The time has finally come for those on the University Park campus to experience the efficiency of paper towels.
In light of the threat of H1N1 and after years of requests by students, the Department of Housing and Food Services has finally decided to install towel dispensers, soon to be replaced by electric dryers, in dormitory bathrooms.
One would be hard pressed to find any negative consequence of this action, especially in the case of eco-friendlier electric dryers. Some sort of drying device is a necessity for public restrooms, and it's about time Housing and Food Services stopped treating dry hands like a privilege.
It's understandable if the staff previously outlawed paper towels because of the mess it could make for custodians, but electric hand dryers have been around for years. The installation of these machines is long overdue for on-campus students.
It is somewhat troubling that it took the threat of a swine flu epidemic to move the issue off the back burner. However, at this stage in the game, it's best not to complain about a practical gift.
In fact, it should be celebrated. Throughout flu season, paper towel dispensers and electric dryers are beneficial in helping prevent the spread of sickness.
This is where the on-campus students come in.
Now that students are being afforded this "luxury," let's not forget why it was granted in the first place. Though the spread of the H1N1 virus is low on a national scale currently, it is expected to worsen throughout the winter.
Students should take advantage of any tools the university will give that could aid in stopping the spread of swine flu, no matter how small.
After all, it's only the third week of school, and we've already received electrical outlets at Paternoville and drying mechanisms for dormitory bathrooms, albeit by other catalysts, but who knows what's next? Maybe air conditioning.
