Housing selection for the 2012-2013 school year is quickly approaching. With seven dormitories to choose from, there is a range of options.
But should students be concerned about Eagle Hall? Has the mold that plagued the building earlier this year created lingering problems?
The mold was first detected in September when students reported finding some on an air conditioning vent in their room. It was cleaned, but then more was discovered.
“At that time, the rest of the rooms were checked by the experts: an interior environmental company,” Christopher Kuhl, Resident Director of Eagle, said. “They used air samples and other methods to detect levels of airborne biological particles (one spectrum of which are various varieties of mold spores).”
The process, which included testing and extensive cleaning, took several weeks. During the testing and cleaning, students were temporarily relocated.
“The cleaning process itself was complex and invasive, so we did experience a few logistic complications,” Carl Altomare, Executive Director of Campus Services, said. “But we have done our best to smooth over those imperfections and ultimately have learned some valuable lessons from this unfortunate incident.”
The mold problem stemmed from the high humidity of last summer and an air system condensation control failure. To prevent the problem from occurring again, the air conditioning will not be turned on this semester so that repairs can be made over the summer. The repairs will begin after the end of the semester.
When asked whether or not the mold issue will affect housing, Kuhl and Altomare agreed that they do not think it will.
“I will say that the community at Eagle, after a trying fall housing predicament, is thriving and living life together as normal,” Kuhl said.
So far as this semester is concerned, it may get a little hot in Eagle over the next two months. By next year, however Eagle should be in tip-top shape.
“I believe Eagle Hall will continue to remain a safe, comfortable and fun place for students to stay,” Altomare said.