Frequently Asked Questions about Mold Issue on campus
When will students need to move?
Students will begin to move on Wednesday, October 19. Student moves are anticipated to be completed by Friday, October 21.
When do students need to be completely out of their rooms?
All students must be in temporary housing by Friday evening, October 21. Students will have access to their room to finish packing and collect belongings through 12:00 noon on Saturday, October 22. Transportation is being arranged to help with the move and to return for packing as needed.
Do students need to completely pack their rooms and take all belongings with them to their temporary residence?
Students should bring enough clothes and belongings with them to feel comfortable. The College is providing boxes for the rest of their belongings. Students should pack those by Saturday, October 22, 2011 by noon. They will be delivered to a storage facility by a contractor and stored for students.
May students access their belongings in storage?
Yes. Information will be provided to students about the process.
What strains of mold are affecting the residences?
We have been advised that the primary mold that is present is in the penicillium/aspergillus group.
Can Health Services tell if a student is sick due to mold?
Students with any medical questions should visit Health Services in Chance Hall, 240.895.4289. Health Services is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
What should students who are experiencing increased stress and anxiety do?
Contact Counseling Services in Chance Hall at 240.895.4289.
Are faculty members aware of this situation? Will faculty be flexible with class expectations for students affected by this situation?
Faculty members have been notified about the situation. Individual faculty members will make academic decisions on a case by case basis.
Will the 5th hour requirements for First Year students be adjusted?
Yes. First Year students will receive notification as to the adjustments.
Where will students live?
Students moving will have three housing possibilities:
Remain on campus in an expanded room at a reduced room rate. The credit for all students moving to an expanded room will begin the first day that we are asking students to vacate, Wednesday, October 19. Details on the application of room rate credits will follow later. College dining plans remain in place.
Move to a hotel. College pays the cost of the assigned hotel room, typically double occupancy. College dining plans remain in place.
Move to a residence off campus, typically with faculty or staff. The business office will refund the pro-rata weekly room rate. College dining plans remain in place.
NOTE: Students are still under a residence life room contract that requires their presence for the spring semester on campus.
How do individual students know where they will be staying?
Students from the first and second floors of Caroline and Prince George residence halls will be notified by Wednesday night, October 19, 2011. Students from the third floors of the residences will be notified sometime on Thursday, October 20, 2011.
How will students get from campus to the hotel and back?
A shuttle service is starting on Wednesday night, October 19, 2011, and will run continuously. The hours initially will be:
- 5:30 am – midnight Monday through Thursday
- 5:30 am – 2 am Friday
- 10 am – 2 am on Saturday
- 10 am – midnight on Sunday
This schedule will be adjusted as needed. Students will receive more detailed information. View Current Schedule
What compensation are displaced students receiving?
Students at the hotels get $7/person/day for gas and $25 credit on their accounts for laundry. Other compensation is under discussion. Students living in doubles-as-triples or five-person townhouses will be getting some financial compensation
Is there internet access at the hotels?
Yes!
How will Pay for Print be handled for displaced students?
The Business Office will not bill students relocated to the hotels for pay-for-print this semester. However Pay for Print is not refundable, so any student who does not use all their pay for print will not be reimbursed.
What campus support will be on site at the hotels?
Residence life student staff will be living with the residents in the hotels. Representatives of our Public Safety staff will be stationed in each hotel every night from 7 pm – 7 am.
Can students get lockers on campus to help store books and other classroom supplies?
Yes, Student Activities has offered use of the commuter lockers in the Campus Center.
If students have a registered vehicle and are placed in a hotel, can they drive back and forth?
Yes! They should park in their designated lot when on campus. Each student living in a hotel will automatically receive $7 per day credited to their student account to help defray the cost of gas.
If students don’t have a registered vehicle and are placed in a hotel, can they bring a car?
Yes! Students who want to register a vehicle now because of this relocation may obtain a free temporary parking permit from Public Safety through the end of the semester.
Will the meal plans for students placed in hotels remain in effect?
Yes!
How long will this process last?
The scope of the work is currently being determined. The minimum is two weeks, and it is likely to be longer. We will update as more becomes clear.
How will the mold be removed?
The college is working with the contractor to develop a mold remediation plan following the protocols of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Mold Remediation Plan.
What will be done to ensure the mold doesn’t return?
The mold remediation plan has steps that ensure the mold does not return.
How is all of this being paid for?
The College has a budget set aside to deal with emergences like this.
