Dear faculty, staff and students,
As many of you know, the university has begun some environmental testing in the Sandels Building to ensure that we are providing a safe and healthy environment for our students, faculty and staff. Several faculty members raised concerns about air quality with me, and I immediately approved alternate work and class locations as we gather the facts to inform our next course of action.
Our facilities team has contracted with outside experts to conduct a thorough environmental review of the building, which will include a comprehensive measurement of radon levels. Unfortunately, a measurement of radon in a building like Sandels is not a simple process and will take time to complete.
Out of an abundance of caution, I have decided that Sandels Building will remain closed until further notice. My office is working to find new classroom space for all sections for the remainder of the semester. While we do this, classes will meet in alternate locations. In addition, the Office of the Vice President for Research is diligently seeking space to relocate 11 laboratories so that our researchers and graduate students can continue their work. Staff members will work remotely unless otherwise notified.
We are working to notify all students, faculty and staff currently assigned to the Sandels Building this semester of these developments. This is anticipated to take some time. Please feel free to forward this message to members of this community as needed.
The health and safety of the campus community is the university’s top priority. The university will provide updates as soon as they are available, and I thank everyone for their patience and understanding during this time.
Sincerely,
Jim Clark
Provost