing and shipping the parts as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted or and severely impacted supply chains and logistics in various ways," said Aduan. "Soon after, the company determined that replacing the machines would be more cost-efficient than replacing and repairing the parts."

However, this was never relayed to the students with no potential timeline or information over what was happening, leaving many confused in the meantime.

Choi also stated that she likes some of the features in the new machines -- like being able to change the amount of time you wash your clothes for -- but "a lot of the machines have already broken."

Jess Prendaj '25, who lives in Leo Hall, stated that more of her concerns are often with students not cleaning out the lint or no one cleaning the detergent compartment. Prendaj believes the washing machines breaking is often the result of students who have never done their own laundry before attempting to do so. 

"I have a few friends who have had their clothing stolen," Prendaj also said, adding to more student concerns beyond just the functioning of the machines.