The Public Honors College
St. Mary's College of Maryland

Message Archive

CD/PG Move-in Logistics - January 5th, 2012

WELCOME HOME!

We are thrilled to welcome you back to your “home away from home!” The information below was put together to provide you with timely information regarding your return to Caroline and Prince George Halls.

General Information:

  • Physical Plant staff and contractual movers will be moving all student belongings fromstorage to student rooms prior to the arrival of the students. 
    • For students doing mid-year room changes: if your room change was approved in December, your storage items will be taken to your new room. 
    • If your room change is not finalized by Monday, Jan. 9, your belongings will be taken to your old room assignment. You will need to retrieve your belongings from your old room. 
    • Rugs that were left in the rooms have been cleaned and will be returned to student rooms. 
    • Fridges left in rooms were cleaned by the remediation company and have been plugged in. 
      • Two fridges from PG 1R and one fridge from CD 1L were removed from student rooms during the remediation process and placed in storage. Please work with the Res. Life staff to claim them. 
  • Residence Life staff will be completing new check-in room inspections prior to the arrival of the students. Students will receive a new Room Condition Report (RCR) to review, sign, and return to a staff member. 
  • Students already on the early arrival list will be able to return to the buildings as noted on their early arrival approval email during the week of Jan. 9. 
    • Students moving in Jan. 9 – 13 should come to the Office of Residence Life between 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. to officially check-in. 
  • As a reminder, beds in the two buildings can be bunked. Lofting kits are not available except for the voluntary doubles-as-triples. 
  • If you returned your room key when you left the building in October, you can pick it up when you officially check-in. 
  • If you lost your room key and already reported it to Res. Life, you can pick up your new room key when you officially check-in. 
  • If you lost your room key and have not yet notified Res. Life, a new key will be cut for you on Sunday or Monday. You will be able to pick it up at Glendening 150 on Sunday or Monday. 
  • Air Conditioning:  
    • As part of our various efforts to prevent mold in the future, we will be changing the controls for the air conditioning/ heating units in each room (fan coil units). One of the contributing causes of the mold identified by our consultant investigating the indoor air issues was that the current controls on the fan coil units allow the rooms to be over-cooled creating condensation problems. All controls will be fixed to a common setting, approximately 72 degrees. The system will be similar to Lewis Quad. While we understand that this change will undoubtedly create some questions, we believe that in the interest of preventing future occurrences of elevated levels of mold, this is necessary going forward.  
    • The health experts that helped us evaluate the mold indicated that the window air conditioning units may have contributed to the problem and, as a result, we are exploring options. At this point, we do not know if the window units that were previously installed in the windows will be replaced in kind or replaced with a different type of unit. We will consult with students during the process to evaluate alternatives.

January 15 – 16 Move-In Info:

  • General check-in will start at 10 a.m. on January 15 and January 16 and continue until midnight. 
  • Move-in assistance will be available only on January 15 and 16 and only for CD and PG residents. We do not have move-in assistance available for students moving in at other times or into other buildings. 
    • Sunday, Jan. 15 move-in help will be available from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. 
    • Monday, Jan. 16 move-in help will be available from 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 
  • All students in CD and PG must officially check-in with a staff member in the staff office upon arrival.

If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Residence Life at 240-895-4207, or Kelly Smolinsky (kasmolinsky@smcm.edu) or Joanne Goldwater (jagoldwater@smcm.edu).

 

MOVE INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS TRANSITIONING FROM THE SEA VOYAGER 

We hope the last week of classes is going  well for you.

We have some important info regarding your transition off the ship as well as a few other notes that we have been asked to share with you.

Linens:  If you do not want to have your sheets or towels changed by the cabin attendant, please be sure to leave a note on the bed or in the bathroom to notify the cabin attendant on linen-changing days.

Noise:  Please be aware that some members of the crew have to sleep during the day because they work during the night. Please keep this in mind as you walk through the decks, especially the crew and first decks.

Timeline:            

  • December 5: Boxes, tape, markers, inventory forms available in the Gift Shop/Staff office.
  • December 16: Students need to vacate the ship by 4 p.m.
  • January 6: KBE will be finished in CD/PG.
  • Jan. 6 – 13: Final cleaning and furniture set-up to be done by college staff.
  • Students will return to CD/PG upon their return to campus in January.  Early arrival students (Res Life staff, winter athletes, Welcome Weekend OLs, etc.) will return to the building at some point during the week of Jan. 9. 

Moving from the Ship:

  • Moving assistance available:
  • Monday 12/12: by appointment (call Res Life, 240-895-4207 by Friday, 12/9)
    • Tuesday12/13: by appointment (call Res Life, 240-895-4207 by Friday, 12/9)
    • Wed. 12/14: 11 am - 4 pm (staff available on site; sign up at the Gift Shop/Staff office)
    • Thur. 12/15: 11 am - 4 pm (staff available on site; sign up at the Gift Shop/Staff office)
    • Friday 12/16: 10 am - 4 pm (staff available on site; sign up at the Gift Shop/Staff office)     
  • Students must label all boxes:
    • Those going home should be labeled "name/home"
    • Those going to storage should be labeled with their "name/building/room"
    • Students will fill out an inventory form for all boxes going into storage.  The forms will be given to the staff on the ship taking the boxes. Staff will give the forms to the Gator brigade driver and taken to the trailers.     
  • Students will sign up for moving assistance for Wednesday – Friday.  If you know the time you will be leaving, you can sign up in advance by calling Res. Life at 240-895-4207.  Otherwise, you can sign up the day of your move on a first come, first served basis.
  • Physical Plant staff and contractual movers will move the boxes for the students.
    • Physical Plant staff will be located on the ship.  They will move the boxes from the ship to the Gators and golf carts on the pier.
    • Grounds crew will drive Gators and golf carts up the hill to waiting cars and the trailers.
    • Physical Plant supervisors will staff each truck to make sure the student's name/building/room number are on each box and to collect the inventory form.
  • Students will need to have their cars at the parking lot so staff can offload boxes destined for home.
  • Students are strongly encouraged to start packing soon and not wait until the last minute. 

Storage:

  • There will be two storage trailers used for Winter Break storage: one for CD and one for PG. They will be located in the Anne Arundel Hall commuter/faculty/staff parking lot.
  • Physical Plant will bring boxes to the Gift Shop/Staff Office on the ship by Dec. 5.  Tape and markers will also be available.  Please return unused tape and markers to the Gift Shop/Staff Office when finished with them so others can use them.
  • There will be some assistance at the top of the hill to assist getting boxes from the gators and golf carts into cars and the trailers.
  • All boxes will be moved from the storage spaces to the students' rooms by college staff and/or movers in January, after the rooms are reset. 

Leaving College Housing at the End of the Fall Semester (study abroad, NSE, internship, transfer, commute):

  • All boxes, personal belongings, etc. will need to be removed from the ship and the on-campus storage areas prior to leaving campus.  Please see below for info on getting access to the storage areas.
  • Please give your CD or PG room key to an RA, RHC, or Res Life professional staff member prior to leaving campus. 
  • Please turn in your Campus Center mailbox key to the Info Desk or Office of Student Activities and leave a change of address with them before leaving campus. 
  • If you intend on returning to the college for fall 2012, we strongly recommend that you submit your housing deposit and housing contract before leaving campus (one less thing to have to remember to do while you are away). 

Retrieving Items from Mattapany or Anne Arundel Hall Storage Areas:

  • If you need to get into the Mattapany storage area, please call Physical Plant at 240-895-4287 to schedule a time to be escorted to the building, Monday – Friday.
  • If you need to retrieve items from the Anne Arundel Hall storage area, please Res Life at 240-895-4207 to schedule a time to get into that space.

MOVE INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS TRANSITIONING FROM EXPANDED HOUSING ON CAMPUS

Timeline:

  • December 5: Boxes, tape, markers, inventory forms available in staff offices.
  • December 16: Students need to vacate temporary assignments by noon (unless previously approved to stay in housing after 12/16).
  • January 6: KBE will be finished in CD/PG.
  • Jan. 6 – 13: Final cleaning and furniture set-up to be done by college staff.
  • Students will return to CD/PG upon their return to campus in January.  Early arrival students (Res Life staff, winter athletes, Welcome Weekend OLs, etc.) will return to the building at some point during the week of Jan. 9. 

Moving from Expanded Housing:

  • Moving assistance available:
    • Monday 12/12: by appointment (call Res Life, 240-895-4207 by Friday, 12/9)
    • Tuesday 12/13: by appointment (call Res Life, 240-895-4207 by Friday, 12/9)
    • Wed. 12/14: 11 am - 4 pm (staff available on site; sign up at the Staff office)
    • Thur. 12/15: 11 am - 4 pm (staff available on site; sign up at the Staff office)
    • Friday 12/16: 9 am - noon (staff available on site; sign up at the Staff office)  
  • Students must label all boxes:o   Those going home should be labeled "name/home"
    • Those going to storage should be labeled with their "name/building/room"
    • Students will fill out an inventory form for all boxes going into storage.  The forms will be given to the staff taking the boxes. Staff will take the forms to the trailers.·        
  • Students will sign up for moving assistance for Wednesday – Friday.  If you know the time you will be leaving, you can sign up in advance by calling Res. Life at 240-895-4207.  Otherwise, you can sign up the day of your move on a first come, first served basis.
  • Physical Plant staff and contractual movers will move the boxes for the students.
    • Residents in Calvert (9) will get assistance from the staff bringing boxes from the ship to take their boxes to the storage trailers.
    • Physical Plant staff and contractual movers will circulate among the two traditional halls and among N. Campus residences.
    • They will move the boxes from the buildings to trucks to the trailers.
    • Physical Plant supervisors will staff each truck to make sure the student's name/building/room number are on each box and to collect the inventory form.
  • Students will load their cars with their boxes that are going home.   
  • Students are strongly encouraged to start packing soon and not wait until the last minute.

Storage:

  • There will be two storage trailers used for Winter Break storage: one for CD and one for PG. They will be located in the Anne Arundel Hall commuter/faculty/staff parking lot.
  • Physical Plant will bring boxes to the Gift Shop/Staff Office on the ship by Dec. 5.  Tape and markers will also be available.  Please return unused tape and markers to the Gift Shop/Staff Office when finished with them so others can use them.
  • All boxes will be moved from the storage spaces to the students' rooms by college staff and/or movers in January, after the rooms are reset. 

Leaving College Housing at the End of the Fall Semester (study abroad, NSE, internship, transfer, commute):

  • All boxes, personal belongings, etc. will need to be removed from the ship and the on-campus storage areas prior to leaving campus.  Please see below for info on getting access to the storage areas.
  • Please give your CD or PG room key to an RA, RHC, or Res Life professional staff member prior to leaving campus. 
  • Please turn in your Campus Center mailbox key to the Info Desk or Office of Student Activities and leave a change of address with them before leaving campus. 
  • If you intend on returning to the college for fall 2012, we strongly recommend that you submit your housing deposit and housing contract before leaving campus (one less thing to have to remember to do while you are away). 

Retrieving Items from Mattapany or Anne Arundel Hall Storage Areas:

  • If you need to get into the Mattapany storage area, please call Physical Plant at 240-895-4287 to schedule a time to be escorted to the building, Monday – Friday.
  • If you need to retrieve items from the Anne Arundel Hall storage area, please Res Life at 240-895-4207 to schedule a time to get into that space.

Remediation Update and Thanksgiving Break information

Contractors are approximately 90% complete with mold remediation efforts in Prince George and Caroline residence halls. Contractors are expecting to complete all remediation and cleaning efforts by the first week in December. After cleaning,  our environmental contractor, CEI, will visually inspect all rooms and take air samples to ensure all affected areas are in fact remediated before the areas are reconstructed. To date, remediation efforts are on schedule and we project complete reconstruction of the residence halls in early January, in time for students to return next semester. 

Student Information

Thanksgiving Break/Boxes:  If you plan to take some of your boxed stuff home over Thanksgiving Break (that is, stuff you no longer need to have in the cabin) and need assistance getting your boxes from the ship to the parking lot on Monday or Tuesday, please email Joanne Goldwater with the following info:

Name
Cabin # 
Date of departure 
Approximate time of departure

Joanne will coordinate a schedule (between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday) with the Grounds Crew to provide gators/golf carts to assist with the move.  Please note however, that the assistance has to be scheduled in advance.   The Grounds Crew will not just be hanging around at the dock all day.  The Grounds Crew will also not be available on Wednesday. 

Access to Storage:  If you need to access items in storage on Monday or Tuesday before you leave for Thanksgiving Break, please contact:

For Mattapany storage: Physical Plant at 240-895-4287

For Anne Arundel storage: Residence Life at 240-895-4207

IDs:  We have been asked to remind you to have your IDs visible when traversing HSMC property (including the gravel hill) and when you are on board the shi

Lanyards:  We have heard that some of you need replacement lanyards.  A limited supply of new cords will be brought to the ship this evening.  If you still have the plastic holder and you are missing the cord, you can get a new one at the Purser’s Desk. 

Items from Hotel/Personal Towel:  Some items were left behind at the hotels and have been brought to the Purser’s Desk.  If you are missing some stuff (e.g. pillows, etc.), please go to the Purser’s Desk to see if your items are there.  In addition, the cabin steward took a towel from a cabin that does not belong to the cruise ship.  If you are missing a towel, please go to the Purser’s Desk to claim it. 

Laundry:  We have been asked to remind you that if you want your laundry washed and dried by the crew, to please leave the laundry bags in the hallway by 8 a.m. on your designated wash day (see below).

Service

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Towel service

Decks 2, 4

 

Decks 0, 1, 3

Decks 2, 4

 

 

Decks 0, 1, 3

Linens

 

 

 

Decks 0, 1, 2, 3, 4

 

 

 

Laundry

 

Deck 4 whites and coloreds

 

Deck 3 whites and coloreds

Deck 2 whites and coloreds

Decks 0, 1 whites and coloreds

 

Winter Break:  Info regarding your transition off the ship will be provided after the Thanksgiving Break.  If you would like to help us vet the process before we finalize it, please contact Joanne.

Sea Voyager Move-In Information from Joanne Goldwater Tuesday November 1st, 12:46 P.M.

We are delighted to tell you that the U.S. Coast Guard has approved our occupancy of the Sea Voyager. We are now ready for students to move on board.

We will start moving students at 2:00 p.m. today, November 1, 2011. Check-in will be from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. today. Students can move until Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. Check-in times are noted below:

Wednesday, Nov. 2 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. 
Thursday, Nov. 3 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 4 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 5 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 6 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Professional moving assistance will be provided today and on Saturday and Sunday. Students who wish to move Wednesday through Friday will be provided assistance once you arrive on campus to help move your belongings from the HSMC parking lot onto the ship. We are strongly encouraging students to use the professional movers. Please remember to check-out of the hotel.

We are required to make random checks of boxes, back packs, purses, etc. Please be prepared to allow the staff at the gate on the pier to look into these items as requested. ID Cards: All students and college staff MUST have their ID card visible at all times while traversing HSMC property and upon entering the ship. You will have to show it to the Public Safety officer at the gate leading to the pier and you will have to sign in upon entering the ship from the gangway. You must also sign-out when leaving the ship. Please plan accordingly when you are leaving for class and allow some extra time.

For students who are ready to move today, moving trucks are located at each hotel and movers are ready to load students’ belongings. All boxes should have students’ name and ship cabin number. The volunteer assistants assigned to the hotels have cabin assignment lists, so feel free to confirm your cabin number with them.

Please let Joanne Goldwater know by email if you plan to move on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday and an approximate time you expect to arrive at the ship for check-in. We want to be sure we have staff on site to assist you when you arrive.

Please note: classes will not be cancelled on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Please plan your moves around your class, employment, and extra-curricular schedules. There is plenty of time to move over the weekend if you are unable to move during the week.

Students boarding the ship today must attend a mandatory safety meeting at 9 p.m. tonight in the lounge on the second deck.

We strongly suggest that if you have a desktop computer that you consider putting it in storage and borrowing a laptop from the College. If you wish to borrow a laptop, please notify Joanne. Staff will be available to help put items into storage as needed.

When you arrive at the ship, please proceed up the gangway and go to the second level of the ship to check-in. We look forward to welcoming you aboard your new floating residence hall!

Sea Voyager Update from Joe Urgo Monday October 31st, 5:36 P.M.

Dear College and Museum Community,

As we were preparing to move on board the Sea Voyager today, the Coast Guard inspection team identified a potential mooring issue that requires the ship to be repositioned slightly. The ship will be moved a few feet away from the dock and backward about 12 feet. This repositioning will require rigging a new gangway from the ship to the dock that should be accomplished tonight. The Coast Guard will re-inspect the ship Tuesday morning to make sure that the new mooring and gangway are safe.

I do not believe that anyone has experience mooring a cruise ship on the Dove dock, and there are no records of precedent. As of Sunday afternoon, it appeared that the mooring was successful, and the Coast Guard team was optimistic enough to approve our plan to begin boarding today, pending final inspections. While we are disappointed at the delay, we are grateful to the Coast Guard team for the thorough inspection that revealed this potential safety issue.

The College, the ship’s captain, and the Coast Guard all agree that safety of the students is the highest priority. Once we have the all-clear, we will alert affected students and resume our plans for the Sea Voyager. My greatest regret today is that a number of students had packed efficiently and did not learn of this delay until arriving on campus. With luck, which we actively solicit, this will be a minor snag in an otherwise successful undertaking.

Moving Delay message from Joanne Goldwater Monday, October 31st, 2011 2:24 P.M.

Hi Everyone!

The US Coast Guard (USCG) has not released the ship for boarding. As a result, we are unable to board students today. As soon as I (Joanne Goldwater) am notified that we can board students, I will notify you and we will post information on the web page

You will be able to stay in the hotels until the ship is ready. When we do start boarding, please take note of the following information:

  • To make this go a little smoother, it would be helpful if we could have students move in according to the following schedule: 
    • Students from the Holiday Inn: First two - three hours (to be determined) 
    • Students from the Sleep Inn: Next two - three hours (to be determined) 
    • Students from La Quinta Inn: Next two - three hours (to be determined) 
  • Actual times will be provided when we are told that you can start boarding. 
  • These are guidelines, not absolutes. If you cannot come to the ship at the time designated above, please come during a shift when you are available. 
  • If you are bringing your belongings by car, you will need to park in the HSMC parking lot. 
    • Volunteers and staff will be available with golf carts, gators, and college vehicles to transport boxes to the ship. Your boxes must have your name and cabin number on them. 
  • If you are bringing your belongings by bus, we will provide a new shuttle schedule to you. 
    • The buses will be at each hotel in a continuous loop. 
    • Volunteers and staff will be available with golf carts, gators, and college vehicles to transport boxes to the ship. Your boxes must have your name and cabin number on them. 
  • If you are bringing your belongings with the movers, we will provide a new schedule to you. 
    • The movers will be at each hotel in a continuous loop. 
    • The movers will transport your boxes to the ship. Your boxes must have your name and cabin number on them.

We know this has been confusing and unsettling for some of you. However, we must abide by the USCG regulations which are designed for your safety and well-being. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Message from Joe Urgo about the progress of the Sea Voyager, Saturday October 29th,  2011 1:02 P.M.

Dear St. Mary’s College Community,

The Sea Voyager has arrived at Norfolk, Virginia, for refueling and other preparations. We expect the ship to arrive at the College sometime on Sunday. Because the dock is an unknown entity to the crew, we cannot estimate the time it will take to have the ship secured, inspected, and ready for occupancy – it could take a few hours, or it could take the day. At present, I’d recommend to students that you plan to move on board on Monday, starting in the morning. If we can be ready for Sunday, we’ll alert you.

Message from Joe Urgo about the status of the Sea Voyager, Thursday October 27th,  2011 6:38 P.M.

Dear Campus Community,

We’ve received news that the Sea Voyager is taking longer to reach the Chesapeake Bay than initially estimated by its crew. Significant weather in the Atlantic Ocean has slowed the ship’s progress.

As a result, it looks like embarkation will take place on either Sunday, October 30 or Monday, October 31. Please watch the website and your email for updates; at present we do not know the exact time of the ship’s arrival. We’ll notify you of the timing of the move as soon as we know it.

I appreciate your patience and I look forward to having all of our students rejoin our campus community.

Update for Students Moving to the Ship from Joanne Goldwater and Chip Jackson, Thursday October 27th, 2011 11:42 P.M.

Move-in Times Changed: As Dr. Urgo wrote, "We've received news that the Sea Voyager is taking longer to reach the Chesapeake Bay than initially estimated by its crew. Significant weather in the Atlantic Ocean has slowed the ship's progress." As a result, move-in days and times will have to be flexible until the ship gets closer. Joanne Goldwater will notify you by email when we are able to schedule move-in (which we hope will start on Sunday, October 30 OR Monday, October 31). Additional info will also be posted on the web site: http://www.smcm.edu/residencelife/moldupdates/index.html.

We encourage you to start packing over the weekend. Boxes, tape, and inventory forms are available at the hotel front desk. Don't forget to write your name and cabin # on each box. If more boxes are needed, please contact Joanne Goldwater.

New Hotel Check-Out Time: Because of the change with the move-in days and times, the hotel check-out time will be changed as well. It will likely be some time on Tuesday afternoon, November 1. The new check-out time will be sent to you along with the new move-in information.

Internet: We learned today that the satellite-sourced wireless service provided by the ship is likely to be very weak. Peak (evening) use may be practically non-existent. CTSS is working to figure out how the College can supply an alternative wireless signal from shore. We hope to provide more information soon. Please remember that the CTSS computer lab is accessible 24/7. Many students don’t seem to know that this lab, and the two classrooms and library lab in the Library Annex are all open overnight.

If you own a desktop PC and are interested in borrowing a laptop while you are living on the ship, please contact Joanne Goldwater. CTSS will make available a limited number of laptops that can be used for an extended period of time for students that cannot set up a desktop PC in their cabins.

Study Space Available: We plan to use some of the lounges on the ship for study spaces. In addition, the Pub is open for extra study space seven days a week starting at 8 a.m. Monday - Wednesday, the study space will close at midnight. Food is available at the Pub Thursdays - Fridays, 5 p.m. - 2 a.m., Saturdays from noon - 2 a.m., and Sundays from noon - 11 p.m.

TV: Satellite TV (with approximately 50 channels) will be provided.

HSMC Behavior Expectations: HSMC is very happy to help us deal with this housing issue by hosting the cruise ship at the museum's pier. Both the college and HSMC hope that this is a good experience for everyone. To assist in this effort, the museum staff ask that our students respect the following rules and policies.

  • Due to security concerns around the young school children, you will need to carry and show upon request your college ID card.
  • Please access the riverfront by walking on the roadway between the State House and the Trinity Church grounds. At the bottom of the hill, turn left to walk along the beach toward the pier.
  • The museum is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. through the end of November. Groups of young school children will be on museum grounds for field trips between 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
  • The museum staff appreciate your being respectful of museum school tours, visitors, and staff.
    • The school tours use the pier for hands-on activities during their visits. These activities address content standards and are an important part of their learning experience. Please help the museum staff ensure that they go smoothly by:
      • Keeping noise to a minimum. Talking loudly or shouting to a friend on board the ship will be disruptive. Playing loud music will be disruptive. Thank you for not being disruptive. 
      • Respecting the space in use for activities while the school children (and other visitors) are using the pier. Please walk around the groups, not through them. Please refrain from walking in large groups when the school children are on the pier.
      • Keeping your presence on the pier to a minimum between 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
  • Students and your visitors are welcome on board the Dove during open hours. You must have a ticket (free) in order to gain access to the Dove. The Dove is off limits whenever the museum is closed.
  • Please do not loiter on the pier or the path to the pier.
  • Thank you for remembering and honoring the museum's policy on not allowing bikes, mopeds, golf carts, skateboards on the pier or museum grounds. The exception is for bikes being ridden down the roadway to the shoreline. Please park your bike at the designated area at the beach. Runners are welcome on the museum grounds before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, and all day on Mondays and Tuesdays.
  • If you are a smoker, please smoke in the designated area on the beach and please discard your butts appropriately. Please do not litter. Please throw out your trash and if you see trash on the ground, kindly pick it up and discard it in a trash receptacle. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on museum grounds or on the ship. We have to be mindful of safety considerations (safety lines, being unfamiliar with the ship, etc.) on the pier and on the ship.
  • Thank you for keeping the pier, roadway, and beach picked up and looking good for visitors. Please be aware that the museum does fire the ship's cannon during open hours. It is loud, but it is part of the 17th century visitor experience.
  • Please remember that this is an open-air classroom. The museum staff thank you for being a good neighbor and honoring these needs that allow them to share the pier with us. Public Safety: Staff members will be available on board the ship or on the pier from 5 p.m. - 7 a.m. nightly. During daylight hours, museum staff will be on the pier.

Anne Arundel Storage: We will provide additional storage for your belongings in Anne Arundel Hall. We anticipate having staff available to let you into the locked areas Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. starting Monday, October 31 through Friday, November 11. Thereafter, please call Residence Life (240-895-4207) to schedule a time to gain access to the storage area. As a reminder, if you need to access the storage area on Mattapany (where the rest of your belongings are stored), please call Physical Plant at 240-895-4287 on Tuesdays or Fridays between 1 - 4 p.m. to schedule an escort and access to the locked storage area.

Mandatory Resident Meeting: Don't forget to attend the meeting on Monday night, October 31 at 9 p.m. Members of the crew will go over important safety information, and college staff will discuss programming, staffing, update on the remediation, and other information that will make your stay on board pleasant.

Hallowgreens Transportation: Please do not drink and drive! A second bus has been added for the Holiday Inn for Saturday night. It will start at 10 p.m. and run continuous loops until the last run leaves campus at 3 a.m. The La Quinta and Sleep Inn will each have one bus providing transportation on continuous loops on Saturday night with the last buses leaving campus at 3 a.m. The drop-off and pick-up locations for Saturday night, starting at 10 p.m. will be DPC Circle.

Programming: If you have suggestions for programs, please share them with the Res Life staff or Student Activities staff. Some faculty are already planning to hold classes (some FY seminars) and schedule some discussions on board the ship.

Next Town Hall Meeting: We will have another Town Hall meeting at 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 29 in Cole Cinema. Dr. Chueng, Chip Jackson, and Dr. Urgo will share information with interested students and parents.

Thanks for continuing to stay up-to-date by reading these emails. Please let us know if you have any questions. Have a good evening!

Ship Relocation information from Joanne Goldwater and Chip Jackson, Wednesday October 26th, 2011 11:07 P.M.

We heard the comments and feedback loud and clear from the meetings last night, from conversations on the path and in the Great Room, and from many emails. We hope that with the decision by Dr. Rushing to cancel classes on Friday and most classes on Monday, this will give you an opportunity to pack, move, and get settled on the ship. We still need to get additional info (such as what time the ship will arrive on Friday, cabin sizes, amenities) and will send that info when we get it. A good number of people have been working diligently to prepare the room assignments (which will be emailed to you by noon tomorrow) and work out the logistics for this coming weekend. The info below is really important so please take a few minutes to read this message. If you have any questions, please contact Joanne Goldwater.

Ship Location: The ship will be arriving on Friday and will dock at the HSMC dock (near the Dove). Please refrain from using the Farthings Ordinary entrance. HSMC has requested that we use the dirt road between the State House and Trinity Church property to get to the dock. (Follow the road down to the shoreline and turn left.) Cars should not use the road. We are working with SMECO to get additional lighting in the area ASAP.

Boxes/Tape: Physical Plant staff will be bringing boxes, tape, and additional inventory forms to the three hotels. Please ask for the boxes/tape/forms at the hotel’s Front Desk.

Moving from the Hotels: The college will provide professional movers to assist with moving your belongings from the hotel to the ship on Saturday and Sunday. You box it up and we’ll haul it for you. On Monday and Tuesday, college staff and volunteers will assist with moving boxes from the buses in the HSMC parking lot to the ship. If you wish to avail yourself of the assistance of the professional movers, you MUST contact Joanne Goldwater by email by no later than 6 p.m. on Thursday. Please sign up for one of the times listed here:

Saturday Sunday
9 - 11 a.m.
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
1 - 3 p.m. 		 9 - 11 a.m.
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
1 - 3 p.m.
3 - 5 p.m.
5-7 p.m. 

If you are going to wait until Monday or Tuesday to move your belongings, you will need to load the boxes onto the buses. If the boxes are too heavy, please ask your friends to assist you.

Please be sure to write your name and cabin number on each box. You will receive your cabin assignment on Thursday.

HSMC Event: HSMC has a major event that is open to the greater St. Mary’s County community scheduled for Saturday night, Oct. 29. They have asked that students not disrupt the event or move in boxes from 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. You may walk around the area, but please be respectful and courteous to our good neighbors and limit the noise during their community program.

Check-Out from the Hotels: All students and staff staying at the hotels must check-out at the front desk by no later than 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 1. You will need to turn in the cardkey issued by the hotel and get a check-out “receipt.” In order to check-in at the ship, you will be asked to show the “receipt” from the hotel.

Check-In at the Ship: Check-in will be on board the ship in the Purser’s Office on the Saloon Deck according to the following schedule:

Saturday: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Monday:  10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Tuesday: 9 a.m. - noon

Bus Schedules: The buses will continue to transport students to and from the hotels until Tuesday at noon or as noted below. We will not provide any bus service on Tuesday afternoon. Please plan accordingly. We will also provide buses for moving belongings from the hotel to the ship according to the schedules below. Assistance will be provided to bring belongings from the bus (parked at the HSMC parking lot) to the ship.

La Quinta and Sleep Inn Bus Schedules:

Moving Buses (leaving from the hotels
Saturday: 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. 7 p.m.
Monday: 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. 7 p.m.
Tuesday 8 a.m., 10 a.m., noon

People Shuttles from Hotels: People Shuttles from Campus:
Saturday: 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 a.m., 30 min after the hour 11 a.m. – 3 a.m., at the top of the hour
Sunday: 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 a.m., 30 min after the hour 11 a.m. – 2 a.m., at the top of the hour
Monday: 5:30 a.m. – 1:30 a.m., 30 min after the hour 6 a.m. – 2 a.m., at the top of the hour
Tuesday: 5:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., 30 min after the hour 6 a.m. – 11 a.m., at the top of the hour

Holiday Inn bus schedules:

Moving Buses (leaving from the hotel):
Saturday: 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. 7 p.m.
Monday: 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. 7 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m., 10 a.m., noon
People Shuttles from Hotel:
Saturday: 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m., 3, 4:30, 6, 7:30, 9, 10:30, midnight, 1:30 a.m.
Sunday: 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m., 3, 4:30, 6, 7:30, 9, 10:30, midnight, 1:30 a.m.
Monday: 6:15 a.m., 7:45, 9:15, 10:30, noon, 1:30 p.m., 3, 4:30, 6, 7:30, 9, 10:30, midnight, 1:30 a.m.
Tuesday: 6:15 a.m., 7:45, 9:15, 10:45, 12:15
People Shuttles from Campus:
Saturday: 11:15 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 2:15, 3:45, 5:15, 6:45, 8:15, 9:45, 11:15, 12:45 a.m., 3 a.m.
Sunday: 11:15 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 2:15, 3:45, 5:15, 6:45, 8:15, 9:45, 11:15, 12:45 a.m., 2 a.m.
Monday: 5:30 a.m. 7, 8:30, 10, 11:15, 12:45 p.m., 2:15, 3:45, 5:15, 6:45, 8:15, 9:45, 11:15, 12:45 a.m., 2 a.m.
Tuesday: 5:30 a.m., 7, 8:30, 10, 11:15

Hallowgreens Transportation: In response to student requests, we will be providing transportation from campus back to the three hotels on Saturday night. There will be one bus for each hotel. The last bus will depart campus at 3 a.m. College staff will ride the buses from 10 p.m. – 3 a.m.

Storage: We are working to find additional storage space for you to use if needed. We are tentatively planning to use some space in Anne Arundel Hall. We will arrange to schedule hours where you will be able to access the storage space to drop off or retrieve belongings. The area will be kept locked. We will ask you to do a separate inventory list for anything going into the Anne Arundel storage area.

Security: Public Safety will be providing security nightly on board the ship and on the dock.

Availability of Housing with Faculty/Staff: Several faculty and staff members have generously offered space in their houses for students who do not wish to live on the ship. If you are interested in pursuing this housing option, please contact Joanne.

Linens/Housekeeping: Towels, linens, and pillows will be provided. The crew will clean the rooms every three days, including changing the towels and bedding.

Resident Meeting: There will be a mandatory resident meeting on board the ship in the Grand Salon on Monday night, October 31 at 9 p.m. (feel free to come in costume!). Members of the ship’s crew and college staff will be there to provide important safety info, expectations, info on services and facilities, staffing,etc. All students that are living on the ship are expected to attend this meeting.

We look forward to embarking on this new adventure this weekend!

Class Cancellations (with some exception) from Beth Rushing, Wednesday, October 26 12:03 P.M.

To better assist students who are moving back to campus from the hotels, we will cancel all classes scheduled for Friday, October 28. Other campus activities will go on as scheduled. Look for announcements from Student Affairs for opportunities to assist with community cleanup or other campus work activities.

In addition, all classes EXCEPT multi-section labs will be canceled on Monday, October 31. In addition, Music students should contact their private instructors to determine whether Monday lessons will be rescheduled.

While students will have the opportunity to move to the ship over the weekend, we recognize that Monday is likely to also be needed for moving. Students who are currently located in hotels will be required to check out no later than Tuesday, November 1 at 11 a.m..

These labs WILL meet on Monday, October 31:

  • Principles of Biology (BIOL 105) 
  • General Chemistry (CHEM 106L) With instructor's pre-approval, students may attend a different lab section later that week 
  • Organic Chemistry (CHEM 311L) With instructor's pre-approval, students may attend a different lab section later that week 
  • Inorganic Chemistry (CHEM 405, lab only) 
  • College Physics I (PHYS 121) 
  • General Physics 3 (PHYS 231) 
  • Cognitive Psychology (PSYC 424)

Unless otherwise announced, all other public concerts, recitals, and lectures will be held as scheduled during this period.

Relocation Update from President Urgo, Tuesday, October 25, 2011 5:25 P.M.

Dear St. Mary’s College Community:

I have been deeply troubled by the prospect of so many Prince George and Caroline Hall residents living off campus, in hotels, as far away as Solomons Island. The arrangement, while healthy from the standpoint of mold remediation, is far from ideal academically or in terms of the cohesiveness of our community.

Because the St. Mary’s River is an integral part of our campus, we have options unavailable to other colleges. I am pleased to announce that we have made arrangements to move all students back to campus and onto the Sea Voyager cruise ship by Monday, October 31. The cost to rent this vessel and house students is about the same as we’ve projected for hotel rooms.

To the students who must move again, I regret this second disruption. However, I am asking you to move once more and then be relieved of the commute from your hotel to campus. While I am pleased to have this option, the choice was not made lightly. What prevailed in my judgment is the ability of our displaced students to maintain connection to the campus community. Since timelines for remediation completion are still fluid at this time, we are planning to have students stay on the ship through the final exam period.

We are continuing to work out logistics for the move. The college’s senior administration team will be on-hand to address student questions this evening. We will be in the Great Room from 5 pm to 7 pm; we will attend tonight’s SGA meeting at 8 pm; and members will also visit each hotel at 9 pm. We will continue to post updates as information becomes available on our website:http://www.smcm.edu/residencelife/moldupdates/.We should have the moving logistics distributed no later than noon on Thursday.

Joe Urgo
President

Message to Faculty from Beth Rushing, Tuesday, October 25, 2011 8:18 P.M.

Dear colleagues,

By now you have seen that we are returning the PG and Caroline students to campus, to a ship that will be anchored in the River. Once again, I write to ask your patience and flexibility with students as they move back.

The window for moving is Friday through Monday morning. More details will be forthcoming over the next 24 to 36 hours.

I have heard nothing but positive things about the responsiveness of faculty during this challenging time, and I am grateful to you all for your creative solutions to students' situations.

As always, direct your questions and comments to me.

Beth Rushing

Mold from President Urgo, Monday, October 24, 2011, 3:25 P.M.

Dear St. Mary's Campus Community:

Thank you to all members of the St. Mary’s College community for responding so constructively to the inconvenience and frustration of the mold situation. The elements of the situation are continually changing. In our community's current disruptive state, it is extraordinarily difficult to keep the campus fully informed when we are still firming up plans and gathering information. It is understandable that when we don't know the answer to something, we make inferences about what must be the likely answer. However, misinformation can heighten concerns and therefore there is one rumor that I must address: We are not going to cancel the semester because of mold.

With the exceptions of PG and Caroline, all of the mold assessed by our environmental experts is the kind of mold or mildew that is to be expected after experiencing a long and wet season. We are ensuring the mold is cleaned. We had consultants inspect a sample of housing units across campus on Sunday and there is no indication of any systemic mold that would require shutting down any additional housing facilities. We will continue to respond to isolated cases to make sure that mold is cleaned. However, please remember that the relocation of students was a precautionary measure as mold could have aggravated conditions of students with allergies or with weakened immune systems. The proactive measure allows us to quickly remediate the mold so that we may proceed with our academic program in good health.

In the case of PG and Caroline, the buildings themselves are part of the problem and the conditions that have created the problem are unique to them. PG and Caroline are being thoroughly investigated, repaired, and cleaned before residents can move back.

We will continue to update the campus as we know more.

Joe Urgo
President

Direct Information abut mold and relocation from Beth Rushing, Monday, October 24, 2011 10:04 A.M.

We know that students have questions and concerns about the current mold remediation efforts, and about how we will accommodate the students who have been relocated to hotels. We also know that many of you have great ideas for addressing the concerns of the relocated students. And some of you have additional information about mold elsewhere on campus.

From 4:30 pm until 7 pm tonight, we will be available in the Great Room to listen, answer questions, and problem-solve with you. We will sit at the end of the Great Room closest to the fireplace, and hope you will come by to talk with us.

Laura Bayless – VP for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
Chip Jackson – Associate VP for Facilities and Planning
Polly Miller – Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator
Beth Rushing – VP for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty

Beth Rushing
VP for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty

October 24th Update to Displaced Students On Campus and Commuters

Lot X Closing: Lot X will be closed effective at noon on Tuesday, October 25. Contractors will be using Lot X for equipment for the remediation in CD and PG and for their vehicles. Residents with Lot X decals should park in the back (far) part of Lot Z. You will not be ticketed if you park in the back of the lot. Please do not park in the front of the lot (where faculty, staff, and commuters park). You will be ticketed if you park in those rows.

The Pub: The Pub will be open as a study/hang out/TV lounge as noted below beginning on October 25.

Day(s) Open Hours

Food Availability
Mondays - Wednesdays: 8 a.m. - midnight

No food service Operations
Thursdays - Fridays 8 a.m. - 2 a.m. 5 p.m. - 2 a.m. 
Saturdays 8 a.m. - 2 a.m. 12 p.m. (noon) - 2 a.m. 
Sundays 8 a.m. - midnight 12 p.m. (noon) - 12 a.m.

Additional Data Ports: CTSS has identified 25 rooms where we may need to provide switches for overflow internet access. They are making runs to Best Buys in the area, and then assembling kits. Please remember: there are two computer labs that are open 24/7: Baltimore Hall 163 (next to the CTSS office, adjacent to the Campus Center and across from the Library), and LIB 112 (in the Library Annex). The LIB 112 lab is reserved for classroom instruction during certain hours of the day; but Baltimore Hall 163 is always open for use by individual students.

Townhouse Electric Bills: The Business Office receives the initial billing information. They will divide the bill by the total number of occupants. For example, if a townhouse originally had four residents and now has five and the bill is $125, the original four students will pay $25 ($125 / 5), the extra displaced resident pays nothing. The original residents will see bills that are less than what they have been paying since much of the use, such as for heating, cooling, and lighting, will be about the same. Relocated students have not been billed and will not be billed for electricity.

Pillow Reimbursement: Please bring your receipts to the Office of Residence Life (GL 150). Please write your name, ID number, and hall/room on the receipt.

Access to Storage: If you need to get to storage to get something out or put something in, please contact Physical Plant (240-895-4287) to be escorted to the storage facility. They will take students to the facility on Tuesdays and Fridays from 1 – 4 p.m.

Town Hall Meeting: Another town hall meeting is scheduled for students and parents on Saturday, October 29 at 3 p.m. in Cole Cinema.

Web Updates: Please go to http://www.smcm.edu/residencelife/moldupdates/index.html for updates and information.

Helping Each Other: We want to thank you for the remarkable sense of community being exhibited on campus. We appreciate everyone helping each other and continuing to look out for each other whenever possible.

October 24th Update to Displaced Students In Hotels Off Campus

Staff Assignments: Residence Life staff will be “on duty” on Friday and Saturday nights from 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. If you need assistance at any time, please find these staff members.

You may also call the Front Desk to get assistance as needed.

Lot X Closing: Lot X will be closed effective at noon on Tuesday, October 25. Contractors will be using Lot X for equipment for the remediation in CD and PG and for their vehicles. Residents with Lot X decals should park in the back (far) part of Lot Z. You will not be ticketed if you park in the back of the lot. Please do not park in the front of the lot (where faculty, staff, and commuters park). You will be ticketed if you park in those rows.

Resident Meeting on 10/26: The Res. Life staff at the hotel will be organizing a meeting with members of the administration to provide updates and listen to your feedback. You will be notified when it is scheduled. Please try to attend.

Shuttle Update: We can’t stress enough that students need to plan ahead because it can take up to 90 minutes to catch the shuttle in the morning to get to campus and then get to class. A second bus has been added and is operational for the Holiday Inn as of this afternoon! Remember to call the shuttle hotline (240-895-2000 during college business hours and 240-895-4911 after hours) with any particular issues that you are experiencing related to the shuttle. After we get through tomorrow and have better information from the bus drivers as to how long the runs are taking at various times of the day, then we will put out an adjusted shuttle schedule. Our goal is to have the schedule updated by late tomorrow afternoon. We are also trying to take into account students’ class schedules. We are working as quickly as we can, but we need more data from the drivers. We appreciate your flexibility and patience.

The Pub: The Pub will be open as a study/hang out/TV lounge as noted below beginning on October 25.

Day(s) Open Hours

Food Availability
Mondays - Wednesdays: 8 a.m. - midnight

No food service Operations
Thursdays - Fridays 8 a.m. - 2 a.m. 5 p.m. - 2 a.m. 
Saturdays 8 a.m. - 2 a.m. 12 p.m. (noon) - 2 a.m. 
Sundays 8 a.m. - midnight 12 p.m. (noon) - 12 a.m.

Academic Services Office Hours: Dr. Ruth Feingold, Assistant Dean of the Core Curriculum and Advising will hold office hours as follows:

Sleep Inn Holiday Inn La Quinta Inn
10/25 from 10-11 pm 10/27 from 5-6 pm 10/26 from 7-8 pm
11/1 from 10-11 pm 11/3 from 5-6 pm 11/1 from 6-7 pm
11/8 from 10-11 pm 11/8 from 5-6 pm 11/8 from 6-7 pm

 

Additional hours will be added in November as needed.

Internet Access: Please remember: there are two computer labs open 24/7: Baltimore Hall 163 (next to the CTSS office, adjacent to the Campus Center and across from the Library), and LIB 112 (in the Library Annex). The LIB 112 lab is reserved for classroom instruction during certain hours of the day; but Baltimore Hall 163 is always open for use by individual students. Students who are residing at local hotels should communicate directly with hotel staff about temporary work-arounds (e.g., wireless access in the hotel lobby). The Sleep Inn staff are purchasing additional equipment to enable students to have two data ports in each room. Please do not take the equipment with you (or you will be charged for it).

Pay-for-Print: The Business Office will not bill students relocated to the hotels for pay-for-print this semester.

Crime Prevention: Please remember to use common sense and the same crime prevention tips that you would use on campus. For example:

  • Lock your room doors at all times
  • Use the peephole before opening the hotel door
  • Lock your car and keep valuables out of sight
  • Travel together

If you do experience a crime while you are at the hotel, you can report it to Public Safety (240-895-4911) or contact the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s department (301-475-8008).

Mold Inspections Update: As noted in Dr. Urgo’s earlier email message, “With the exceptions of PG and Caroline, all of the mold assessed by our environmental experts is the kind of mold or mildew that is to be expected after experiencing a long and wet season. We are ensuring the mold is cleaned. We had consultants inspect a sample of housing units across campus on Sunday and there is no indication of any systemic mold that would require shutting down any additional housing facilities. We will continue to respond to isolated cases to make sure that mold is cleaned. However, please remember that the relocation of students was a precautionary measure as mold could have aggravated conditions of students with allergies or with weakened immune systems. The proactive measure allows us to quickly remediate the mold so that we may proceed with our academic program in good health. We are not going to cancel the semester because of mold.”

Pillow Reimbursement: Please bring your receipts to the Office of Residence Life (GL 150). Please write your name, ID number, and hall/room on the receipt.

Snacks: Bon Appetit is providing snacks nightly. Please ask for them at the Front Desk. Enjoy!

Access to Storage: If you need to get to storage to get something out or put something in, please contact Physical Plant (240-895-4287) to be escorted to the storage facility. They will take students to the facility on Tuesdays and Fridays from 1 – 4 p.m.

Temporary Parking Passes: If you just brought a car to school since being displaced, please go to Public Safety to obtain a temporary parking pass.

Town Hall Meeting: Another town hall meeting is scheduled for students and parents on Saturday, October 29 at 3 p.m. in Cole Cinema.

Web Updates: Please go to http://www.smcm.edu/residencelife/moldupdates/index.html for updates and information.

Helping Each Other: We want to thank you for the remarkable sense of community being exhibited on campus and at the hotel. We appreciate everyone helping each other and continuing to look out for each other whenever possible.

October 23rd Update to Displaced Students On and Off Campus

Weekday Shuttles: Planning ahead is very important in order to get to your classes on time. It is difficult to accurately predict how long the shuttle runs will take to and from campus so plan that it might take 60-90 minutes to get to your class from the hotel in the morning. That should allow enough waiting time at the hotel for a shuttle that might not get there at exactly the advertised time, for traffic that the shuttle will experience en route and for your slightly longer walk to class. Remember to call the shuttle hotline (240-895-2000 during college business hours and 240-895-4911 after hours) with any particular issues that you are experiencing related to the shuttle. After we get through the next two days and have better information from the bus drivers as to how long the runs are taking at various times of the day, then we will put out an adjusted shuttle schedule and make necessary accommodations such as adding additional shuttle vehicles as needed. Faculty received an email this afternoon from Dr. Rushing (VP for Academic Affairs/Dean of the Faculty) reminding them about the transportation challenges and to take that into account for the next few days while we work on the timing and size of the shuttles.

Clothing Left in Laundry Rooms/Bikes Left in Bike Rooms: I was told today that the remediation in the buildings will actually start at 7 a.m. on Monday morning. It is essential that anyone who has a bike in the bike room or laundry left in the laundry room pick it up first thing on Monday morning (by 10 a.m.) instead of by 5 p.m. You can bring the clothing to the Res Life office if you need to do so. We will have plastic bags for you to store it in for the day. If you are unable to gain entry into the building, please contact Public Safety at 240-895-4911 or Res. Life (after 8 a.m.) at 240-895-4207.

Keys: If you have not yet picked up your new room key, please do so on Monday between 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. in the Res. Life office (Glendening 150).

Guests: The hotel has asked us to remind you that the continental breakfast is only for registered hotel guests (in our case, our students). Your guests who are not registered at the hotel are not permitted to eat the continental breakfast.

Commuter Lockers Available: We assume that you will not want to lug your books and laundry around campus all day. There are some commuter lockers available in the Campus Center. Please go to Student Activities to sign up for a locker. Several areas on campus are also making plans for students to drop off books and laundry, as well has to have places to hang out, study, watch TV, etc. during the day. More info will be provided once it is finalized.

Academic Services Office Hours: Ruth Feingold, Lenny Howard, and Libby Williams are planning to do some office hours at the hotels. Their schedule will be sent to you once it is finalized.

Library Resources Info: The Library Staff are working hard to provide resources for you. Please look for an email from Pamela Mann which will explain their support.

Off-Campus Housing Availability: Some faculty and staff, as well as some community members, have notified us that they have space available in their homes to accommodate some of our displaced students. If you are interested in moving from the hotel to a family home, please let Joanne Goldwater know and we will work to find a suitable home for you.

Please let us know if you have any questions or suggestions.

Town Hall Meeting, October 21st

 

Letter to Faculty, October 20th

Dear Faculty,

The mold problem in the residence halls has affected more students than originally anticipated—approximately 350 students from Caroline and PG are having to move out by Friday. Most of them will be staying in local hotels.

Later today, I will send each department chair the names of the students who are moving. You can consult that list if you have questions about who is affected.

Given the scope of the problem, the fact that most of those affected are 1st or 2nd year students, and that this is happening at a particularly busy time in the semester, please give consideration to these students. I know that some departments and faculty are already actively addressing the concerns. Here are some additional steps:

  • Consider absences by these students on Thursday-Tuesday (October 20-25) as excused absences. Students will be relocating and working out transportation to and from campus duringthis time.
  • Academic Services can help with administration of makeup exams for these students (contact Anna Speck, x4388, to make arrangements)
  • As always, consider academic accommodations if altering exams or assignments (contact Lenny Howard, x4388, if you have questions).
  • Be especially attentive to students who seem particularly stressed by the situation (contact Lenny Howard to let the Behavioral Intervention Team know about students who might be having problems).

For the latest information regarding the mold problem a webpage has been set up for posting updates. If students have questions or if parents contact you, please refer them to the webpage for the latest information: http://www.smcm.edu/residencelife/moldupdates/index.html

We will have meetings this weekend and next so that we can answer parents’ questions. More information about those meetings will be posted on the update page.

I thank you for your care and consideration for our students during this particularly difficult time.

Beth Rushing
VP for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty 

Thursday, October 20, 2011 4:19 P.M.

Dear St. Mary’s students,

As you know, St. Mary’s College has hired Dr. Hung Cheung, an Occupational Physician from Baltimore, to assist us in making decisions about keeping students affected by mold safe. Dr. Cheung will be on campus several times over the next few weeks to provide information and answer your questions. You may be interested in Dr. Cheung’s website.

On Friday, October 21, 2011, he will be part of a Town Hall Meeting in St. Mary’s Hall at 3:00 pm with a bit of information sharing, and lots of time to answer questions. Feel free to invite your family members to attend if they wish. Following this Town Hall Meeting, he will take 10-minute appointments from 4-6 pm with individual students from Caroline and Prince George Halls.

In the Town Hall meeting from 3-4 pm, before answering questions, Dr. Cheung will address:

  • the types of questions that health services have been receiving
  • the complex scientific basis and medical issues related to mold investigation

To sign up for the individual appointments from 4-6 pm, come to Campus Center 143 and see Lisa Youngborg in the Dean of Students Office. In the individual appointments, Dr. Cheung will be available for those who may have private health questions, and will provide guidance about how an individual’s physician or his/her parents can contact our consultants for more information.

In addition, we will be having weekend meetings on Sunday, October 23 at 2 pm and on Saturday, October 29 at 3 pm (location to be determined). Dr. Cheung will be present at both meetings. We encourage your families to attend.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Laura Bayless at labayless@smcm.edu or 240.895.4208.

Thursday, October 20, 2011 11:00 A.M.

As you know, we are working to remediate mold issues in PG and Caroline Halls. We have had some reported concerns of mold in other residence halls. We have reports from a few students in QA of potential mold and inspected 32 rooms yesterday afternoon. Mold was found on the walls in rooms 133 and 135 that needs to be remediated. The students in these rooms will be out of their rooms for a few hours. The laundry room also needs to be remediated. A remediation contractor is already on site to address these rooms. The QA laundry room will be off limits today while the work is underway. A few rooms have mold growth on windows that are episodic in nature and, in accordance with EPA guidelines, need to be wiped down. This will be done today as well. We also observed some rooms that have wet ceiling tiles that do not exhibit mold but should be replaced. This will happen today.

These limited issues in QA are not similar to PG and Caroline Halls. There is currently no indication of a systemic problem in QA or need to evacuate the building.

As a result of these on-going issues, we are initiating a review of all residences on campus. The industrial hygienist consultant, CEI, will be developing a sampling protocol to take air samples in selected areas of each housing complex. If students have particular concerns about their space, please contact Joanne Goldwater as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011 5:32 P.M.

As you know, St. Mary’s College is experiencing mold conditions in two residence halls, Prince George and Caroline. We have made provisions to provide housing for the 191 students on the first and second floors of both buildings. The housing assignment schedules will be sent to these affected students late this afternoon.

After taking additional tests, and under the advice of our occupational physician, Dr. Hung Cheung, the college’s senior administration has made the decision to proactively move the students residing on the third floors of the Prince George and Caroline residence halls. Mold tests results from the third floors did not show the levels of mold exhibited on the first and second. They were mixed, however, with some results negative and some indicating mold that needs to be addressed. As a precaution, all third floor students will be relocated. Housing assignments for these additional 159 students will be created and will be sent to those students tomorrow afternoon. All students will need to be moved, either to an on-campus residence hall or hotel, by Friday. Third floor residents should email Joanne Goldwater,jagoldwater@smcm.edu, by no later than 10 a.m. on Thursday with roommate requests and/ or specific room requests based on extenuating circumstances.

Students interested in additional information will have the opportunity to ask questions of Joanne Goldwater and Chip Jackson, who will visit the resident meetings already scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight in Caroline Hall Rec Room and at 9 p.m. in Prince George’s Rec Room. Those students with a strong preference to move tonight (Wednesday, October 19, 2011) need to contact Joanne Goldwater at jagoldwater@smcm.edu with their request, however, space for these immediate accommodations is limited.

On Friday, October 21, a town hall meeting discussing the mold issues will be held in the afternoon. Dr. Cheung will be visiting the campus to address any questions students, faculty, staff and parents may have. The time and location is being arranged and will be updated on the mold update site.

Please continue to check this site as we will provide updates as information continues to becomes available.

Tuesday, October 18th 2011

Dear Parents:

Although we have been communicating with students about recent findings of mold, we wanted to inform you of the latest information related to the mold situation in Prince George and Caroline Halls. On Monday, October 17th, we determined that we now need to take precautions to move 191 students from the Prince George and Caroline residence halls as early as the end of this week. This includes all students on the 1st and 2nd floors of these residences. Other students, including students on the 3rd floors of Prince George and Caroline halls, will not need to be moved.

We have found our experience with mold in the residence halls this semester extremely frustrating, as have other colleges and universities in rain-soaked areas this season. Hurricane Irene and subsequent, prolonged damp and rainy weather exacerbate mold conditions in these residence halls.

We have followed the advice of CEI, the professional environmental and industrial hygiene consulting firm that developed the protocols for the cleaning of sections of the residence halls over the fall break. After doing so, we ran tests in those areas and they continued to show evidence of mold. As a result, we now have no choice but to relocate students in order to protect their health and well-being. Housing plans are being finalized and include moving students to other residence halls and to two local hotels. Remediation plans include removing all affected materials on the two floors in both buildings including the ceilings and insulation. The rooms and furniture will then be cleaned and vacuumed following protocols established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The rooms will be tested again by CEI before rebuilding occurs.

I sincerely regret the inconvenience students will experience. We are working quickly to finalize plans that will detail the moves of the students and the resources that will be available to them. We establishing a web page so that we may keep you up-to-date with information as it becomes available. Please visit www.smcm.edu/residencelife/moldupdates later this week for additional information.

We appreciate your patience as we work to keep our campus safe, healthy and livable for all students. If you have any questions, please contact Associate Vice President of Planning and Facilities, Chip Jackson atccjackson@smcm.edu or Associate Dean of Students/Director of Residence Life, Joanne Goldwater atjagoldwater@smcm.edu.

Thank you,

Joseph R. Urgo
President

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