Returning to campus after summer break is supposed to be a time of excitement and reconnection. But for many Lasell University students, something felt off this semester. It wasn’t just the usual scramble for textbooks or adjusting to early classes; it was the absence of a small but significant campus staple: vending machines.
Gone were the familiar snack stations in Forest Hall, the Brennan Library, and Butterworth Hall. No more late-night snack runs or quick refueling during study sessions. The vending machines had vanished, and students noticed immediately.
Conversations buzzed in dorms and classrooms. The vending machines weren’t just about snacks; they were part of campus life.
Dr. Brian Wardyga, a communications professor, said, “Everyone really misses having vending machines in lower-level Brennan. While Glow Lounge has new machines, Brennan feels empty and sterile now.”
Wardyga, who has taught in Brennan for over 21 years, emphasized that the machines were more than convenient. “They were part of the rhythm of the hall,” he said. “Students called them a ‘lifeline’—providing sustenance and comfort during long editing sessions.”
Athletes also felt the impact. The removal of vending machines from the Forest training center made it harder to grab a quick snack or drink without leaving the facility.
Adrienne Franciosi, Associate Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, explained the decision: “Lasell is working to improve the vending experience. We’re focusing on convenience and healthier options.”
Franciosi cited logistical and contractual factors. The university partnered with vendors like Chartwells and Project Place to offer better service and healthier snacks.
New additions include Costa Coffee, Just Baked, 99 Spoons, and Farmer’s Fridge, though the latter was removed due to low sales.
A Byte Smart Fridge is expected in Forest Hall around Thanksgiving. If successful, another will be added. Project Place’s Leap Vending program also supports vending entrepreneurs and handles restocking and repairs.
Despite the upgrades, the timing caused confusion.
“We aimed to finish by September,” Franciosi said, “but moving ATM machines delayed things.”
Soon, Forest Hall and Glow Lounge are expected to receive new machines, with the Athletic Center expected to receive them as well by early November. Additional upgrades include a drink machine.
Lasell has responded to feedback. Leap Vending is developing a survey to gather student input on snack preferences.
Still, many students feel the rollout lacked communication. Suggestions for if this were to happen again would be reinstating combo machines in previously served areas or allowing student organizations to manage machines as fundraisers.
“Restoring one combo machine in Brennan would support students working late,” Wardyga said. “It would also help bring life back to that space.”
As Lasell refines its vending strategy, one thing is clear: students want to be heard. The vending machines may be small fixtures, but their absence sparked a big conversation about student needs and campus life.
–Nov. 4, 2025–