Student Affairs, RISE KU provide menstrual products for students

LAWRENCE — The Office of the Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Rise KU, a student advocacy group, announce the launch of Period, a program that makes free menstrual products available in 50 restrooms in 21 buildings across the Lawrence campus.

Facilities Services, the Office of Diversity & Equity and Watkins Health Services also have assisted with the planning and implementation of the program. Menstrual products are now available in highly trafficked gendered and gender-neutral restrooms. Funding for the program is provided by Student Affairs. Facilities Services staff members are assisting with the initial stocking and restocking of products.

Period is a pilot project implemented for the spring 2019 semester with hopes to continue the program. Assessment will be conducted to inform future continuation and/or expansion.

Tammara Durham, vice provost for student affairs, praised the work of the student leaders and staff members who helped this initiative come to fruition.

“We know that KU has many students who will benefit from the availability of free menstrual products," Durham said. "I have deep appreciation for Rise KU co-Directors Nellie Kassebaum and Zoya Khan and for Jenny McKee, program manager for the Health Education Resource Office in Watkins Health Services. They dedicated their energy, talents and time last semester and over winter break to get this program ready and launched before classes begin.”

"A year ago, this program was in its planning stages," Kassebaum said. "Today, we are proud of Rise KU for remaining dedicated to the goal, grateful to students who were open about their need and join those who have expressed excitement in seeing the program come to fruition. We hope it remains on campus for many years to come."

For information, contact the Office of Student Affairs at 785-864-4060 or studentaffairs@ku.edu.