The student government at the University of Maryland recently voted to install two napping stations in the school’s library that will cost over $20,000.
“The order for two pods — including shipping, delivery, assembly and installation — would cost a combined $21,818.20 after applying a learning institution discount of $6,470,” reads a report from the school’s newspaper on the pods.
The napping pods, which rose to public awareness after installations in Silicon Valley offices, were approved by the University of Maryland student government last week. The measure to install the napping pods passed overwhelmingly, with a 28-2 vote with four abstentions.
The pods are equipped with a timer, a privacy visor, storage space, a music player, and a light that mimics a sunrise.
Only a few students expressed concerns over the price of the pods. “It’s not the SGA’s money and it’s not the libraries’ money, but we all paid into the [student facilities] fund,” student business representative Nate Zumbach said.
Others were adamant that students are demanding napping pods for the library. “We’re here to help students succeed academically,” the university’s library communications director Eric Bartheld said. “We hear from them frequently that they want EnergyPods or a napping room or something just to help them make it through long hours of studying.”
As of Fall 2016, there are over 28,000 students enrolled in an undergraduate program at the University of Maryland. An additional 10,000 are enrolled in graduate programs. It is unclear how two napping pods will efficiently serve the near 40,000 students enrolled at the university.
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