Returning to Campus for Spring Semester

As we prepare to resume in-person classes this week, the Department of Campus Facilities and Services would like to remind everyone of various protocols implemented to help enhance the safety of our community while on campus.

Social Distancing

Last summer, the Facilities team met with key managers across the University to review plans to address employees working in proximity to one another and increase social distancing. Solutions included establishing alternate work shifts, relocating workspaces, and installing physical barriers. These plans remain in effect and should be reviewed with department managers for further clarification. In addition, signage has been installed throughout the campus reminding all to follow the best practices in social distancing and proper hygiene.

The learning environment has been made safer by limiting the number of tablet seats and desks in classrooms, restricting the use of chairs in auditoriums, and providing disinfectant wipes in all classrooms.

Finally, all lounges have been made safer by removing some of the furniture and spreading out the balance to allow for better social distancing.

Cleaning

Enhanced cleaning protocols have been implemented to help contain the spread of the coronavirus. These include the following:

General Cleaning Principles

Every night, between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., cleaning staff clean and disinfect every building, paying close attention to common areas such as classroom furniture, doorknobs, elevators, pantries, reception desks, restrooms, and other high-traffic areas. The objective is for every building to start each day completely cleaned and disinfected. 

Daily Disinfection Team

A separate disinfection team tours each building throughout the day and disinfects high-volume touch points such as

• Doorknobs, handles, and levers
• Elevator buttons
• Entrance doors
• Restrooms
• Some counter surfaces
• Stairwell railings
• Vending and ATM machine buttons

Rapid Response Disinfection Team

In the event an employee or student becomes ill or learns of a positive test for COVID-19, a Rapid Response Disinfection Team (RRDT) is deployed to treat the affected area. The RRDT uses an electrostatic sprayer that treats and disinfects large areas very quickly. In most cases, these spaces can be placed back into service within one hour after treatment is provided by the RRDT.

Hand Sanitizer

Additional hand sanitizing dispensers have been installed and can be found in the following locations:

• Main entrances
• Near restrooms and elevators on each floor
• Main hallways in classroom buildings

Sanitizing Wipes

Sanitizing wipes can be found in each classroom and in large congregating areas such as cafeterias. The wipes can be utilized to disinfect classroom furniture or other surfaces as needed. 

Clorox wipes are available for all departments on campus and can be utilized by employees to wipe down various surfaces as needed such as microwaves, coffee machines, phones, keyboards, printers, and copy machines. Your department point person can obtain Clorox wipes as needed.

HVAC

All heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems have gone through a comprehensive maintenance cycle and cleaning. Additionally, the filters on all HVAC systems have been upgraded to a denser material that filters out more particulates from the air, including a greater number of virus spores.

If you have any questions, please contact the Facilities Service Desk at 718-990-6254.