Budget cuts to janitorial staff and services at UW have led to growing concerns over the sanitation and cleanliness of campus grounds.

A bulletin from UW Plant Operations in March 2025 announced that the budget cuts will lead  to decreased maintenance in certain areas, notably offices and classroom spaces. 

“The custodial team will be adjusting cleaning frequencies throughout campus. Cleaning priorities will be determined based on need, ensuring that essential areas receive appropriate attention while optimizing our operational capacities,” the message states.

Students have taken notice of the impact from these changes, taking to platforms like Reddit to share their experiences.

A post by u/suzieisbored shows what appears to be a group of ants inside a classroom. 

“When was the last time these floors were cleaned?” the post says.

Abdul Rahman, a second-year math student, noted washrooms as places in need of improvement. 

“The washrooms could be a bit better, especially the [lesser used] ones,” says Rahman, citing buildings such as the Davis Centre (DC) and Mathematics and Computer (MC). 

Alice Knight, the director of campus services shared in a statement to Imprint that they take cleaning and maintenance on campus very seriously, including pests and grime when notified to Plant Operations.

“Staff clean and disinfect all public washrooms daily, and garbages are emptied each day. Desks and tables in classrooms, studios, lounges and study spaces are cleaned daily unless the space is occupied at the time of service, with floors cleaned on alternate days. High-traffic areas are monitored throughout the day, and issues outside the regular cleaning schedule can be addressed as needed.” the statement says. 

Knight encourages students to report hazardous or unsafe conditions to Plant Operations whenever spotted.

“These reports help us respond quickly and take appropriate action to support a safe, clean and welcoming campus environment,” she states.