By KAYLA ROYSTER
Staff Writer
Students who live on campus may have noticed a new addition to the dormitories. No, this is not a reference to a fresh coat of paint. Rather, it is the acknowledgment of the bowls of condoms that can now be found within the common rooms.
The concept of supplying condoms to the students at The College of Saint Rose was brought up at a Student Affairs meeting back in the beginning of 2018. This idea was supported by the fact that other colleges and universities provide contraceptives. It was also acknowledging the fact that if sexual relations are to occur on campus, then they should be safe.
“It’s the second year of this pilot project and currently the condoms can be located within the undergraduate residence halls,” said Student Affairs President Sonia Morreria.
Resident Assistants refill their bowls about once a week to keep up with the demands of their halls. Currently, the money to supply these contraceptives are derived from the Student Association budget, though they are working on receiving assistance from places that supply condoms and acquiring sponsorships from brands directly.
“We are currently looking into latex free condoms for those with allergies, as well as a Trojan sponsorship” said Morreria.
“People in Centennial basically take the entire bucket” said junior Breanne Colon, who believes that if you supply safer sex options on campus, college students will utilize them. “It would be beneficial if even during house meetings RAs give out little goodie bags filled with a bunch of stuff like condoms, letting their residents know where they can get more if needed” said Colon.
Currently the Condoms on Campus initiative is still a pilot only supplying condoms, but Student Affairs has a bigger picture set for the future. At the moment, only male condoms are available and they hope to eventually be able to include female condoms and dental dams to the mix. Supplying contraceptives is not their only goal. In addition to a variety of free contraceptives, they are aiming to supply STD testing and pregnancy tests in the future.
“I started seeing [condoms] during our junior year in my friends’ dorms, though we don’t have access to them in grad houses” said junior Daria Lee. “I think that this is a way for students to stay safe and feel comfortable doing so.”
As for where students can get condoms, Students Affairs hopes to expand the reach from resident halls to graduate buildings and the Events and Athletics Center.
“We would love to have dispensaries that are located within the restrooms,” said Sonia Morreria.
Student Affairs is working diligently for The College of Saint Rose to be regarded as a safe and comfortable campus, one condom at a time.
