Condoms to be put in residence halls

The plan to put condom dispensers in residence halls may still face changes.

By Katie Lees

Published Aug. 26, 2008

After nearly two years of discussion and planning, condom dispensers are being installed in six residence halls on campus this semester.

The dispensers will provide contraceptives along with information regarding sexual safety. The Sexual Health and Safety Products Task Force approved this project last spring.

Residence halls such as Gillett, Mark Twain, Lathrop, Wolpers, Center and South will all see the new dispensers provided for students.

While dispensers have been installed, Student Health Center Director Susan Even said she admits there have been some complications regarding the size of various non-prescription contraceptives fitting in the dispensers. 

"Initially we had planned on using zip lock bags to dispense the contraceptives," Even said. "However, that wasn't working. We still need to figure out the right size for the containers that they'll be coming out in."

Even said the goal is to have the contraceptives located in areas that are discrete while also easily accessible. Sexual Health Advocate Peer Education is responsible for stocking the condoms.

"We want students to be able to access these products along with the sexual health information so that they are educated and safe," Even said.

Missouri Students Association Vice President Chelsea Johnson said the vice president of the Residence Halls Association is holding a meeting on Thursday to discuss the complications that have been going on with the dispensers thus far.  There could be an extra cost for any new dispensers, depending on what is decided.

The condom dispensers, which Johnson said MSA Senate allowed a contribution of $8,900 towards their installation, may be going under reconstruction.

"There is a small possibility that there will be some extra cost for any new dispensers that the residence halls receive, but I think MSA will probably do something to help with that cost," said Johnson. 

In preparation for this project, the task force gave a student survey prior to the plan's approval to evaluate how and if students were using sexual products.  The information received from the survey helped with the implementation of the program, Even said.

In 2006 the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity proposed placing contraceptives in residence halls. Chancellor Brady Deaton then created a task force of members from many student groups on campus and residence halls to explore the possibility further. Since then, Deaton and the task force have been working to implement the plan.