San Luis Obispo, CA – The recent storms have caused significant damage to buildings across campus at California Polytechnic State University. As the water continues to seep through the damaged roofs and walls, mold has become a major concern in student housing. The situation has prompted multiple complaints from students and calls for immediate action from university officials. In this article, we will delve into the extent of the damage caused by the storm leaks and the measures being taken to address the growing mold problem in the student housing.
Cal Poly has seen a surge in building damage and mold reports as four storms hit San Luis Obispo County this winter quarter. Facilities and Management at the university have reported 137 ongoing work orders for leaks in 11 buildings across the campus since January 2023, as of March 23. Last week saw 211 work orders, 13 of which were attributed to a storm on March 10. Many Cal Poly students are again speaking out about mold in their on-campus residences in March, two months after over 100 reports of mold forced students to leave in January.
Although the Facilities and Management declined to comment on how the increasing number of leaks was impacting them, the university mentioned that the leaks are “minor” and that work to address the problem is continuing. Specifically, the university is using campus funding to address storm impacts, while seeking reimbursement through insurance and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The university did not indicate how much they will be receiving in reimbursement, however.
Classes were canceled on Jan. 9 due to the rainy weather, however, the campus remained open during three additional storms in March. Professors primarily decided on their own whether to hold their classes on Tuesday, March 14, when the university remained open. According to survey results, nearly a third of the 730 respondents had classes moved online that day, while 17% mentioned that their classes were canceled due to the weather. Many students reported that the weather had negatively impacted their ability to attend class, and many mentioned rain damage to their electronics as one reason for staying home.
The university spokesperson mentioned that the weather-related costs for storm impacts on the university are not significant. Nevertheless, the leaks across campus are affecting some buildings more than others. The Davidson Music Center, the Walter F. Dexter Building, and the Mott Athletics Center are some of the buildings with the most impact.
In winter quarter alone, there have been four major storms in San Luis Obispo, resulting in an increasing number of mold reports this year. To address the situation, the university is installing dehumidifiers in rooms with “known issues.” Additionally, university Housing is working on an ongoing project to address the mold problem. Last month, Facilities and Management inspected 27 buildings from Monday to Friday as part of a biannual review of buildings across the Cal State University system.
Long-term repairs cannot be made until the leaks dry out completely. However, the university’s plan for natural hazards indicates that natural disasters, including earthquakes, wildfires, floods, and mudslides, are all possibilities, making discussion around specific cases of emergency events relevant for the university. The plan is five years old and is currently being updated, according to the university spokesperson.
Overall, rain has caused an increasing number of leaks and mold reports in buildings across Cal Poly. Although the university is working to address the problem and install dehumidifiers in rooms with “known issues,” long-term repairs cannot be made until the leaks dry out completely. Meanwhile, the university’s plan for natural emergencies is currently being updated, and the university is seeking reimbursements from insurance and FEMA.
