Updates

Dear Sandels Building Colleagues and Students,

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we continue our work in the Sandels Building.

Here is an update of this week’s progress:

• Recent demolition of cabinetry and environmental chamber in the basement revealed wet drywall and additional mold, which required remediation. The drywall has been removed and remediation in the area is almost complete. The industrial hygienist, HC3, is scheduled to inspect the area today, Dec. 9, to ensure that cleaning and remediation efforts have been successful. 
• Pricing for replacing first-floor carpet has been received, and work is anticipated to take place after work hours in early January. 
• Cleaning of carpet splattered during the removal of wax is being scheduled to take place during winter break.
• The department has vacated the areas on the fourth floor affected by the upcoming AHU and fume hood replacements project. The contractor is scheduled to begin work during winter break, and the project duration is anticipated to be 10 months.
• Documents to complete the emergency generator upgrades and documents to upgrade the restrooms are all due to be submitted to Facilities for permitting next week.

Please note that work areas are under the control of the contractor. We’d like to remind the remaining building occupants not to access construction areas without prior approval due to OSHA requirements.

If you have questions that have not been addressed in an update, on the Sandels Response website or in the FAQs, please email sandelsresponse@fsu.edu, and we will answer your individual questions to the best of our ability.

Best regards,

Jim Clark
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Note: Messages submitted to sandelsresponse@fsu.edu may be subject to disclosure pursuant to Florida’s public records laws. To ensure the privacy and protection of your personal health information (PHI), please do not submit any PHI or private health details via this website or email.

Dear Sandels Building Colleagues and Students,

I hope this message finds everyone well as work continues in the Sandels Building.

Since my previous update, the following activities have taken place:

• Construction in the Dean’s suite is complete, and occupants have moved back into their offices. ITS is finalizing the return of voice/data cabling.  
• Construction on the 4th floor will begin pending completion of all paperwork requirements. Occupants of the 4th-floor labs have been relocated for the duration of the construction.
• The new fume hoods have arrived and are being stored in preparation for the beginning of construction.
• Repairs needed due to the recent plumbing issue have been completed by Maintenance. 
• Completion of documents for bathroom upgrades is still pending.

If you have questions that have not been addressed in an update, on the Sandels Response website or in the FAQs, please email sandelsresponse@fsu.edu, and we will answer your individual questions to the best of our ability.

Best regards,

Jim Clark
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Note: Messages submitted to sandelsresponse@fsu.edu may be subject to disclosure pursuant to Florida’s public records laws. To ensure the privacy and protection of your personal health information (PHI), please do not submit any PHI or private health details via this website or email.

Dear Sandels Building Colleagues and Students,

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we continue work in the Sandels Building.

Since my previous update, the following activities have taken place:

• Work in the Dean’s suite is expected to be complete today, Nov. 18, and is anticipated to be ready for re-occupancy next week.
• A proposal for the 4th-floor lab upgrades has been received. Construction is anticipated to begin immediately after the Thanksgiving holiday. We will seek to confine noise-generating construction activities during times when the building experiences lighter occupancy loads.
• The new fume hoods are due to arrive Tuesday, Nov. 22
• Repairs being performed by FSU Maintenance in response to the recent plumbing issues are expected to be complete next week. New finish flooring in the 2nd-floor kitchenette was installed this week, and wall base and repair of bathroom ceilings should be completed by early next week.
• Classroom support personnel will remove consoles and AV equipment from the classrooms on the 3rd and 4th floors by early next week in preparation for upcoming work. Classes in these spaces are being relocated through the spring semester.
• Construction documents for bathroom upgrades are expected to be completed soon after the Thanksgiving holiday.

If you have questions that have not been addressed in an update, on the Sandels Response website or in the FAQs, please email sandelsresponse@fsu.edu, and we will answer your individual questions to the best of our ability.

Best regards,

Jim Clark
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Note: Messages submitted to sandelsresponse@fsu.edu may be subject to disclosure pursuant to Florida’s public records laws. To ensure the privacy and protection of your personal health information (PHI), please do not submit any PHI or private health details via this website or email.

Dear Sandels Building Colleagues and Students,

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we continue work in the Sandels Building.

Since my previous update, the following activities have taken place:

• Waterproofing of the wall outside the Dean’s suite is complete. The certified industrial hygienist performed moisture testing, and clearances have been achieved. Drywall replacement will start early next week, and the target date for re-occupancy has been moved up to Nov. 11.
• Pricing was received and is under review for the new air handling unit (AHU) and fume hoods on the fourth floor. Schedule considerations are being coordinated.
• The specialized equipment was removed from the basement and demolition is almost complete.
• The Maintenance team continues to work on repairs needed following the recent plumbing issue. Work is anticipated to be completed by Nov. 11.

If you have questions that have not been addressed in an update, on the Sandels Response website or in the FAQs, please email sandelsresponse@fsu.edu, and we will answer your individual questions to the best of our ability.

Best regards,

Jim Clark
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Note: Messages submitted to sandelsresponse@fsu.edu may be subject to disclosure pursuant to Florida’s public records laws. To ensure the privacy and protection of your personal health information (PHI), please do not submit any PHI or private health details via this website or email.

Dear Sandels Building Colleagues and Students,

I hope this message finds everyone well as work continues in the Sandels building.

The following progress has taken place since my previous update:

• The lift equipment is on site for the Dean’s suite envelope repair, and the construction manager is preparing for masonry wall waterproofing. The goal is to finish the repairs by the end of the week. After completion, the industrial hygienist will perform testing to ensure there is no moisture intrusion. Once cleared, work will begin on interior wall finishes and carpet. A target date for re-occupancy has been set for Nov. 18.
• Facilities is coordinating the next phase of work on the fourth floor, including move-in and installation of new HVAC equipment. This phase requires some shutdown of building systems, and the downstream effects are being carefully reviewed for impact on occupants and academic activities.
• Meetings are being scheduled to coordinate the installation of a new roof system with other previously planned building construction.
• Facilities Maintenance worked to repair the concrete floor slab in the second-floor kitchen. The kitchen cabinetry will be reinstalled upon satisfactory curing of the slab. Repairs to other building finishes, including the wall base and bathroom ceilings damaged by the recent plumbing issue, are anticipated for the week of Oct. 31.

If you have questions that have not been addressed in an update, on the Sandels Response website or in the FAQs, please email sandelsresponse@fsu.edu, and we will answer your individual questions to the best of our ability.

Best regards,

Jim Clark
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Note: Messages submitted to sandelsresponse@fsu.edu may be subject to disclosure pursuant to Florida’s public records laws. To ensure the privacy and protection of your personal health information (PHI), please do not submit any PHI or private health details via this website or email.

Dear Sandels Building Colleagues and Students,

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we continue work in the Sandels Building. As noted previously, required phasing will include periods of intense activity followed by slower periods needed to plan subsequent phases. However, I’d like to reassure you of our continued attentiveness and dedication as we work toward the timeliest completion possible.

The following progress has taken place since my previous update:

• Work in the basement and the Dean’s suite, including exterior envelope repair, is now under contract and preparations to begin work are in progress. Construction will include repair of the exterior followed by interior finishes being replaced. Work will also be done in the basement to prepare for future renovations. Completion is expected no later than early November.
• Wall colors and the interior finishes for the corridor floors have been selected for additional phases of renovation moving forward.
• A list of scientific equipment that will be connected to emergency back-up power has been developed in conjunction with the college. Equipment needed to source backup power from the existing emergency generator is being priced. As noted previously, the existing generator has been evaluated and found capable of sufficient capacity for current needs.
• Pricing for the next phase of work on the 4th Floor, which includes installation of new HVAC equipment and fume hoods, is due to be submitted by early next week. Work will be scheduled when the purchase order is issued.
• Facilities Maintenance is working to repair damage caused by the recent plumbing issue. Work should be completed by the end of next week.

If you have questions that have not been addressed in an update, on the Sandels Response website or in the FAQs, please email sandelsresponse@fsu.edu, and we will answer your individual questions to the best of our ability.

Best regards,

Jim Clark
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Note: Messages submitted to sandelsresponse@fsu.edu may be subject to disclosure pursuant to Florida’s public records laws. To ensure the privacy and protection of your personal health information (PHI), please do not submit any PHI or private health details via this website or email.

Dear Sandels Building Colleagues and Students,

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we continue work in the Sandels Building. The project has reached the point where many technical pieces are being organized and outward activity may seem to slow. However, I’d like to reassure you of our attentiveness and dedication working toward the timeliest completion as possible.

The following progress has taken place since my previous update:

• Pricing for the work in the basement and on the Dean’s suite envelope repair is awaiting contract finalization.
• Selections pertaining to the final wall colors and the interior finishes for the corridor floors are being finalized this week.
• The Facilities project manager is pursuing a final list of what equipment will be connected to emergency power support in the instance of an unplanned outage.

If you have questions that have not been addressed in an update, on the Sandels Response website or in the FAQs, please email sandelsresponse@fsu.edu, and we will answer your individual questions to the best of our ability.

Best regards,

Jim Clark
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dear Sandels Building Colleagues and Students,

I hope this message finds everyone well as work continues in the Sandels building.

The following has taken place since my last update:

• Pricing for the work in the basement and the Dean’s suite envelope repair was received and revised to reflect newly issued contract terms. This work will begin once purchase order is received.
• Pricing for the fourth-floor renovations is in progress. The construction team is working to expedite the project and remedy schedule constraints relating to the delivery of the new HVAC mechanical system controls.
• The new air handling unit #6 for the fourth floor has arrived. Installation is being coordinated with the start of construction.
• Selections pertaining to the final wall colors and the interior finishes for the corridor floors are in progress.
• Facilities Maintenance is working to complete the wall, ceiling and floor repairs required due to the plumbing issue encountered last month prior to the upcoming prospective faculty visits.
• A solution for emergency power is being finalized. This plan will enable the support of research equipment during a power outage.

If you have questions that have not been addressed in an update, on the Sandels Response website or in the FAQs, please email sandelsresponse@fsu.edu, and we will answer your individual questions to the best of our ability.

Best regards,

Jim Clark
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dear Sandels Building Colleagues and Students,

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we continue work in the Sandels Building.

As we continue to prioritize the health and safety of our campuses around the state due to the impacts of Hurricane Ian, project updates regarding the Sandels Building will resume next week.

Best regards,

Jim Clark
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dear Sandels Building Colleagues and Students,

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we continue work in the Sandels Building.

Since my previous update, the following activities have taken place:

• The bidding process for the work in the basement, the Dean’s suite, and fourth floor is in progress and proposals must be submitted by the close of business today, Sept. 23. A purchase order is expected to be issued for the work early next week.
• Installation of the new carpet on the second and third floors is complete pending a final inspection by the project manager.
• The new air handling unit #6 for the fourth floor has shipped. Installation is being coordinated with the contractor.
• Facilities is assessing work needed in the bathrooms, including accessibility accommodations. The design process will begin once the assessment is complete.
• Facilities is ensuring appropriate backup redundancies are in place as a part of preparations for possible hurricanes or severe weather.

If you have questions that have not been addressed in an update, on the Sandels Response website or in the FAQs, please email sandelsresponse@fsu.edu, and we will answer your individual questions to the best of our ability.

Best regards,

Jim Clark
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Note: Messages submitted to sandelsresponse@fsu.edu may be subject to disclosure pursuant to Florida’s public records laws. To ensure the privacy and protection of your personal health information (PHI), please do not submit any PHI or private health details via this website or email.

Dear Sandels Building Colleagues and Students,

I’m pleased to share this week’s update with you as we continue to work on the Sandels Building.

The following progress has taken place since my previous update:

• Building envelope improvements near the Dean’s suite continue. Work will begin to waterproof the exterior wall once purchase order is issued.
• Installation of the remaining new carpet for the second and third floors continues.
• Pricing has been received to remove remaining specialty equipment from the basement.
• Next week, the construction manager plans to start the bidding process for the construction to support the installation of the new HVAC air handling unit and fume hoods on the fourth floor. The new equipment is scheduled for delivery by mid-October.

If you have questions that have not been addressed in an update, on the Sandels Response website or in the FAQs, please email sandelsresponse@fsu.edu, and we will answer your individual questions to the best of our ability.

Best regards,

Jim Clark
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Note: Messages submitted to sandelsresponse@fsu.edu may be subject to disclosure pursuant to Florida’s public records laws. To ensure the privacy and protection of your personal health information (PHI), please do not submit any PHI or private health details via this website or email.

Dear Sandels Building Colleagues and Students,

I hope everyone had a safe and happy Labor Day weekend. I’m pleased to share the following updates:

• Building envelope improvements near the Dean’s suite continue.
• Installation of the remaining new carpet for the second and third floors has begun.
• Carpet base missing in Room 207M will be completed by end of the week.
• Basement flooring finish materials have been delivered. Work will start as soon as remaining specialty equipment is removed from the area.
• Heavy-duty cleaning continues in the building with emphasis on minimizing disruptions to classes and faculty/staff workday.

If you have questions that have not been addressed in an update, on the Sandels Response website or in the FAQs, please email sandelsresponse@fsu.edu, and we will answer your individual questions to the best of our ability.

Best regards,

Jim Clark
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Note: Messages submitted to sandelsresponse@fsu.edu may be subject to disclosure pursuant to Florida’s public records laws. To ensure the privacy and protection of your personal health information (PHI), please do not submit any PHI or private health details via this website or email.

Dear Sandels Building Colleagues and Students,

Our Facilities teams and contractors continue to make steady progress in addressing concerns regarding the Sandels Building.

I’m pleased to report the following activities have taken place since my last update:

• Building envelope improvements located near the Dean’s suite have been expedited ahead of the larger envelope renewal.
• The construction manager, FSU project manager and the FSU building code official are coordinating work permitting requirements for the remaining projects.
• The construction manager is preparing pricing and schedules for installation of the new fume hoods and mechanical equipment on the fourth floor as well as the associated architectural work.
• Basement upgrades are anticipated to begin after work on the fourth floor is complete. The basement flooring finish materials are scheduled to ship next week, and installation will begin after removal of remaining specialized equipment.
• Roof replacement and building envelope improvement projects are in the planning stage and estimated to begin later this semester.
• New carpet for the second and third floors is expected to ship Sept. 7, and installation is planned immediately upon receipt. Work will be conducted after hours to avoid impacts on classes and faculty/staff workday.

If you have questions that have not been addressed in an update, on the Sandels Response website or in the FAQs, please email sandelsresponse@fsu.edu, and we will answer your individual questions to the best of our ability.

Best regards,

Jim Clark
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Note: Messages submitted to sandelsresponse@fsu.edu may be subject to disclosure pursuant to Florida’s public records laws. To ensure the privacy and protection of your personal health information (PHI), please do not submit any PHI or private health details via this website or email.

Dear Sandels Building Colleagues and Students,

I’m pleased to share this week’s progress report on the work to address concerns regarding the Sandels Building.

Here are the latest updates on the project:

• Cleaning clearances have been achieved in the Dean’s suite. The certified industrial hygienist (HC3) also completed an envelope study. In addition to the exhaust fan, another source of intrusion may be a few localized areas of deteriorated brick mortar. A long-term plan is currently underway. The completion date for the Dean’s suite is expected next week.
• In an earnest effort to improve aesthetic and environmental conditions, heavy-duty cleaning activity continues and is scheduled to occur after hours when students and staff are not in the building.
• Facilities is assisting in relocating several freezers, refrigerators, and other pieces of furniture to the William Johnston Building. Additional specialty equipment will be removed from the basement allowing the slab to be sealed and new sheet flooring to be installed.
• HC3 determined moisture collection on the interior wall of Room 442 was caused by a leaky autoclave in the adjacent lab space. Maintenance was notified and the autoclave has been repaired. This should remedy the issue. Repairs to the wall and removal of water damaged drywall is being scheduled.
• Due to supply chain delays, completion of new carpet installation on the second and third floors will begin on or before Sept. 7.
• Facilities continues to track the arrival of the fourth floor’s new fume hoods and new Air Handling Unit replacing AHU 6. Updates will be passed along as we receive them.
• The Sandels Building is expected to be allocated deferred maintenance funds for replacement of the roof and windows as well as for the maintenance of the overall building envelope. Planning is currently in progress.
• Facilities was notified on August 25 of a sanitary line backup in the building. Facilities Maintenance, along with an external contractor, worked through the night on the issue. Aggressive corrective action continues. Updates will be provided as information becomes available.
• Over the past week, swipe card access has been tweaked based upon occupants’ request. Interim Dean Andrew escalated the request on Thursday night and earlier today access was reset to ensure classroom doors are unlocked during class times.

If you have questions that have not been addressed in an update, on the Sandels Response website or in the FAQs, please email sandelsresponse@fsu.edu, and we will answer your individual questions to the best of our ability.

Best regards,

Jim Clark
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Note: Messages submitted to sandelsresponse@fsu.edu may be subject to disclosure pursuant to Florida’s public records laws. To ensure the privacy and protection of your personal health information (PHI), please do not submit any PHI or private health details via this website or email.

Dear Sandels Building Colleagues and Students,

This past week, we have busily been preparing the Sandels Building for occupancy and classes.

I’m pleased to share this week’s updates:

• The entire building is currently undergoing a heavy-duty cleaning, including sanitation of the bathrooms and cleaning of floors, walls and windowsills. This will be complete by the time classes start Monday.
• The expedited work and carpet replacement in Room 100C is complete. Due to supply chain constraints, the delivery of the new carpet for the remainder of the second floor and the third floor has been delayed until Sept. 9.
• Painting of offices and exhaust piping enclosures is complete.
• In preparation for upgrades, the department has removed all loose items from the basement. The contracted removal of other specialty equipment is pending.
• Remediation in the Dean’s suite has been completed. The certified industrial hygienist (HC3) is in the process of performing clearance testing. Remediation of the Dean’s suite exterior wall continues as the project team works to identify and remediate any source of persisting humidity.
• As part of an effort to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of building environmental improvements, a moisture intrusion survey of the building envelope is being conducted.
• A survey of research equipment requirements will begin next week as FSU Facilities works to develop a recommendation for connecting emergency back-up power to the building’s research equipment.
• We are working with faculty in the Department of Nutrition & Integrative Physiology to identify additional space near the Institute of Sport Sciences and Medicine for research and teaching needs.

Please note that Sandels will be open for the start of classes on Monday and entry to the building will not require swipe card access. FSU Facilities is working with contractors to ensure spaces are closed and secured at the end of the day; however, I encourage you to lock your offices as you normally would before leaving the building.

If you have questions that have not been addressed in an update, on the Sandels Response website or in the FAQs, please email sandelsresponse@fsu.edu, and we will answer your individual questions to the best of our ability.

Best regards,

Jim Clark
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Note: Messages submitted to sandelsresponse@fsu.edu may be subject to disclosure pursuant to Florida’s public records laws. To ensure the privacy and protection of your personal health information (PHI), please do not submit any PHI or private health details via this website or email.

Dear Sandels Building Colleagues and Students,

Since January, teams from FSU Facilities and FSU Environmental Health and Safety, as well as independent environmental experts and outside contractors, have been diligently working to address indoor air quality concerns in the Sandels Building.

To date, we’ve made a significant amount of progress. Most notably, the installation of the radon exhaust fans is now complete, and results indicate that the mitigation system is operating as intended and radon gas levels are measuring well below EPA-recommended levels. Another noteworthy accomplishment is that the HVAC system has been successfully cleaned and remediated, and all clearances have been reached.

In addition, mold mitigation on the north and northeast walls of the building has been successfully completed; the carpeting has been replaced or is scheduled to be replaced in many areas throughout the building; and a new Air Handling Unit #6 (AHU) and new fume hoods have been purchased and will be installed upon delivery.

Last week, an analysis of the Dean’s suite exterior wall indicated moisture and mold were present. As such, we immediately began remediation on Aug. 11. A likely source of the leak in this area is an abandoned exhaust fan. Further, the industrial hygienist is exploring a solution to prevent any future moisture intrusion, including a new wall system design so that the drywall will not touch the exterior wall. The new wall cavity will be constructed in a way to promote air flow and prevent bridging of moisture in the future.

While there has been a tremendous amount of progress on this project over the past several months, not all work is finalized. We continue to receive requests from building occupants regarding different projects, and supply chain issues have caused unforeseen delays.

Work is still pending on a number of projects, including:

• Heavy-duty cleaning of the building, which is scheduled for the week of Aug. 15.
• Carpet replacement on the third floor and remainder of second floor. Carpet installation in Room 100C has been expedited at the department’s request and is expected to be complete by Aug. 17.
• Installation of new fourth floor fume hoods. Delivery is expected in mid-October.
• Installation of new air handling unit (AHU) for the fourth floor. No delivery date has been issued yet.
• Architectural finishes and repairs needed following the fume hood and AHU installations.
• Installation of new free-standing bookcases.

There also are several projects in the planning stage, including:

• Carpet replacement on the first floor.
• An additional survey of the building for signs of moisture and/or mold is scheduled for the coming week.
• Upgrades to the basement, including new flooring, ceiling and paint, a new AHU and HVAC improvements, and removal of environmental chamber.
• Exterior envelope repairs of cracks and exterior waterproofing.
• New roof and windows.
• Final painting of all interior spaces.
• Bathroom improvements.
• New ceiling tiles throughout the building.
• Installation of an emergency generator to serve the –80 freezers.

Because of active construction, individuals have the option to choose whether to return to their offices, labs and classrooms before work is finished. Individuals may decide what’s best for their research, teaching or staff responsibilities.

The Registrar proactively worked with the Dean’s office to assign alternate meeting locations in other buildings if an individual instructor chooses not to hold their classes in Sandels. Please work with your department chair to identify the alternate space that has been preassigned for your consideration.

As President McCullough and I have repeatedly stated, the health and safety of the campus community continues to be the university’s top priority. We hope that by allowing individuals the ability to determine when to repopulate the building, they have the opportunity to make the best choice for themselves and their students.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this time. I will continue to provide updates on the building’s progress.

If you have questions that have not been addressed in an update, on the Sandels Response website or in the FAQs, please email sandelsresponse@fsu.edu, and we will answer your individual questions to the best of our ability.

Best regards,

Jim Clark
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Note: Messages submitted to sandelsresponse@fsu.edu may be subject to disclosure pursuant to Florida’s public records laws. To ensure the privacy and protection of your personal health information (PHI), please do not submit any PHI or private health details via this website or email.

Dear Sandels Building Colleagues and Students,

I’m pleased to share this week’s update with you as we work on the Sandels Building.

The following progress has taken place since my previous update:

• The installation of the radon mitigation active soil depressurization system is expected to be completed today, August 5.
• The moisture investigation in the administrative offices on the third and fourth floors has been completed. No active mold growth was found in the spaces where wall cabinets were removed. The walls in both offices will be cleaned and painted as soon as possible.
• Painting of the areas repaired due to mold mitigation is expected to begin by August 8.
• The new carpet installation is complete on the fourth floor and in Suite 207. The rubber wall base for the fourth floor is expected to be completed early next week. The remaining new carpet materials for the second floor are due to ship approximately the third week of August.
• Sealing of the basement slab against future moisture and radon intrusions, which is a supplementary component of the active mitigation system, will begin as soon as the materials arrive.
• In an abundance of caution, the project team is re-examining areas of the building that have undergone remediation.
• Dean Andrew, the Facilities project manager, classroom support representatives, and other stakeholders, toured the building this week to review progress and assess the building’s status and readiness for fall semester.

If you have questions that have not been addressed in an update, on the Sandels Response website or in the FAQs, please email sandelsresponse@fsu.edu, and we will answer your individual questions to the best of our ability.

Best regards,

Jim Clark
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Note: Messages submitted to sandelsresponse@fsu.edu may be subject to disclosure pursuant to Florida’s public records laws. To ensure the privacy and protection of your personal health information (PHI), please do not submit any PHI or private health details via this website or email.

Dear Sandels Building Colleagues and Students,

The health and safety of our campus community remain our top priority.

As we continue to address concerns, the following activities have taken place since my last update:

• New carpet installation and wall repairs are in progress on the fourth floor. Work is expected to be complete by the end of next week.
• Installation of new carpet in Suite 207 is complete. The remaining new carpet for the second floor is scheduled to ship the week of August 15 due to supply chain issues.
• The schedule for the new carpet installation on the third floor is currently being adjusted to accommodate an increase in the scope of work, as the flooring adhesives have been identified for abatement by Environmental Health and Safety.
• The basement slab moisture testing is complete and the new flooring materials have been identified. Installation will be concurrent with the radon mitigation work.
• The piping for the radon mitigation project has been delivered to the site. Installation will begin by early next week.
• At the department’s request, the wall cabinets and bookcases have been removed from the northeast administrative offices on the third and fourth floors. Mold testing and analysis are in progress. Investigation for the presence of moisture in the Dean’s suite on the second floor will begin next.
• A meeting with the construction manager and the fume hood vendor/installer took place to coordinate and advance the detailed plan of construction activities on the fourth floor.
• A plan to upgrade the restrooms throughout the building is being developed by Campus Design.

If you have questions that have not been addressed in an update, on the Sandels Response website or in the FAQs, please email sandelsresponse@fsu.edu, and we will answer your individual questions to the best of our ability.

Best regards,

Jim Clark
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Note: Messages submitted to sandelsresponse@fsu.edu may be subject to disclosure pursuant to Florida’s public records laws. To ensure the privacy and protection of your personal health information (PHI), please do not submit any PHI or private health details via this website or email.

Dear Sandels Building Colleagues and Students,

As work progresses, I’d like to earnestly express my gratitude for your continued engagement.

Here are the latest updates on the project:

• The construction manager has begun the reconstruction of the walls demolished during mold remediation.
• The new carpet for Suite 207 has been received and installation is expected to be underway by today. The delivery of the remaining new carpet for the second floor is expected by early August.
• All the new carpet for the fourth floor has been received and installation is expected to begin next week.
• The final coordination for installation of the radon mitigation piping is ongoing. The construction manager and the radon mitigation contractor have been onsite conducting tests of the proposed coring location.
• The necessary materials required to install the active soil depressurization devices have been received. Piping will commence installation the week of July 25.
• As per discussions with the department, the new fume hoods and Air Handling Unit 6 (AHU) continue to track for delivery.
• The construction documents for the HVAC modifications and related architectural work described in phase one have been completed and submitted for permitting by Facilities Campus Design.

If you have questions that have not been addressed in an update, on the Sandels Response website or in the FAQs, please email sandelsresponse@fsu.edu, and we will answer your individual questions to the best of our ability.

Best regards,

Jim Clark
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Note: Messages submitted to sandelsresponse@fsu.edu may be subject to disclosure pursuant to Florida’s public records laws. To ensure the privacy and protection of your personal health information (PHI), please do not submit any PHI or private health details via this website or email.

Dear Sandels Building Colleagues and Students,

With the health and safety of our campus community as a top priority, I’m pleased to share this week’s progress report on the work to address concerns regarding the Sandels Building.

Here are the latest updates on the project:

• Facilities, Environmental Health and Safety, University Administration, and our environmental experts met with Interim Dean Andrew to update him on the details and progress related to the Sandels Building project.
• The basement slab moisture tests have been installed and completed. Final flooring decisions were completed for the basement.
• The purchase order has been issued for replacement of the drywall partitions removed during mold remediation.
• The radon mitigation materials for soil depressurization have arrived and coring is anticipated to begin within the next week. Radon Professional Services (RPS) and Mad Dog Construction are continuing to coordinate with the structural engineer.
• Clearances have been achieved in rooms 228, 236, 238, 240, and 304.
• The project manager continues to coordinate with the building users and will be setting up individual meetings with the researchers to review their specific lab needs during the fume hood replacement construction. The meetings are anticipated to occur the week of July 18.

If you have questions that have not been addressed in an update, on the Sandels Response website or in the FAQs, please email sandelsresponse@fsu.edu, and we will answer your individual questions to the best of our ability.

Best regards,

Jim Clark
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Note: Messages submitted to sandelsresponse@fsu.edu may be subject to disclosure pursuant to Florida’s public records laws. To ensure the privacy and protection of your personal health information (PHI), please do not submit any PHI or private health details via this website or email.

Dear Sandels Building Colleagues and Students,

I hope everyone had an excellent Fourth of July and enjoyed their long weekend. I’m happy to report there has been much progress even with the holiday.

Since my previous update, the following activities have taken place:

• A purchase order has been issued for moisture testing of the basement slab. The test results will inform a decision regarding installation of the new floor finishes. The contractor has coordinated testing locations with Radon Professional Services and the Certified Industrial Hygienist (HC3). Testing is anticipated for the week of July 11 and will take 72 hours to complete.
• Construction documents for installation of the new air handling unit and the six new fume hoods for the fourth floor have been received. FSU Campus Design is currently completing the architectural construction documents. The Campus Design Architect and the Project Manager met Friday, July 1, to review project scope.
• The Project Manager met with representatives of the department and occupants of the labs for which new fume hoods are ordered to discuss how to continue research during construction. The group decided it would be most beneficial to follow up with individual researchers on site to review specific needs.
• In an abundance of caution, the bookcases have been removed in rooms 228, 236, 238, 240, and 304, and additional cleaning has been performed this week in those spaces. The industrial hygienist is in the process of clearance testing those rooms.
• A proposal for replacement of drywall partitions removed during mold remediation has been received and a purchase order is being requested. Work is scheduled to begin the week of July 11.
• New carpet has been ordered for the areas where it is being replaced as part of construction. Installation is expected to begin mid-to-late July.

If you have questions that have not been addressed in an update, on the Sandels Response website or in the FAQs, please email sandelsresponse@fsu.edu, and we will answer your individual questions to the best of our ability.

Best regards,

Jim Clark
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Note: Messages submitted to sandelsresponse@fsu.edu may be subject to disclosure pursuant to Florida’s public records laws. To ensure the privacy and protection of your personal health information (PHI), please do not submit any PHI or private health details via this website or email.

I’m pleased to share this week’s update with you on the work to address concerns regarding the Sandels Building.

The following progress has taken place since my previous update:

• Moisture testing is being ordered for the basement slab. A proposed testing strategy has been presented to the project manager and, subsequently, forwarded to the Certified Industrial Hygienist (HC3) for review.
• The construction manager has been working in the building to develop costs and review scope of the wall reconstruction with potential subcontractors.
• The project manager met with the radon mitigation contractor and the construction manager on June 29 to coordinate expediting the radon mitigation services. The construction manager is anticipated to assist with the slab core drilling and provision of required additional electrical service.
• A meeting with impacted stakeholders has been set for Wednesday, July 6, to review occupancy of the fourth-floor labs during the upcoming fume hood replacement.

Over the past several weeks, Facilities, Environmental Health and Safety, University Administration, and our environmental experts have been meeting with Interim Dean Andrew to update him on the details and progress related to the Sandels Building project. I truly appreciate Dean Andrew’s leadership during this time of transition for the college. He shares my top priority to provide a safe building environment and ensure the facility is available for the fall semester.

If you have questions that have not been addressed in an update, on the Sandels Response website or in the FAQs, please email sandelsresponse@fsu.edu, and we will answer your individual questions to the best of our ability.

Best regards,

Jim Clark
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Note: Messages submitted to sandelsresponse@fsu.edu may be subject to disclosure pursuant to Florida’s public records laws. To ensure the privacy and protection of your personal health information (PHI), please do not submit any PHI or private health details via this website or email.

Dear Sandels Building Colleagues and Students,

The health and safety of our campus community remain of the utmost importance. I’m pleased to report on progress as work continues to address concerns regarding the Sandels Building.

Since my previous update, the following activities have taken place:

• The purchase order was issued for Air Handling Unit 6 (AHU) serving the fourth floor. The new unit will support the additional new fume hoods recently purchased for the same floor. The fume hoods are expected to arrive in about two weeks and delivery is being scheduled with the vendor. If any new information is provided, we will promptly share it with you in future updates.
• The concrete slab in the basement is being prepared for restoration of finishes. Moisture testing and sealing have been ordered. The radon mitigation system installation work will occur at the same time as the basement restoration of floor finishes.
• A purchase order has been issued for new carpet in Suite 207, and the carpet is expected to be delivered in July and installed by August. The remaining new carpet for the fourth and second floors is still being pursued via expedited shipping programs.
• At the request of building occupants and out of an abundance of caution, the project manager and the certified industrial hygienist (HC3) performed an additional review of the exterior wall bookcases and cabinetry resulting in the decision to remove bookcases and perform additional cleaning operations in rooms 228, 236, 238, 240 and 304. Pricing and a purchase order are currently being developed. The work is expected to occur in early July.
• New replacement shelving is being priced and work is being coordinated for the portions of wallboard demolished during recent remediation. This work is scheduled to be completed during the month of July.
• The repair to the existing AHU serving the third floor remains sufficient to provide cooling and is being monitored until a permanent repair of the drive shaft unit is completed. The temporary portable cooling and dehumidification equipment in the costume shop has been removed.
• Facilities is working on a repair to the central steam line serving the Sandels Building, which is expected to relieve incidences of low building temperatures and return those spaces to desired set points.

If you have questions that have not been addressed in one of my updates, on the Sandels Response website or in the FAQs, please email sandelsresponse@fsu.edu, and we will answer your individual questions to the best of our ability.

Best regards,

Jim Clark
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Note: Messages submittedsandelsresponse@fsu.edu may be subject to disclosure pursuant to Florida’s public records laws. To ensure the privacy and protection of your personal health information (PHI), please do not submit any PHI or private health details via this website or email.

Dear Sandels Building Colleagues and Students,

I’m pleased to report on our progress as we continue to address concerns regarding the Sandels Building.

Since my last update, the following activities have taken place:

• Facilities administration has approved the design for Air Handling Unit 6. A requisition and purchase order are currently being reviewed and awaiting final approval from Facilities administration.
• The fume hood vendor was on site June 14 to verify measurements of existing conditions and to ensure new conditions and equipment fit.
• In the basement, mold remediation of the mats is complete, and the floor tile mastic has been removed. Testing has been performed, and results show clearances have been achieved.
• New carpet is being priced for all floors. The selected product is compliant with FSU standards and features expedited shipping options to facilitate timely project completion.

If you have questions that have not been addressed in one of my updates, on the Sandels Response website or in the FAQs, please email sandelsresponse@fsu.edu, and we will answer your individual questions to the best of our ability.

Best regards,

Jim Clark
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Note: Messages submitted sandelsresponse@fsu.edu may be subject to disclosure pursuant to Florida’s public records laws. To ensure the privacy and protection of your personal health information (PHI), please do not submit any PHI or private health details via this website or email.

Dear Sandels Building Colleagues and Students,

Thank you for your continued engagement with these weekly updates. The health and safety of the campus community remains our top priority, and I’m pleased to share ongoing progress of the Sandels Building.

Here are this week’s updates:

• Mold remediation clearances for all floors have been received from the certified industrial hygienist (HC3). All floors are ready for additional renovation activities.
• It was determined that the carpet in all areas of the building will be replaced as part of an upcoming construction project. In the interim, the carpet in Suite 207 will undergo a microbial carpet cleaning and subsequent testing.
• The flooring of the basement was removed, and work continues. The scientific freezer will be moved temporarily to complete work in the area.
• The project manager has made the recommendation to accept the engineer’s design of Air Handling Unit 6 and to move forward with the procurement of the equipment. Approval by Facilities administration is pending.
• An unrelated mechanical failure in the fan shaft of the Air Handling Unit serving the third floor left the area without HVAC. Temporary accommodations have been provided for the Costume Shop and Textile Lab. The existing shaft has been repaired to allow for temporary cooling of the floor. New parts are being ordered by Maintenance and are anticipated to be available to install in approximately three weeks.
• A purchase order has been executed to Radon Professional Services of Jacksonville Beach for mitigation services in the basement.

As always, if you have questions that have not been addressed in one of my updates, on the Sandels Response website or in the FAQs, please email sandelsresponse@fsu.edu, and we will answer your individual questions to the best of our ability.

Best regards,

Jim Clark
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Note: Messages submitted sandelsresponse@fsu.edu may be subject to disclosure pursuant to Florida’s public records laws. To ensure the privacy and protection of your personal health information (PHI), please do not submit any PHI or private health details via this website or email.

Dear Sandels Building Colleagues and Students,

I’m pleased to share a progress report on work performed this week to address concerns regarding the Sandels Building.

Here are the latest updates on the project:

• All mold remediation has been completed by the external licensed independent contractor. The certified industrial hygienist (HC3) has recommended proceeding with work to reconstruct the affected spaces. A final report summarizing remediation work and documenting clearances is expected to be received the week of June 10.
• HC3 is testing samples of the carpet in Room 207. We are working on plans to replace all carpet on the second, third and fourth floors.
• The FSU project manager is coordinating relocation of the scientific freezer to further facilitate work in the basement.
• A proposed contract for active soil depressurization and radon gas reduction has been received.
• In preparation for re-roofing, material samples were extracted June 1 for routine testing. Patching of the roof is complete, and sample analysis should be available by about June 10.
• A purchase order has been issued for six new fume hoods that will be installed as part of the Phase 1 renovation.
• Review of the proposed air handling unit (AHU) design for the fourth floor has been completed by FSU Building Inspection.
• Administration has approved use of a construction manager for upcoming reconstruction. Mad Dog Construction will be providing construction services.

The health and safety of our campus community remains our top priority. Please continue to review these weekly updates for additional information as the project progresses.

If you have questions that have not been addressed in one of my updates, on the Sandels Response website or in the FAQs, please email sandelsresponse@fsu.edu, and we will answer your individual questions to the best of our ability.

Best regards,

Jim Clark
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Note: Messages submitted sandelsresponse@fsu.edu may be subject to disclosure pursuant to Florida’s public records laws. To ensure the privacy and protection of your personal health information (PHI), please do not submit any PHI or private health details via this website or email.

Dear Sandels Building Colleagues and Students,

As noted last week, the building continues to be filled with much activity. I am pleased to report the following progress:

• Remediation of mold behind bookcases on the 4th floor has been completed, and the Certified Industrial Hygienist (HC3) has completed testing and cleared the floor. The floor is now ready for additional repairs.
• Remediation of mold behind bookcases on the 3rd floor has been completed. Additional cleaning is required at the wall base beneath windows. This work will continue until clearances are documented.
• Cleaning has been completed in the Basement, and HC3 has completed testing and cleared the floor. Exercise mats have been removed, and the floor is ready for moisture testing and efforts to mitigate radon.
• Radon Professional Services (RPS) was on-site this week to determine locations for soil gas extractors at Sandels. A contract with RPS for radon mitigation and monitoring services is pending review and execution by FSU.
• Six new fume hoods have been proposed for the 4th floor. Development of a purchase order is in progress.
• FSU Facilities continues to work with the engineering firm on the design of Air Handling Unit 6. Administration will review for final design approval by June 1.
• Structural analysis continues for work planned in Phase 2.
• All work performed by FSU Maintenance in Room 442E is now complete.

Please continue to review these weekly updates for additional information as the project progresses. Our top priority remains the health and safety of our campus community.

If you have questions that have not been addressed in one of my updates, on the Sandels Response website or in the FAQs, please email sandelsresponse@fsu.edu, and we will answer your individual questions to the best of our ability.

Best regards,

Jim Clark
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Note: Messages submitted sandelsresponse@fsu.edu may be subject to disclosure pursuant to Florida’s public records laws. To ensure the privacy and protection of your personal health information (PHI), please do not submit any PHI or private health details via this website or email.

Dear Sandels Building Colleagues and Students,

The building has been teeming with work activity this week, and I’m pleased to share the following detailed report of the progress.

• The contractors continue remediation work addressing the mold behind the bookcases on the 4th floor. The Certified Industrial Hygienist (HC3) is in the process of performing clearance testing on the floor.
• The contractors also completed remediation work on the 3rd floor. HC3 is in the process of clearance testing that floor.
• The contractors began work on the 2nd floor on Thursday, May 19.
• Facilities, Environmental Health and Safety, Radon Professional Services, and the toxicologist continue to meet to discuss radon mitigation.
• HVAC service has been restored to the building. Intermittent local outages may still occur due to related work.
• Air handling unit design has been reviewed by Facilities, and identified concerns are being addressed.
• In room 442E, the fume hood and associated roof stack were removed, and the roof was sealed. The room has been cleaned. The walls were patched and painted, and the floor tile was replaced. New lighting and a new drop ceiling were being installed at the time of writing. We anticipate the new ceiling being done by the time this message reaches you.
• The purchase order has been initiated for additional structural analysis.
• The Senior Project Manager met with building representatives to perform a walk through to observe project progress and status.

We look forward to providing more updates next week as the volume of work activity in the space increases. Our top priority remains the health and safety of our campus community.

If you have questions that have not been addressed in one of my updates, on the Sandels Response website or in the FAQs, please email sandelsresponse@fsu.edu, and we will answer your individual questions to the best of our ability.

Best regards,

Jim Clark
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Note: Messages submitted sandelsresponse@fsu.edu may be subject to disclosure pursuant to Florida’s public records laws. To ensure the privacy and protection of your personal health information (PHI), please do not submit any PHI or private health details via this website or email.

Dear Sandels Building Colleagues and Students,

I hope you all have had an excellent first week of the summer semester.

This week’s update includes information that may affect individuals accessing the building. Please note and plan accordingly.

• Earlier this week, the certified industrial hygienist (HC3), certified toxicologist, and the certified third-party contractor specializing in environmental remediation met about the initiation of work along the north wall of the building. Work will begin on the 4th floor, followed by the 3rd floor, 2nd floor and basement, pending the relocation of the weight equipment.
• There will be no access for the building occupants to any active work areas. Signage will be posted directing foot traffic away from the active work area to ensure everyone’s safety. We ask that individuals access the research labs through doors outside the construction area, if possible.
  • The following rooms on the north wall of the 4th floor are part of next week’s active work zone beginning Monday, May 16:
    S0402, 0402, 0408, 0410, 0416, 0418, 0420, 0422, 0424,
    0426, 0428, 0430, 0432, 0434, 0436, 0436C, 0436, 0436B
  • Building occupants may continue to access rooms along the south side of the hallway.
• The contractor expects to start on the 3rd floor work zone next week, establishing containment barriers Wednesday, and likely beginning remediation on Thursday, May 19.
• HC3 will schedule clearance testing as each floor is completed. The contractors must leave containment barriers in place until cleared by HC3
• After the basement mold remediation is completed and cleared by HC3, the work oversight will be turned over the contractor to remediate the carpet adhesive.
• Testing is being ordered to determine the source of carpet odors identified in Room 207.

Once again, I appreciate your patience and assure you that the health and safety of the campus community remains our top priority.

If you have questions that have not been addressed in one of my updates, on the Sandels Response website or in the FAQs, please email sandelsresponse@fsu.edu, and we will answer your questions to the best of our ability.

Best regards,

Jim Clark
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Note: Messages submitted sandelsresponse@fsu.edu may be subject to disclosure pursuant to Florida’s public records laws. To ensure the privacy and protection of your personal health information (PHI), please do not submit any PHI or private health details via this website or email.

Dear Sandels Building Colleagues and Students,

I’m pleased to share this week’s progress report on the work to address concerns regarding the Sandels Building.

Here are the latest updates on the project:

• This morning, Environmental Health & Safety, Radon Professional Services and the toxicologist made a site visit to collect final information that RPS will use to prepare a radon mitigation plan. We anticipate a proposal for the work will be received next week.
• The cleaning of the entire building HVAC system is complete, and all HVAC systems have met required milestones for mold clearance criteria. Additional work is needed to patch and seal the HVAC systems and to perform some spot-coating of fans and other components in air handling units serving the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors. The remediation contractor, STC, expects to return to the building over the next few weekends to prepare and apply epoxy coating to areas that were missed or have had some damage.
• The damaged fan unit in the basement air handler has been ordered with expedited delivery. Installation of the new unit will occur after delivery, which is expected to be in 6 weeks. A short shutdown of HVAC to the basement area is anticipated during this repair.
• FSU Campus Design received a proposal for a structural analysis by a licensed structural engineer to investigate and determine if structural settlement has created a source of water intrusion. The execution of a purchase order for this service is expected next week.
• In addition, earlier this week, several people met with Dr. Hung Cheung, the medical consultant engaged by FSU, to address individual questions and concerns. Individual meetings were conducted with those who requested them.

The health and safety of the campus community is our top priority, and we appreciate your patience as we address these issues.

If you have questions that have not been addressed in one of my updates, on the Sandels Response website or in the FAQs, please email sandelsresponse@fsu.edu, and we will answer your individual questions to the best of our ability.

Best regards,

Jim Clark
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Note: Messages submitted sandelsresponse@fsu.edu may be subject to disclosure pursuant to Florida’s public records laws. To ensure the privacy and protection of your personal health information (PHI), please do not submit any PHI or private health details via this website or email.

Dear Sandels Building Colleagues and Students,

I’m pleased to report considerable progress as work continues to address concerns regarding the Sandels Building.

Since my previous update, the following activities have taken place:

• The FSU Facilities lead project manager has made progress coordinating the critical components of the work and is beginning to develop schedule milestones and planned budgets for completion of all upcoming project components.
• Lang Environmental has been contracted for the remediation of additional mold discovered behind north wall bookcases and under mats in the basement. Upon completion of mold remediation, HC3, the third-party industrial hygienist, will certify clearances.
• Earlier this week, the Remediation Contractor (Service Tech) completed duct cleaning work in the Basement and Floors 2, 3, and 4; these systems have been returned to service. Cleaning continues on Floor 1 with an anticipated return to service next week, pending clearance from our certified industrial hygienist.
• FSU Maintenance replaced fan bearings in all building air handling units (AHU). While performing the fan bearing replacement in the basement, it was determined that replacement of the fan itself was necessary. Installation of the new unit will occur after delivery, which is expected to be in 6 weeks. A short shutdown of HVAC to the basement area is anticipated during installation.
• The scope of the Phase 1 renovation includes demolition of existing fume hoods, procurement and installation of new fume hoods, replacement of AHU #6, installation of a new exhaust plume stack and outside air opening (supply) and supporting architectural components. Completion of Phase 1 is planned for mid-October.
• FSU Procurement is soliciting turnkey pricing for all new fume hood equipment, disconnects, and installation. Procurement is also working to purchase the new air handling unit.
• FSU Campus Design continues to complete architectural construction documents for Phase 1 work. This work includes finishes, cabinetry, and supporting components necessary to complete the engineering changes.
• In relation to the building envelope and moisture intrusion concerns, FSU Campus Design is coordinating a structural analysis to be conducted by a licensed structural engineer. The purpose is to investigate and determine if structural settlement has created a source of water intrusion. A proposal for these services is expected today.

Please know that the health and safety of the campus community remains the university’s top priority. Thank you again for your continued patience as I continue to provide these weekly updates with important information as it becomes available.

If you have questions that have not been addressed in one of my updates, on the Sandels Response website or in the FAQs, please email sandelsresponse@fsu.edu, and we will answer your individual questions to the best of our ability.

Best regards,

Jim Clark
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Note: Messages submitted sandelsresponse@fsu.edu may be subject to disclosure pursuant to Florida’s public records laws. To ensure the privacy and protection of your personal health information (PHI), please do not submit any PHI or private health details via this website or email.

Dear Sandels Building Colleagues and Students,

I am reaching out to share a detailed report of the university’s work over the past week to address concerns regarding the Sandels Building. I’m pleased that there has been much progress on the project since my last update.

• The FSU Facilities lead project manager assigned last week has been working with different Facilities teams to complete various sub-projects, implement a common project management structure, and coordinate the portfolio of work.

• The fume hood specifications completed last week have been reviewed by the external Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), Facilities Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) unit, the consulting mechanical engineer, and the researchers. All parties found them to be acceptable, and the specifications have been submitted to Procurement for purchasing.

• A preferred building exhaust system has been selected following discussions involving the campus executive team, researchers, the external CIH, Facilities EHS, and the Radon Consultants. The decision has been made to proceed with the recommended high plume exhaust system. This type of system carries added safety for the researchers and promotes the success of their work. It allows for a make-up air handling unit (AHU), or redundant fan, that will significantly improve the lab function. In addition, in the case of a single fan outage, this type of exhaust system enables all hoods to maintain proper operational status. Due to supply chain challenges, the current estimated delivery for this critical equipment is projected for mid-October. At present, it is likely that the anticipated completion date for the lab will need to be adjusted to accommodate. At this time, all other project elements related to Phase 1 are largely on track. I will provide more information as it becomes available.

• The consulting mechanical engineer contracted by the university was scheduled to deliver the specifications for the HVAC air handling unit today (April 22). The parameters will undergo a short review period before AHU specifications are released to Procurement. Procurement and the project manager will coordinate the equipment lead time with the overall project construction schedule as it relates to this dynamic.

• The decision concerning the relocation of the ultra-low temp freezers is still pending. Due to the HVAC cleaning schedule, it is likely that the freezers will not be relocated at the present time.

• In relation to the building envelope and moisture intrusion concerns, Campus Design is coordinating a structural analysis conducted by a licensed structural engineer to investigate structural settlement while the project team reviews historical documentation for relevant material to the current conditions.

• A purchase order has been issued for the relocation of the equipment in the basement. Work is being coordinated by the department.

• A proposal for mold remediation was received this week. Facilities reviewed and met with the CIH to coordinate the schedule, ensuring the remediation work can occur immediately upon execution of the purchase order and mobilization by the certified mold remediation contractor. The CIH will confirm that the mold remediation has been successfully attained after the contractor completes work. Any occupants in the previously announced construction zones who have not removed their personal items from the bookshelves and the general vicinity need to respond. Remediation work will be ramping up in those areas very soon.

• While the development of Phase 2 has already been initiated, the project management team will work closely with executive leadership to ensure that the scope of Phase 2 is established and understood. Upon ordering critical equipment, the team’s focus will transition to the development of construction drawings and further developing the finer points of the Phase 2 scope and workable schedule.

I cannot overemphasize that the health and safety of the campus community remains the university’s utmost priority. Thank you again for your continued patience as I continue to provide information as it becomes available.

If you have questions that have not been addressed in one of my updates, on the Sandels Response website or in the FAQs, please email sandelsresponse@fsu.edu, and we will answer your individual questions to the best of our ability.

Best regards,

Jim Clark
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Note: Messages submitted sandelsresponse@fsu.edu may be subject to disclosure pursuant to Florida’s public records laws. To ensure the privacy and protection of your personal health information (PHI), please do not submit any PHI or private health details via this website or email.

Dear Sandels Building Colleagues and Students,

I am pleased to provide you all with an update of this week’s progress on the Sandels Building project. Our top priority remains the health and safety of our campus community, and I appreciate your continued patience and attentiveness as we work on these issues.

• Project elements related to Phase 1 are still on track to remain on schedule.

• Fume hood specifications are complete. The Facilities construction team and the design engineer have received HVAC remediation recommendations from the licensed third-party contractor. We are consulting with the engineer, industrial hygienist, and building occupants as we finalize the best option for the new exhaust system.

• It has been determined that the -80 degree freezers will be relocated into an area with lower ambient temperature. We are consulting with faculty stakeholders to determine a new permanent location. The freezers will be stored in a temporary location during remedial work.

• Additional moisture transmission testing will be completed in the basement to ensure the coating that we plan to use will adhere properly.

• A lead project manager from FSU Facilities has been assigned to oversee the renovations, including the laboratories, building envelope, architectural and structural services, and the external structural engineer retained by the university.

• Several faculty members who continue to access Sandels during Phase 1 have requested light housekeeping services in the building. Custodial Services staff performed a walk-through to assess the building earlier this week and have resumed cleaning restrooms, stairwells and emptying trash in the mornings on a daily basis. Anyone with additional housekeeping needs should contact Custodial Services at fsubuildingservices@fsu.edu.

If you have questions that have not been addressed in one of my updates, on the Sandels Response website or in the FAQs, please email sandelsresponse@fsu.edu, and we will try to answer your individual questions to the best of our ability.

Best regards,

Jim Clark
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Note: Messages submitted sandelsresponse@fsu.edu may be subject to disclosure pursuant to Florida’s public records laws. To ensure the privacy and protection of your personal health information (PHI), please do not submit any PHI or private health details via this website or email.

Dear Sandels Building Colleagues and Students,

I’m contacting you with this week’s detailed overview of developments in the Sandels Building as we push onward to address the health and safety concerns related to the space.

• Work continues by the licensed independent contractor refurbishing the air handlers and cleaning the HVAC system. The updated target completion date is June 15.

• As mentioned last week, the university will retain a structural engineer to perform a building envelope assessment and evaluate the exterior. Facilities has identified and dedicated an internal project manager to the building envelope as well as an internal architect and designer designated to coordinate the architectural and structural services related to the remediations.

• Facilities has contracted an external engineering firm to assess the labs and design new mechanical systems to address ventilation and moisture concerns on the third and fourth floors.

• FSU Facilities Building Services has reinstated cleaning and sanitation services in response to increased building occupancy and traffic. Any building occupants who need to return to the space should submit a request for access to provost@fsu.edu. Please keep in mind that during this phase of work the HVAC system will still have intermittent operational status.

• We received the Certified Industrial Hygienist consultant’s comprehensive report of the building this week. As promised and in full transparency, it has been posted in the documents section of sandelsresponse.fsu.edu website. The report confirms previous studies conducted in the Sandels Building in Fall 2021. Remediation efforts are well underway and will continue for the next several months. We will fully implement all recommendations in the report.

In April and May, I will begin meeting with faculty to discuss the upcoming leadership change within the college. I commit to making it a smooth transition as we select a new dean. During my meetings with faculty, I will be happy to address any issues regarding the building or recommendations from the industrial hygienist’s report. If you have specific questions about the report, please contact me directly at provost@fsu.edu to discuss.

I appreciate your ongoing patience and assure you that the health and safety of the campus community remains our top priority. I will continue to provide weekly summaries of developments and progress.

If you have questions that have not been addressed in one of my updates, on the Sandels Response website or in the FAQs, please email sandelsresponse@fsu.edu, and we will try to answer your individual questions to the best of our ability.

Best regards,

Jim Clark
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Note: Messages submitted sandelsresponse@fsu.edu may be subject to disclosure pursuant to Florida’s public records laws. To ensure the privacy and protection of your personal health information (PHI), please do not submit any PHI or private health details via this website or email.

Dear Sandels Building Colleagues and Students,

I’m pleased to share a detailed progress report from the past week as the university continues to address concerns regarding the Sandels Building.

• FSU Facilities received and accepted a change order from the contracted HVAC cleaner to add some of the additional requirements in the specification created by our Certified Industrial Hygienist consultant.

• The Certified Industrial Hygienist consultant took additional samples to determine composition of a stain on a lab wall. We expect to have results of that analysis soon.

• The university will retain a structural engineer to evaluate the building exterior as part of the envelope assessment. Once the structural evaluation is completed, any issues will be addressed and repaired.

• We are developing a moisture test to determine how much moisture vapor passes through the basement floor. The results of this test will help determine the best way to prevent moisture from entering the basement and mitigate the risk of mold forming under the mats and floor.

Finally, as I mentioned last week, we are preparing to remove the bookshelves on the exterior walls of the north side floors on levels 2, 3 & 4 to address the moisture and possible mold damage. We have requested that occupants remove personal items on or within 3 feet of the bookshelves by the close of business Tuesday, April 5. As with any construction process, it is important to protect personal items in the office that are of special significance or are irreplaceable. On April 6, we will carefully box up any items that remain and remove the bookshelves. Work will commence after April 6 and will be coordinated with the department.

The health and safety of the campus community is our top priority, I’m grateful for your continued engagement as we work to address these issues. If you have questions that have not been addressed in one of my updates, on the Sandels Response website or in the FAQs, please email sandelsresponse@fsu.edu, and we will try to answer your individual questions to the best of our ability. I will provide another update next week.

Best regards,

Jim Clark
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Note: Messages submitted sandelsresponse@fsu.edu may be subject to disclosure pursuant to Florida’s public records laws. To ensure the privacy and protection of your personal health information (PHI), please do not submit any PHI or private health details via this website or email.

Dear Sandels Building Colleagues and Students,

I hope everyone had an excellent spring break. I’m pleased to report there has been steady progress on addressing the health and safety concerns related to the Sandels Building over the past two weeks.

• The licensed independent contractor performed HVAC duct cleaning and began refurbishing the system’s air handlers. In addition, portions of the HVAC system have been treated with a protective coating to reduce the accumulation of dust over time. This work is ongoing and will require periods of limited building occupancy in the coming months.

• FSU Facilities, FSU Environmental Health & Safety, the industrial hygienist and the toxicologist met with an external engineering firm to help determine the correct subsequent steps to address radon mitigation and the other remedial renovations being planned for the building. During a site visit this week, designers from the engineering firm gathered the initial data required to develop the radon mitigation system schematics and improvements to basement ventilation.

• FSU Facilities is in the process of examining the exterior of the building to determine where water may be entering the building envelope and is moving forward with corrective actions.

• As we continue in Phase 1 of the project, bookshelves on exterior walls on the north side of floors 2, 3, & 4 will need to be removed to address moisture and possible mold damage. We’re requesting that occupants remove personal items on or within 3 feet of the bookshelves by the close of business Wednesday, April 6. As with any construction process, it is important to protect personal items in the office that are of special significance or are irreplaceable. Please remove any items you do not want contractors to pack and secure by April 5. After April 6, we will carefully box up any other items that remain.

• Remediation in the ground floor basement area will begin soon, and we look forward to working with faculty members with space in the basement to address many of the issues and concerns that have been brought forward. We anticipate the basement area will need to be shut down for an extended period while work is performed on the HVAC system and building envelope. It is likely that furniture and equipment in the basement will need to be temporarily relocated, and we will proactively work with the faculty and the dean to gain a full understanding of their needs before any equipment is relocated on a temporary basis.

• The chemical inventory list from the fourth floor of the building has been posted to sandelsresponse.fsu.edu. It is available in the Documents tab.

While we are still on schedule to complete all the necessary repairs, renovations, and remediations to the Sandels Building by the start of the fall semester, the coming weeks will be critical to keeping us on track. For your health and safety, during certain phases of the remediation, restoration, and renovation work areas on specific floors will be made temporarily off-limits for staff and students. Please abide by posted signs that will redirect travel around work being performed. It will help the contractors adhere to the anticipated timeline if areas of the building that are closed for remediation or repairs are truly unoccupied during the designated times.

I sincerely appreciate your steadfast engagement as I continue to provide weekly updates. The health and safety of the campus community remains our top priority.

If you have any questions that have not been specifically addressed in one of my updates, on the Sandels Response website or in the FAQs, please email sandelsresponse@fsu.edu, and we will try to answer your individual questions to the best of our ability.

Best regards,

Jim Clark
Provost

Note: Messages submitted sandelsresponse@fsu.edu may be subject to disclosure pursuant to Florida’s public records laws. To ensure the privacy and protection of your personal health information (PHI), please do not submit any PHI or private health details via this website or email.

Dear Sandels Building Colleagues and Students,

I’m reaching out to share the past week’s developments as the university continues work addressing the health and safety concerns related to the Sandels Building.

As Phase 1 continues, I am happy to share that we are still on track to complete all necessary repairs, renovations, and remediations by the start of the fall semester. I understand that this temporary displacement from the building is frustrating; however, it is important in expediting the project’s completion.

The university is contracting with an engineering firm to address the fume hoods, perform humidity control measures, establish a radon mitigation system, and remedy HVAC access issues. In order to maintain an optimal HVAC system after remediation is complete, the engineering firm will address access challenges, retrofitting the system with additional maintenance entry points. These supplementary access points will significantly reduce the amount of rigor required to inspect and service the system, significantly increasing the efficiency of routine maintenance and cleaning moving forward.

We are working to develop an HVAC remediation plan based on the determination that the entire HVAC system will undergo a thorough cleaning, replacing any components that cannot be completely cleaned. We will coordinate with the contractor responsible for cleaning the ducts in case the HVAC remediation plan requires any changes to the duct cleaning scope or work schedule.

Also, the FSU Institutional Research Board (IRB) sent updated guidance to Principal Investigators yesterday regarding human research participants. Several colleagues from the College of Health and Human Sciences had requested university administrators meet with the IRB during the committee’s regular meeting Wednesday, which we were happy to do. Our consultants provided the committee with information relative to conditions in the building that has previously been shared with you all in my messages and on the Sandels website. As a result, the IRB emailed its updated guidance to PIs yesterday. I appreciate the IRB’s prompt action and support.

If you have questions that have not been addressed in one of my updates, on the Sandels Response website or in the FAQs, please email sandelsresponse@fsu.edu, and we will try to answer your individual questions to the best of our ability.

All of the work I’ve outlined here will continue next week, including the work in the building by our consultants, industrial hygienist and team, but my next update message to you will be in two weeks due to spring break. Your health and safety remain our top priority, and my appreciation for your continued patience cannot be overstated.

Best regards,

Jim Clark
Provost

Note: Messages submitted sandelsresponse@fsu.edu may be subject to disclosure pursuant to Florida’s public records laws. To ensure the privacy and protection of your personal health information (PHI), please do not submit any PHI or private health details via this website or email.

Dear Sandels Building Colleagues and Students,

I’m reaching out to provide an update on the status of the Sandels Building. As mentioned in my most recent message, I will be providing these updates on a weekly basis to stay in constant communication and maintain maximum transparency.

We are currently in Phase 1 of the response plan to complete all necessary repairs, renovations, and remediations by the start of the Fall Semester.

Since my last message to you, we’ve met with the industrial hygienist hired by the university to evaluate the mold and HVAC system in the building to review their assessment and determine the best protocol for cleaning and remediating the HVAC system. Under the guidance of subject matter expert recommendations, it has been determined that the entire HVAC system will be thoroughly cleaned, and any portions that cannot be completely remediated will be replaced.

Duct cleaning has already begun by a third-party university contractor. During cleaning and repairs, the HVAC system will have intermittent operational status. Anyone with the need for limited access to the building during this time should submit a request for access to Provost@fsu.edu.

Facilities will closely examine the building exterior to determine the places in the building envelope where water might be entering the building. Once that assessment is completed, they will develop recommendations for correcting any of these issues.

With the results of the professional commercial radon testing conducted by the licensed independent contractor, Radon Professional Services, we are working with public health experts, facilities engineers, and the industrial hygienist to determine the radon mitigation system best suited for the basement of the building.

The basement was the sole location in the building that the Continuous Radon Monitors (CPM) or charcoal canisters found levels of radon elevated above the 4 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L) the EPA recommends for residences. Tests conducted in the basement averaged 5.5 pCi/L for 9 samples of both types.

I appreciate your continued patience as we navigate this together. I assure you that the health and safety of the campus community remain our top priority. I will continue to provide weekly updates on the progress of the Sandels Building to you and the sandelsresponse.fsu.edu website. If you have questions that have not been addressed in an update or FAQ, please email sandelsresponse@fsu.edu.

Best regards,

Jim Clark Provost

Dear Colleagues and Students,

I am reaching out to update you on the university’s progress to address health and safety concerns regarding the Sandels Building.

University administrators have received the results of the follow-up professional commercial radon testing of the Sandels Building, conducted Feb. 15-17 by Radon Professional Services, a licensed independent contractor based in Jacksonville.

In addition to the previous test methods, the contractor used professional-grade Continuous Radon Monitors (CRM) to conduct enhanced testing. CRMs measure radon on an hourly basis and provide a more accurate set of data over the 48-hour testing period.

The radon testing conducted last week found elevated levels of radon on the basement level of the Sandels Building. Tests conducted with a CRM in the basement averaged 6.1 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L).

Radon levels measured below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommendation for residential remediation action on the first, second, third and fourth floors of the building. The complete test results are available at sandelsresponse.fsu.edu.

While some minimal levels of naturally occurring radon are not uncommon in buildings, particularly in the Southeastern United States, the EPA recommends any sustained indoor measurement above 4 pCi/L in a residence be remediated.

The university has also hired an industrial hygienist to evaluate the mold and HVAC system in the building. The industrial hygienist has spent two days this week collecting a significant number of samples to produce an assessment of the entire Sandels Building. We will share results of this assessment when it is complete.

The next step is to work with public health experts, facility engineers and the industrial hygienist to develop a comprehensive remediation plan for the entire Sandels Building. Facilities and Environmental Health and Safety teams will work with outside contractors to remediate the entire building, including reducing all levels of radon through proven mitigation techniques.

We are working diligently to complete all necessary repairs, renovations and remediations by the start of the fall semester. Our plan is to complete the work in two phases.

Phase 1 will take place over the next month. During this time, air handling units and other system components will be refurbished, and the HVAC system will have intermittent operation. During Phase 1, researchers, faculty, or staff who have a need for limited access to the Sandels Building must make requests directly to me.

During Phase 2 of the project, the HVAC cleaning process will continue. Individual spaces may need to be taken offline for up to one week, and we will give advance notice in those cases. We will attempt to provide normal HVAC service during the standard business hours of 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, with the exception of the limited outages for individual spaces. We anticipate having all HVAC cleaning activities completed by July 1.

In addition, we have updated sandelsresponse.fsu.edu with new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) that include guidance on personal health concerns and worker’s compensation. The Feb. 18 lab analysis report of a heat duct sample has also been posted to the website.

I appreciate your continued patience, and I assure you that the health and safety of the campus community remains our top priority. Moving forward, I will send and post weekly updates on the progress of the Sandels Building.

Best regards,

Jim Clark Provost

Dear Sandels Building Colleagues and Students,

In my quest to stay in constant communication with you, I am reaching out to update you on the status of the Sandels Building.

As I mentioned in my previous update, the university has hired an independent licensed contractor to conduct additional radon testing in the Sandels Building. That testing is being conducted this week. The analyzed results are expected to take approximately 10 days to two weeks.

In addition, I have met with the Vice President for Research and Vice President for Finance and Administration to review options regarding research labs. We regret the disruption and are working diligently to explore multiple paths forward. Those paths include remediation and repairs in the building, identifying laboratories in other campus facilities, and identifying external laboratories off campus. As you can imagine, this is no easy task and there are a number of challenges. We hope to have additional details that we can share in the next 10 days or so.

Further, we have asked a group of our colleagues to begin working on procuring new state-of-the-art hoods that would likely be needed for any longer-term solution. They met several times last week to discuss their specifications and design.

Finally, I wanted to let you know that we are working to schedule an industrial hygienist to continue to survey and inspect the building once the radon testing is finished. We will share the results with you all once they have been analyzed. Cleaning in the HVAC system will continue after both visits by the radon test specialists and the industrial hygienist are complete.

I appreciate your continued patience and I assure you that the health and safety of the campus community remains our top priority. I will continue to update you and the sandelsresponse.fsu.edu website with new information as it becomes available.

Best regards,

Jim Clark Provost

Dear Sandels Building Colleagues and Students,

I am reaching out to update you on the university’s progress to address health and safety concerns regarding the Sandels Building.

Follow-up radon testing of Sandels by an independent licensed contractor will begin the week of Monday, Feb. 14. As we have previously communicated, this additional testing will help determine the source of the radon and develop and carry out an effective remediation plan.

Our team of experts will share the full analysis of this follow-up testing on sandelsresponse.fsu.edu and update you on next steps.

We understand that this uncertainty may be distressing. If you need assistance with stress or anxiety during this time, we encourage reaching out to one of the resources listed below. Updated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and other resources are available on the website.

If you have questions that have not been addressed on the website, please email sandelsresponse@fsu.edu, and we will try to answer your individual questions to the best of our ability with the information available.

We thank you for your continued patience as we gather more information.

Best regards,

Jim Clark Provost

Note: Messages submitted sandelsresponse@fsu.edu may be subject to disclosure pursuant to Florida’s public records laws. To ensure the privacy and protection of your personal health information (PHI), please do not submit any PHI or private health details via this website or email.

Dear Campus Community,

As you may know, Florida State University is conducting a thorough environmental review of the Sandels Building due to health and safety concerns raised by faculty working there.

Today, we met with Sandels faculty and staff to provide an update on this review. We included public health consultants to help provide expertise and insight on this process. If you were not able to attend, more information is available about the university’s efforts to address these health and safety concerns at sandelsresponse.fsu.edu.

University administrators have received the results of preliminary professional radon testing of Sandels, conducted Jan. 26 – 28 by a licensed independent contractor. The initial radon screening found somewhat elevated levels of radon based on residential standards present in two basement locations and five locations on the second floor of the building.

Radon levels were measured below the EPA recommendation for residential remediation action on the first, third and fourth floors of the building.

Radon Professional Services of Jacksonville Beach measured radon levels in 25 locations throughout the building on all floors using activated charcoal short-term radon test devices. The initial Sandels Building radon test results are available at sandelsresponse.fsu.edu.

Experts recommend follow-up testing whenever elevated residential levels are detected to ensure accuracy, aid in determining the source and to formulate an effective remediation plan. The entire Sandels Building will be retested as a result of this preliminary screening.

For context, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends any sustained indoor measurement above 4 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L) be remediated. However, additional, or follow-up, radon testing is recommended for measurements between 4 – 8 pCi/L before remediation plans are formulated and action taken. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC) has established a radon exposure limit of 30 pCi/L for adult employees, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set an acceptable 8 hour Time Weighted Average Permissible Exposure Limit (TWA-PEL) of 100 pCi/L for radon.

As a result, Florida State University will schedule follow-up testing of Sandels by an independent licensed contractor during the week of February 14. This additional testing will help determine the source of the radon and develop and carry out an effective remediation plan.

Prior to the initial screening, university administrators had relocated all classes, offices and laboratories assigned to the Sandels Building for the remainder of the spring semester at a minimum in an abundance of caution.

In addition to the university’s efforts to investigate radon levels in Sandels, FSU Facilities and FSU Environmental Health and Safety are collaborating with the Florida Department of Health and other experts to develop a comprehensive plan for all our facilities. We will communicate more information as details are finalized.

We understand that you may have questions that were not addressed in our meeting or on the website. Please email sandelsresponse@fsu.edu, and we will try to answer your individual questions to the best of our ability.

Sincerely,

Richard McCullough
President

Jim Clark
Provost

Dear Colleagues:

The President and I are inviting all Sandels Building faculty and staff to an informational meeting to discuss your health and safety concerns regarding the building and the data of the initial radon testing.

The meeting, which will include key university leaders and personnel as well as public health consultants, will take place 3-4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7, in Room 108, Augustus B. Turnbull III Florida State Conference Center.

Best regards,

Jim Clark
Provost

Dear Colleagues:

We are reaching out to update you on the university’s progress to address health and safety concerns regarding the Sandels Building.

We know it is frustrating to be displaced from your offices and labs for an extended period. We are grateful for your patience during this challenging time and for setting an excellent example of resilience for your students and colleagues.

We have contracted with a third-party licensed radon specialist to conduct preliminary radon testing in the building, and we will seek expert analysis of the test data from the Florida Department of Health and our public health consultants. We will share this data with faculty and staff after this analysis has been completed, along with next steps.

Today, teams from FSU Facilities, FSU Environmental Health and Safety and the Florida Department of Health made a site visit to the Sandels Building to further review the facility and gather more information about the intricacies of the building’s design.

Friday, Provost Clark, Interim Vice President Laurel Fulkerson, Vice President Kyle Clark and Associate Vice President Dave Irvin will review laboratory and other research spaces in the building to assess the needs of faculty and staff.

Additional work will be performed over the coming days.

On Monday, Feb. 7, we will hold an informational meeting for Sandels faculty and staff. The meeting will include key university personnel, public health consultants and the Florida Department of Health who can provide answers to your questions. We will share more details very soon.

Please know the health and safety of the campus community remains our top priority, and we will continue to communicate openly and honestly as the situation evolves.

Best regards,

Richard McCullough
President

Jim Clark
Provost

Dear students, faculty and staff,

As you may know or have recently seen in the media, the university is conducting a thorough environmental review of the Sandels Building due to health and safety concerns raised by faculty working there. The building has been temporarily closed while we continue to gather information and determine our next course of action. All of the occupants have been notified and courses assigned to the Sandels Building this term are being relocated for the rest of the semester.

We understand that this may raise questions from you about the campus buildings where you live, work or attend class. At this time, there is no evidence of a systemic issue.

However, if you have a safety or environmental concern, please submit it at https://safety.fsu.edu/contact/ and qualified university staff will evaluate each case and remediate as needed.

Please know that the health and safety of the campus community is the university’s top priority, and we will make every effort to address your concerns.

Sincerely,

Jim Clark
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Kyle Clark
Vice President for Finance and Administration

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