George Washington University discontinues housekeeping services in freshman residence halls
The GW Hatchet
July 2, 2010
Freshmen will no longer receive housekeeping services in their residence halls, the director of GW Housing Programs confirmed in June, much to the irritation of some incoming freshmen students.
Seth Weinshel, director of GW Housing Programs, said cutting the service ensured housing rates in many first-year residence halls would not increase, adding that the decision to cut housekeeping came after "careful consideration and analysis."
Housekeeping services typically included vacuuming and bathroom cleaning.
Weinshel added that on a significant number of occasions, housekeepers have been unable to clean rooms due to residents' personal items scattered on the floor. Housekeepers are instructed not to move residents' things in order to clean.
"Essential supplies" such as toilet paper and trash cans will still be provided in freshman residence halls, Weinshel said.
After learning housekeeping will no longer be offered in freshman residence halls, incoming freshman Shivali Haribhakt posted an online petition to the incoming class of 2014's Facebook group to fight to keep housekeeping services. Since its creation in May, the petition has garnered 81 signatures.