Exam care packages and menstrual health on campus

Eva Rachert - News Editor

On Tuesday, April 4, students were able to collect exam care packages from the Gait. The distribution of the care packs began at 10 a.m., and before long, a queue had formed outside the Gait. Students were required to bring a physical copy of their Bishop’s University ID cards, which were scanned before they were permitted entry. Students were able to collect several study essentials and self-care products at the pick-up. Tea bags, packages of gum, chocolate bars, energy drinks, microwaveable popcorn, and gummy candies provided students with quick snacks while studying, and stickers and messages printed with motivational quotes sent students off with a positive note. Students could also collect highlighters and sticky notes to help with the process of reviewing for their exams. Af- ter leaving the Gait, students were offered cups of pink lemonade and iced tea.

Similar care packages were made available last semester, for fall exams.

1,000 care packages were offered to students on a first-come-first- polls in which the student body was consulted on what they would like in the packages. served basis. Students were able to collect energy drinks, instant ramen, sticky notes, and highlighters, and were served hot chocolate and apple cider as they left the Gait. However, unlike last semester, this semester’s care packages came after a series of

Prior to the care packs being given out, SRC representatives sent out a series of emails with a poll, encouraging the student body to submit answers suggesting what they would like to see in the care packages. This poll was re-sent to students several times, to fully encourage them to contribute. Perhaps because of this poll, this semester’s exam care packages offered menstrual products for all students to collect. Students were able to pick up small packages of 3 pads.

Providing menstrual care products during the distribution of exam care packages supports the student body. This trend will hopefully expand in future years, with wishes that it will lead to menstrual products provided in bathrooms across campus. It is important that students have easy access to support for reproductive health, and the inclusion of menstrual products in exam care packages is a positive step forward.

This change is a positive one, and signals an important change in sexual education on the campus. Historically, while students have been offered condoms in the packages and at events like Sexapalooza, menstrual products have been less common in care packages.