Hardware issues have delayed the installation of a new payment system for the laundry machines on campus. Charger laundry change is still expected to become available for students in The Suites after spring break.
Kevin Kirwan, general manager of Saga, Inc., explained that installation of the payment system in The Suites has been delayed due to unforeseen technical problems.
“Part of the problem is that we are working with three different entities the parts company, laundry company, and our own office,” Kirwan said.
Last semester, Hillsdale College contracted Saga to manage the laundry services on campus, after a contract with a previous laundry service had expired. Since then, Saga has purchased new Maytag commercial washers and dryers for the college dormitories. These new appliances have the capability of incorporating an alternate electronic payment option for students.
Charger laundry change will allow students to use their student IDs as a second payment option.
“We also had a problem with the hardware,” Kirwan said. “Out of the convenience for the students, we made the decision to wait until spring break to not dismantle the appliances.”
Sophomore Mallory Sachen lives at The Suites and was excited for Saga’s quick turnaround on this project.
“If they got it installed during spring break, I would be really impressed,” Sachen said. “It would definitely be a great convenience for students.”
Saga plans to convert all laundry appliances to Charger laundry change by the start of next school year. In a few weeks, The Suites will be the first dormitory to have the updated payment option.
Kirwan is hopeful that the new payment system will be installed and ready for student use in The Suites after break.
“We should have good news when students return from Spring Break,” Kirwan said.
