University of Michigan begins selling condoms in dorm vending machines
This fall University of Michigan students can grab a number of items in their dormitory vending machines: a pop, some chips, a candy bar and —the newest addition— condoms.
The University of Michigan is now placing condoms in dorm vending machines, like the ones pictured here in North Quad.
Kellie Woodhouse | AnnArbor.com
U-M —which was ranked the No. 6 most sexually healthy college among American universities by Trojan in 2011— will sell the condoms in 14 dorms on its Ann Arbor campus.
Peter Logan, head of University Housing communications, said students asked housing staff in 2012 to install free condom dispensers in dorm bathrooms. Housing officials weren't sold on the idea of dispensers in the bathrooms, but eventually settled on adding condoms to the vending machine wares — and selling them for $1.
Carly Manes, an incoming U-M junior studying public policy, was one vocal student who advocated for easily accessible condoms.
Although they're available for free at the U-M Health Service, sexually active students may be too shy to publicly ask for one or may not plan ahead and think to get them, Manes said.
"A lot of dorms hold freshmen and sophomores ... who were having sex on the weekends and didn't have access to condoms," she said. "If that's where you're having sex, that's the most convenient place to have condoms located."
Selling condoms in dorm vending machines is not an unusual move for colleges — some began adding contraception to vending machines in the mid- to late-1980s. Schools like the University of New Hampshire, Vanderbilt University and Boston University all have vending machines that sell condoms.
U-M also places peer mentors in each dorm — students who are tasked with offering residents advice and access to resources. These students give out free condoms, but Manes said that shyness or busy schedules can prevent residents from asking their fellow students for condoms.
To help ease any awkwardness, some mentors place condom packets on their room doors. Yet Manes, who served as a peer mentor, said this is an imperfect solution — she recalls coming home to her hall and finding 'condom balloons' in the hallway and worrying that the free condoms on her door had been punctured or compromised.
"I didn't really think it was an effective program ... . A lot of people didn't really," Manes said. "It's kind of uncomfortable to knock on a stranger's door and ask for condoms."
Yet having contraception readily available is something Manes felt strongly about, so she began approaching resident advisors and housing staff about somehow dispensing condoms in the dorms.
"[Without the vending machines] it's much easier for someone to say, 'All right, just this one time without contraception,'" Manes said. "As opposed to running downstairs and getting a condom."
Kellie Woodhouse covers higher education for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at kelliewoodhouse@annarbor.com or 734-623-4602 and follow her on twitter.
Comments
jns131
Tue, Aug 27, 2013 : 5:07 a.m.
Thats nothing. Japan has been doing it for years. You can pretty much buy anything now out of a vending machine in Japan. No surprise here.
Laurie Barrett
Sat, Aug 24, 2013 : 8:35 p.m.
Used to be you go into a store and clearly tell the clerk, "I'd like a pack of cigarettes," then whisper, "and a box of condoms." Now it's, "I'll have a pack of condoms," then whispering, "and a pack of Marlboros."
bunnyabbot
Sat, Aug 24, 2013 : 5:15 p.m.
Remember, there is no such thing as an unwanted baby! Plenty of people waiting to adopt !!! Abortion is murder
sandy schopbach
Sat, Aug 24, 2013 : 2:33 p.m.
My daughter's high school in Paris, France, installed condom machines in the school bathrooms in the early 90s. Some parents weren't happy about the decision and I heard about it from the front lines, being VP of the PTA at that time. But when we discussed their concerns, almost all agreed that there was too much at stake ultimately. The university made the right decision; student health comes first. When I was young, the worst things that could happen to a young woman from having sex were to become pregnant or catch an STD that could be cured; now you can die. As they say in poker, a Smith & Wesson beats four aces.
Arno B
Sat, Aug 24, 2013 : 1:34 a.m.
Well next year I suppose that they will all be free since contraceptives are supposed to be provided in everyones's health insurance by then. Perhaps the spaces in the vending machines can then be filled with chewing gum! It's surprising that so many students have money for these since the liberals all wanted contraceptives included their health insurance packages under the assumption that although the students might all have plenty money for cell phones and computer games, it would be asking too much to have them pay for their own condoms! For good advertising of the new product, it would be amusing to have an advertisement showing Mary Coleman getting one out of a machine!
matt1027
Sat, Aug 24, 2013 : 12:30 a.m.
Im looking at the guys walking around campus...bunch of nerds. I don't think having a condom is their problem when it comes to f time.
Tru2Blu76
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 10:23 p.m.
Zzzz.
mady
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 6:21 p.m.
Snicker Snicker Snort! wink-wink, nudge-nudge!
Tim Hornton
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 4:34 p.m.
Ahhh, Romantic Love.
15crown00
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 2:11 p.m.
sell the condoms.better to be safe than sorry
aihweh
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 2:08 p.m.
I think it is wonderful that this new service is providing even more options for students to access condoms. However, it's a little silly to say that the peer mentors as a condom resource is an ineffective program. These are provided as a safety net; the intention is not to be providing 100% of the condoms students use. The peer mentors are one of MANY access points in the dorms alone (RAs, retail stores, etc). As noted in the article, condoms are also available at UHS. But beyond that, they are available in the Spectrum Center and a few other campus offices--and pretty much every campus event UHS attends throughout the year (Festifall, Escapade, Sexpertise, and on and on and on). U of M's condom program as a whole is extremely effective precisely because they give away thousands of free condoms every year in MANY locations to reach as many students as possible. It's great that this new option provides another access point. But it expands an already great program--it doesn't compensate for shortcomings.
Marie333
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 4:07 p.m.
Well said, aihweh. This is a great option for students who decide to have sex and want to use condoms, and it should be placed in the context of all the other ways that condoms are made available to students.
Solitude
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 2:50 p.m.
All excellent points. I'm afraid they are wasted on most of this group, however, because none of them will be happy until their precious darlings can press a button next to the bedside and have condoms delivered immediately to their rooms. This service, of course, must be free. In this way, their pampered angels will be able to pretend they are still at home. After all, we wouldn't want these parents to have to take time away from harassing professors about their kids' grades, arguing with coaches about their kids' playing time, or helping their kids sign up for classes to have to get and deliver little Johnny's condoms themselves.
BlueEyesGirl
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 1:14 p.m.
Just be sure you're paying enough attention to pressing the right button on the vending machine... it's a different sort of night when you come back with MnM's instead!
matt1027
Sat, Aug 24, 2013 : 12:29 a.m.
Just crinkle the wrapper and tell her u unwrapped it and put it on.
arborani
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 2:36 p.m.
But not all bad?
jrigglem
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 1:09 p.m.
I love how any logic comment on this post was given a vote down. Heaven forbid, we find the ridiculousness in this. I managed to make my way through college without a vending machine down the hall with condoms available. I think these kids can too. And what are they going to do once they are forced/or elect to live in an apartment? Hope their landlord gives them a vending machine stocked with condoms too, because they are far to embarrassed to buy them? Maybe they're really just looking for the cheering from their hallmates as the walk from the machine back to their room... Go ahead, vote me down or delete me. I know not agreeing with someone is not allowed here...
jrigglem
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 1:10 p.m.
logical* typing too fast
Eduard Copely
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 12:59 p.m.
Sensible and intelligent.
a2nurse99
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 12:53 p.m.
so glad my kid's blue bucks can be used for this! :)
Tim Hornton
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 11:24 a.m.
At least this article was honest about this being nothing new. I remember my dorm had them for 50 cents by a bathroom like 13 years ago that many young male scholars took advantage of for some lucky ladies. Slow Slow Slow news day for higher ed.
Jaime Magiera
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 4:58 p.m.
This article was newsworthy as it effects thousands of young adults in our town. Aside from the info on the vending machines, it provided information on the other resources for obtaining condoms. Human health and safety articles are much appreciated.
Kellie Woodhouse
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 12:32 p.m.
The condoms in the vending machines is a new feature at U-M, although other colleges have gone the vending machine avenue before.
Honest Abe
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 4 a.m.
Ah. So U of M is Anti-Anti Abortion after all, per se.
Tim Hornton
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 11:28 a.m.
No they still love their abortions but hate having their young minds get the HIV and herpes.
Chase Ingersoll
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 3:01 a.m.
Isn't this what Amazon Student is for, with free 2 day shipping and the ability to facebook your friends about your purchase?
Msj53
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 2:55 a.m.
When I attended Michigan in the 1970s, vending machines in West Quad sold cigarettes. Condoms are a much safer alternative!
Kellie Woodhouse
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 12:33 p.m.
Wow, and now campus is strictly smoking free!
Paul
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 12:09 a.m.
They are just doing it now ? That should have been done YEARS AGO, a little late to the party, lol. They got no problems telling the kids sex with anybody willing is OK yet they won't sell condoms, ugh.
TryingToBeObjective
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 3:13 a.m.
Who's the one late to the party?
Solitude
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 1:04 a.m.
OMG. Did you read the article? They ARE already giving them away FREE at various locations around campus. This is just a little something extra.
Tag
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 12:06 a.m.
Fantastic idea and can't wait till the Athletic department gets ahold of this. Maize and Blue condoms with all sorts of slogan's = "Go Big Blue" "The team, the team, the team" "Leaders and Best" "Hail to the Victor's" "Those who stay will be champions" or imagine the "winged helmet" design on a condom. Merchandising, merchandising, merchandising! Think of the revenue stream for the university. LOL ;-)
Tim Hornton
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 12:33 p.m.
And when you find that perfect 10 or "the one" that is when you pull out the mother of all condoms... The champion ROSE BOWL latex, for pure romance and his and her pleasure.
Kellie Woodhouse
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 1:17 a.m.
I actually did a licensing story once and asked the licensing director about novelty items and things like condoms and she said U-M doesn't lend its brand to those things.
Jello Biafra
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 11:52 p.m.
If we were serious about public health, condoms would be free and available everywhere.
Tim Hornton
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 12:30 p.m.
If we were serious? You really think HIV, herpes, genital warts, and all other kinds of sex related things will stop because free condoms are avaliable? People have to be willing to use them in the "heat of the momemt" which doesn't happen to often.
simone66
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 11:43 p.m.
This is a good idea. College kids are having sex and to lessen the transfer of STIs and pregnancies, they should have condoms easily accessible.
arborani
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 2:31 p.m.
Great post, blue85.
Jaime Magiera
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 2:39 a.m.
They are being personally responsible... by buying a condom at the vending machine downstairs. Maybe you miscounted. Maybe your suite-mate borrowed the last one earlier in the evening and UHS is closed for the night. Maybe the condom you were going to use broke. There are a myriad of reasons why someone might not have a full box of condoms in their sock drawer.
Solitude
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 1:03 a.m.
Apparently, blue85, you are also lacking imagination....like, keeping a box in your room, in case "something comes up"....? Is that so hard to figure out? Is the idea of personal responsibility that foreign to you? I think vending machine availability is just fine, but I'm wondering if you could be just a bit more condescending and bitter sounding?
blue85
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 12:51 a.m.
"Easily accessible means having them in your position before you start. Expecting our best and brightest to plan ahead is asking too much?" Because nothing says passion like planning ahead? Do you have a recurring calendar item on your calendar: third Thursday of every month? Or do you run it like Tristam Shandy and only remember when you wind the grandfather clock?
Basic Bob
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : midnight
Easily accessible means having them in your position before you start. Expecting our best and brightest to plan ahead is asking too much?
Brad
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 11:23 p.m.
In no other modern country would this even be news. Thanks again, Puritans.
Martha Andrews-Schmidt
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 11:27 a.m.
Condoms have been available in vending machines in Japan for decades.
Sam Smith
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 11:20 p.m.
Condoms should be free, donated by the Condom Companies. Why do students have to pay for sex?
SonnyDog09
Sat, Aug 24, 2013 : 12:14 p.m.
Yes, comrade.
grye
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 3:06 a.m.
They're not paying for sex. They're paying not to have the outcome from sex without a condom.
Jaime Magiera
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 2:43 a.m.
People are great until run out of them from disease and overpopulation...
Krupper1
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 2:04 a.m.
Socialism is great until you run out of other people's money. . .
Paul
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 12:12 a.m.
How much are condoms, lol Reminds me of beavis and Butthead offering that vice cop 25 cents when she asked for 25, lol
evenyoubrutus
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 12:05 a.m.
You might want to read what you just wrote and think about it for a few minutes.
Brad
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 11:14 p.m.
Kellie - I bet when you accepted your job covering higher education you didn't foresee this ;)
Kellie Woodhouse
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 1:15 a.m.
Nothing is predictable in this business.
packman
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 11:01 p.m.
What's a dental dam?
matt1027
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 2:37 a.m.
It's not getting you invited back.
halflight
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 11:21 p.m.
Google is ideal for . . . personal questions like that.
jrigglem
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 10:13 p.m.
I wonder if it accepts credit cards...
BlueEyesGirl
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 1:11 p.m.
Actually they accept cash and "Blue Bucks" - the money you put on your id for meals, laundry, vending, etc.
TryingToBeObjective
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 3:10 a.m.
Chucky cheese tokens?
jrigglem
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 10:08 p.m.
Bahahaha "Wait, do you have one?" "Yeah hold on" Goes to dresser and shakes empty condom box "Hold on I'll be right back!!" Proceeds to run down the hall in boxers... *smh*
jrigglem
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 1:03 p.m.
Because he is running down the hall in his underwear to a vending machine. Hmm..wonder where he'll put his wallet? As wonderful as this is, if you're going to have sex you need to be better prepared than this.
SqueegeeBeckenheim
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 12:32 p.m.
...it's not like kids running down the hall for whatever reason in various states of undress is unusual in college...
SqueegeeBeckenheim
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 12:29 p.m.
I'm sorry, but what is "smh"-worthy about that scenario you just described?
Dog Guy
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 9:47 p.m.
The "No. 6 most sexually healthy college among American universities" should have little worry about STD's.
matt1027
Sat, Aug 24, 2013 : 12:28 a.m.
It's because they're all a bunch of geeks.
halflight
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 11:24 p.m.
johnnya2: Yeah, I mean, I should take ratings formulated by a for-profit corporation to be objectively true. You can stick to YOUR "stupid talking points", since introspection is so difficult for you.
johnnya2
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 10:23 p.m.
Actually these types of things are what makes it number 6, but stay with your stupid talking points.
halflight
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 10:15 p.m.
The No. 6 most sexually healthy college among American universities ACCORDING TO A CONDOM MAKER. Think that might effect the definition of "sexually healthy"?
Jonathan Blutarsky
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 9:38 p.m.
Oh Geez! I guess that wasn't stale gum after all!
Mike
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 9:23 p.m.
Oh, good............nice to know you don't have to run to the store or think twice about having sex when you feel like it. Wish that were in effect when I was in college, although who knows what I might have contracted.............
Jaime Magiera
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 12:43 a.m.
halflight, my perspective is informed by health and human sexuality professionals (not religion, fear or disgust with my body).
halflight
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 11:25 p.m.
Jaime Magiera: A "better perspective" meaning your perspective, of course.
Jaime Magiera
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 9:45 p.m.
You might've contracted a better perspective on human sexuality.
Eeyore
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 8:54 p.m.
The best graffiti ever was on the condom dispenser in the men's room of the Del Rio. There was an arrow pointing to a slot with the words "For refund, insert baby here". Miss that place...
citrus
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 1:06 a.m.
Thanks for that memory. The same was in the women's room. There was a hilarious machine in a place in Glen Arbor that sold condoms AND temporary tattoos. They took it out during remodeling, and now there is a giant diaper changing station instead. Coincidence?
Nicholas Urfe
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 11:28 p.m.
The Del had the best bathroom graffiti ever!
KMHall
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 11:16 p.m.
ah the Greek Salads... but that's off topic - sorry
nekm1
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 8:54 p.m.
Condoms = fewer Libs!
Bcar
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 11:29 a.m.
@Brad, unless you're talking about real degrees: med, engr, biz, etc :P
Brad
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 12:10 a.m.
education = fewer conservatives!
Jaime Magiera
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 9:43 p.m.
Women's Libs? Ad Libs? Mad Libs?
Jonathan Blutarsky
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 9:39 p.m.
I bet you'll want gator aid in all the drinking fountains next...
ypsibeer
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 8:51 p.m.
They should do this in high schools.
Ignatz
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 1:06 p.m.
Paul, It seems that they're old enough to decide whether or not to copulate. We're talking about condoms, not voting booths.
Jaime Magiera
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 12:33 a.m.
Some high schools do actually.
Paul
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 12:16 a.m.
Expect high school kids are not adults. They can't even vote cause they are viewed as too young to decide who to vote for by themselves.
Basic Bob
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 11:54 p.m.
Only if there's dorms.
Solitude
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 8:30 p.m.
I guess it's too much to hope that anyone who thinks they are mature enough to be having sex would also be mature enough to ask for a condom without being embarrassed.
Solitude
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 12:57 a.m.
Well, blue85, if that's what you'd guess, you'd be wrong, but, judging from most of your comments, it's a position you are very comfortable with. Glad I could help out.
blue85
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 12:47 a.m.
"I guess it's too much to hope that anyone who thinks they are mature enough to be having sex would also be mature enough to ask for a condom without being embarrassed." What does shyness or a desire for privacy have to do with maturity? You are making a false equivalence. I would guess that you've had a lot of mature sex, with very little pleasure or joy involved. Perhaps you are part of the crowd that subscribes to the lights out and doing for procreation only? In any event, your screen name may be aptly chosen.
Paul
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 12:20 a.m.
Well, it was old people and another group of folks I won't name but U should figure it out. Vending machines for condoms are long overdue. We got more vending machines for lottery tickets, un real.
Paul
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 12:17 a.m.
I was embarrassed buying condoms until I was 40 years old. Back in my day, only "old people" used condoms.
KMHall
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 11:15 p.m.
Solitude Sadly, having sex has never required maturity. Look around you at those who have managed to reproduce. If it required maturity, the human race would have died out long ago.
johnnya2
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 10:22 p.m.
I dont care who you are, but I would not knock on an RA's door at 3 am to ask for a condom. I dont see this as a big deal. If students do not use them then they will go away. Those that would prefer to pay and not have to ask CAN pay for them instead of disturbing other people to get them. Of course if a female were to ask for a condom, many times right wing idiots would slut shame her. More condoms are ALWAYS a good thing
kclem33
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 8:26 p.m.
"This is the first full year condoms will be sold in the dorms" This is wrong, university retail operations in the dorms (Hideaway, Victors, ConXion, Blue Apple) have been selling condoms for years. This just allows sales after hours.
Whabout JohnGalt
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 8:08 p.m.
Excellent! Michigan is continuing to fulfill its mission of being the place for the guys who couldn't get a date in high school to finally hook-up with the girls no one noticed. It may be unattractive but these clumsy couplings have to take place and it is wonderful Michigan is assisting the most socially awkward of them with these vending machines.
durandal
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 12:51 p.m.
Yes, those clumsy couplings were great fun on the road to becoming your boss.
Paul
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 12:23 a.m.
Some folks resent seeing others having a good time.
evenyoubrutus
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : midnight
@DeeDee Whatabout JohnGalt is what we call in internet lingo, a troll. The only way to deal with them is to ignore them until the mods notice.
KMHall
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 11:13 p.m.
Amen DeeDee .."gratuitous nastiness.." Some papers apparently make it so that people have to comment under their name. I don't know how it works but it seems like a good idea. Genuine debate is fine.
Whabout JohnGalt
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 10:14 p.m.
Lighten-up Deedee...
DeeDee
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 8:45 p.m.
what's the point of this bitter negative note? For that matter, why does AA.com feel that this gratuitous nastiness about promising young people belongs here?
Nicholas Urfe
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 7:49 p.m.
The $40K+/year tuition should include an unlimited supply of condoms in every dorm room.
jastro734
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 7:41 p.m.
Why are students not offered FREE protection? When my buddy stayed in the dorms at MSU all you had to do was ask a RA and that had a large supply for the taking.
TryingToBeObjective
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 3:04 a.m.
Actually reading the article is helpful prior to responding. :)
Mindfulmoon
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 7:56 p.m.
The University does offer free condoms through Health Service, and RAs are able to come and get packs of them to have available for their residents.
Kellie Woodhouse
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 7:55 p.m.
There is a supply of free condoms on campus, including in the residence hall--- as is noted in the story. The vending machines are supplemental to that.
lugemachine
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 7:54 p.m.
"U-M also places peer mentors in each dorm — students who are tasked with offering residents advice and access to resources. These students give out free condoms, but Manes said that shyness or busy schedules can prevent residents from asking their fellow students for condoms."
tmc
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 7:28 p.m.
What colors are they available in? Maize? Blue?
EyeHeartA2
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 7:24 p.m.
"A lot of dorms hold freshmen and sophomores ... who were having sex on the weekends" So....things seem to have slowed down since I was in college.
An Arborigine
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 7:15 p.m.
I hope these are officially licensed with the Block M logo!
arborani
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 2:15 p.m.
@ Belgium - ROFL.
Belgium
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 1:43 p.m.
I've found the holographic logo to be somewhat stiff and uncomfortable during sex.
Jaime Magiera
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 7:13 p.m.
This is excellent news. I'm sure many students in the past have foregone condoms due to the trek out of the building. There will be some folks who question this move based on religious or other personal beliefs. In such cases, it's just a matter of the parent communicating to the young adult that there are many things in society that are available to the general population which are not necessarily condoned on a personal level. The availability of public health related materials is one of those things that supersedes personal/religious belief systems in a democratic society. As such, hopefully, everyone remains respectful of the university's decision to provide the condoms.
nvragain
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 7:11 p.m.
Wow this would have been nice when I was in school. I have a distinct memory of having to walk down the hall in my boxer's and asking my RA for one. One of the more awkward moments during my time living in the dorm. He gladly handed me a few. Charlie, he was a good guy.
Always Amazed
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 6:52 p.m.
BRAVO!
Albert Howard
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 6:48 p.m.
Sounds like a lucrative business venture between U-M and Trojan. Who cares about the side effects of decision making?
Kenneth Gallaher
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 3:52 p.m.
Fundies have a problem with choices.
Jaime Magiera
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 12:55 a.m.
Whoa, whoa, whoa... people may disagree with Mr. Howard's personal beliefs on the issue, but lets not get nasty. He is entitled to those beliefs and entitled to raise his family in such a belief system. The only line drawn is such beliefs informing public health policy. Lets stay away from personal attacks.
blue85
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 12:43 a.m.
"Sounds like a lucrative business venture between U-M and Trojan. Who cares about the side effects of decision making?" You make an excellent argument for contraception.
Jaime Magiera
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 12:31 a.m.
Condoms in marriage? What?.... Oh wait... Albert, are you referring to personal religious beliefs? Such things don't inform public health policy.
Albert Howard
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 11:32 p.m.
@ John condoms in marriage are irrelevant.
John
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 10:11 p.m.
"Who cares about the side effects of decision making?" Funny, I'm pretty sure using a condom is a decision one can make. Is it not? Further, I was under the impression that it was generally considered more responsible a decision than not, yes? Where is the issue?
Albert Howard
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 7:45 p.m.
@ Kellie Woodhouse clarification noted
Kellie Woodhouse
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 7:35 p.m.
I believe the brand of condoms is Lifestyle, which I hear is actually not a favorite of students. Manes is trying to get the vendors to sell a different brand, I believe.
OliviaB
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 7:19 p.m.
There are actually lots of resources to help students with sexual decision-making! They take an online course about relationships, have workshops in the dorms about relationships and what they want and don't want, and can get brochures or talk with professionals about sexual decision-making at UHS. Also I don't believe the condoms in the dorms are Trojans. I think it's nice to see an extra resource available to students where they live.
smokeblwr
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 7:02 p.m.
Decide? Other people usually had to decide for me.
Jaime Magiera
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 6:57 p.m.
It's providing resources to people who decide to have sex.
Mindfulmoon
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 6:46 p.m.
"Although they're available for free at the U-M Health Service, sexually active students may be too shy to publicly ask for one or may not plan ahead and think to get them, Manes said." The condoms are easily accessible in clearly marked bins in the Wolverine Wellness suite on the 2nd floor of UHS. In addition, UHS has products that are likely not carried in the machines--including lube, female condoms, and dental dams--all at no cost. Students, shy or otherwise, do not need to ask anyone when they want to come in and grab some. The space is judgment- free and it couldn't be easier.
Marie333
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 4:11 p.m.
I agree, Jaime, it is good to have multiple access points.
OliviaB
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 12:35 p.m.
Squeegee, UHS does have multiple sizes. And materials. And textures. And the 2nd floor office where they are is pretty discreet, Mindfulmoon is right that the people working there only talk with you if you have questions or need something. But to each his own. And it's great that they're making them available (in the vending machine too), but should we expect that free condoms that are provided as a safety net will have the same selection as the store?
SqueegeeBeckenheim
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 12:17 p.m.
It's still a very public and sometimes awkward thing to walk into UHS for the sole purpose of grabbing condoms...you get the sense that everyone there is looking at you and knows exactly why you're there. And from what I remember, there was only one size available. I wonder if the vending machines will have more than one size/option?
Some Guy in 734
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 9:14 p.m.
Fair--but UHS is closed more hours than it is open. And not every student has classes in its vicinity. Engine and music students come to mind. If you haven't been near Washington & Fletcher during its short hours, or otherwise haven't prepared for Business Time, why not make them available?
Jaime Magiera
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 8:27 p.m.
Marie333, one can only stash so many condoms. Sometimes they are shared with friends. Sometimes one just runs out. Sometimes, people have sex when they weren't planning on it. Also, condoms do deteriorate over time (hence the expiration date). At any rate, both are useful resources.
OliviaB
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 7:35 p.m.
I have also seen some available in the doctors' offices in women's health at UHS and at the Spectrum Center. :-)
Marie333
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 7:19 p.m.
It also seems like getting free condoms from UHS and storing them in your dorm room is *more* convenient and less public than walking down to a vending machine (perhaps in the "heat of the moment") and purchasing a condom in a very public space, surrounded by your peers.
Jaime Magiera
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 6:56 p.m.
That's good info for students to know. The vending machines are a good idea as well. Walking a couple yards to the machine is less daunting, and perhaps more realistic in times of passion, than a trip to UHS.
treetowncartel
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 6:45 p.m.
Acknowledging the problem and solving it as an opportunity is an excellent idea. They should also put beer bongs, ping pong balls and solo cups in the vending machines.
David
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 1:55 a.m.
Can't edit comments on here apparently, but the above should say "legal to drink"
David
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 1:54 a.m.
Not sure if that is sarcasm or not, but having beer bongs, etc. isn't any kind of serious problem so that analogy doesn't really make sense. The more appropriate analogy would be that students have strong incentive not to "be safe" while drinking i.e. by getting medical help if they need it, since it's illegal. They should absolutely acknowledge and solve that by making it illegal to drink at age 18 (or even better, 17). Hopefully that'll happen one day too.
KMHall
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 11:05 p.m.
This comment seems disrespectful of the fact that unprotected sex is a problem that the quick-access vending machines will help to alleviate. What does it have to do with bongs?
Greg
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 6:30 p.m.
Good. Protects in more way than on way and should be available in a free society. Those who wish to live in a theocryacy, should to visit Iran as an example for a few months.
Kenneth Gallaher
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 3:49 p.m.
Theocracy is exactly correct. Try this in a Bible Belt state U and watch the fundie outrage.
Jay Thomas
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 4:20 a.m.
Knee jerk.
ChelseaBob
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 8:47 p.m.
Greg- Where did the theocracy comment come from? I didn't see anything anywhere related to that.
Mick52
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 6:27 p.m.
Anything to make a buck. How come vending machines don't charge sales tax? Is it added to the cost of the item?
blue85
Fri, Aug 23, 2013 : 12:40 a.m.
"@ Blue technically, there is Zero Return on Investment (ROI). No money is actually made...it's a Cost Avoidance" Well, technically, if the cash-flows straddle zero, and cross zero only once, they are called "normal cash-flows" and there is an IRR. If you want to differentiate an IRR from an ROI, have a party. Either way, you haven't added one iota to the discussion.
johnnya2
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 10:16 p.m.
Oh and for the record, condoms fall under MEDICAL supplies which are NOT subject to sales tax
johnnya2
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 10:14 p.m.
@ Someguy, Sales tax is charged on PREPREPARED foods from a grocery store, but not separately from a vending machine. In fact you can buy an IPad or Ipod from a vending machine. It is the EXACT same concept restaurant would be required to pay the other 6 cents with sales tax. People who sell items are NOT required to collect the tax from the person buying the item, they are required to PAY the tax. A restaurant can charge $1 for a soda and not charge sales tax. That would make the effective cost 94 cents and the
Mindfulmoon
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 10:05 p.m.
This idea was driven by a small group of students- led by Carly Manes, who was cited in the article. The University already has a condom distribution system
Some Guy in 734
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 9:09 p.m.
Hugh: except that in Michigan, retail food and (non-alcoholic) beverages, including sodas, aren't taxable. Good try, though.
Hugh Giariola
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 7:51 p.m.
An ounce of prevention is way better than 8 lbs of baby. Yes, sales taxes are likely included with the purchase price, just like soda machines.
SEC Fan
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 7:10 p.m.
@ Blue technically, there is Zero Return on Investment (ROI). No money is actually made...it's a Cost Avoidance
Jaime Magiera
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 6:58 p.m.
blue85, don't forget STDs.
Jay Thomas
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 6:56 p.m.
Anything to make a buck at the expense of businesses down the street that sell the exact same thing and pay for the roads that interweave across the university. There are few things the U wouldn't sell if they could while insisting on remaining tax free.
blue85
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 6:45 p.m.
"Anything to make a buck." How much money do unwanted children cost? What are the emotional and social tolls imposed by and on unwanted children and by transitivity on society? If it costs $250,000 to send a child to school, how much money is being saved? This $1 investment may have a higher ROI than any venture capital project on the planet.