The women’s studies program is now taking donations to supply free menstrual products in the bathrooms in buildings on campus. The program is linking up with the Women’s Center to provide a steady supply of feminine hygiene products to students who can’t regularly afford them.

Junior Michelle Smith said she is very excited for this change.

“I think that’s pretty awesome,” Smith said.

Director of Women’s Studies Laura Michele Diener and faculty from the English department are the masterminds behind the hygiene drive.

“We want to let students and faculty know that we’re really interested in their lives and in creating a community within women’s studies and the Women’s Center,” Diener said.

The group came up with the concept after realizing that students who utilize the campus food banks may also be in need of other products.

The hygiene drive is off to a great start, although it is still in its early stages. Free menstrual products can already be found in the bathrooms of the first and third floors in Harris Hall, the fifth floor of Smith Hall and the third floor of Corbly Hall.

An even larger supply of feminine products are located in the Women’s Center on the first floor of Prichard Hall. The Women’s Center is a safe-space for students to lounge, have meetings, attend counseling and find out more about health education.

Diener said she is very passionate about this cause and its early progress.

“It makes me feel very proud,” Diener said.

Product and financial donations can be made by contacting Laura Michele Diener.

Kabz James can be contacted at [email protected].