Coinless laundry machines across campus will make their debut beginning in the spring 2015 semester. The Student Government Association has worked with Steve Beers, the vice president of student development, and Andre Broquard, the dean of students, to make the long-anticipated dream become a reality.
With the new system, students will use their credit or debit cards to pay for their laundry instead of hoarding quarters. For those students who do not have a credit or debit card, prepaid cards may be purchased at most grocery stores and drugstores in town.
“I think it’s a great thing,” said junior Megan Ranz, assistant resident director in Mayfield. “It will be nice to not have all the quarters.”
Prices for laundry will remain the same in the spring, but will increase $1 the following year to cover various costs, including the new system and the city’s rising utility costs.
Students may complain about the increase in price, but Student Government Association President Brad Johnson pointed out that it was long overdue.
“Energy prices have gone up over 20 percent in the past seven years, yet laundry prices at John Brown University have not changed,” Johnson said.
As well as the coinless upgrade, the new laundry system will also feature a smartphone app called Waverider which allows students to know how many machines are available and when their load is finished.
Laundry services will continue to be provided by the current company, and a new business plan with the Heartland credit card processing company will provide the upgrade.
In addition, all washers in the dorms will be replaced with new machines, and dryers will be replaced as needed.