Dear parents and families of all WKU on-campus residents,
We have been made aware of social media channels in which discussion about the air quality in the residence halls has taken place. Please note that because these unofficial channels are not affiliated with WKU, they are not monitored by university staff. For concerns to be addressed efficiently and effectively, it’s imperative that they are submitted through the designated following the reporting process detailed below.
An especially humid summer and fall on the Hill has led to high humidity levels in the residence halls and the accompanying risk of mold growth on both hard and soft surfaces (air vent grills, wooden closets, furniture, clothes, shoes, etc.). High humidity coupled with several multi-day rain events this fall have provided the conditions for excessive pollen and mold spores both outside and inside of buildings, exacerbating seasonal and mold allergies.
University Response
During the week of September 20, the university was alerted to an increase of incidences of common moisture-driven surface mold, particularly in Northeast Hall and Pearce Ford Tower. Dehumidifiers were placed in key locations and every room was investigated; if necessary, accessible areas were cleaned by a crew of lead staff members from Facilities Management, Environmental Health and Safety, and Housing & Residence Life.
Air samples were collected and sent to a certified laboratory for analysis. The testing involves collecting air samples from outside and inside buildings for comparison of types of molds and quantity of mold spores. Presence of similar mold types outside and inside the buildings at levels equal to or below those found outside the buildings is considered normal, as all HVAC systems bring fresh air in from outdoors. Corrective actions are immediately taken if indoor levels are significantly elevated or if certain mold types are present that are not normally encountered within buildings.
Laboratory results identified common surface molds that are typically found outside and/or form inside when conditions are right. Eight rooms in Northeast and 15 rooms in PFT had elevated levels, and those residents were contacted directly, and their rooms were addressed immediately. Some air units were identified as needing vent cleaning and those rooms were also addressed. Isolated maintenance reports have been made from halls other than Northeast and PFT, but not in levels that would indicate a building-wide problem. When reported, rooms are investigated and cleaned as necessary.
On Friday, September 24, an external engineering firm initiated an analysis of the existing HVAC systems and supporting equipment in Northeast Hall. This group did their initial site visit and collected design documents for review. They will be working to determine which issues are currently impacting the main HVAC systems in order to recommend corrective actions. They will also provide recommendations for systemic improvements to minimize any future issues related to air quality.
On-going Initiatives
As visible surface mold is encountered and reported, WKU staff complete a thorough set of protocols that include cleaning all accessible affected surfaces, looking for and identifying problematic areas of the room, and making adjustments to local HVAC settings to promote lower humidity. Due to the airborne nature of mold spores, follow-up cleaning is often necessary. We recognize that this process can be frustrating, but WKU staff work to follow-up on problematic areas as needed.
WKU Facilities Management is continuing to analyze and adjust equipment to lower humidity levels in the halls to reduce the risk of mold growth. Engineers are preparing an action plan to update the building’s HVAC system so indoor high humidity events are less likely in the future. WKU Housing & Residence Life has purchased additional equipment to help with humidity levels and should receive the equipment within the next few days.
Reporting Issues
It is imperative for students to submit a maintenance request at the first sign of a problem. Maintenance requests help WKU track issues and provide timely service.
Maintenance requests can be submitted online, by text, by phone, or in person: www.wku.edu/housing/maintenance. Submitting online or by text provides students the ability to provide detailed information and receive updates as the work order is submitted, approved, and resolved.
WKU staff have been working diligently to respond to parent and student emails and phone calls as quickly as possible when concerns are raised.
Frequently Asked Questions & Best Practices
There are many questions about air quality, health and safety, and best practices. We have created a website that addresses those questions and concerns. Please visit www.wku.edu/housing/airquality/faq.php to learn more. Air quality updates are also available on this site.
The university partners with students to create an environment that lessens the risk of mold growth. Best practices are available at www.wku.edu/housing/airquality/bestpractices.php.
If you have other questions or concerns regarding the air quality in the residence halls, you can contact hrl@wku.edu and your question or concern will be directed to the appropriate staff member.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Sincerely,
WKU Housing & Residence Life
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