UTSA Residence Hall Evacuated as a Result of Safety Inspection
Officials
at the University of Texas at San Antonio and Century Housing on Thursday
evacuated a residence hall on the university’s 1604 Campus as the result
of inspections of the building’s life/safety systems.
Chisholm Hall’s 486 residents were moved to local hotels after an inspection revealed traces of a variety of molds that may pose health concerns to residents.
"The safety of our students is paramount, and we must take immediate action to make certain that residents of Chisholm Hall move a new location so we can eliminate any threats to their health," said UTSA President Ricardo Romo said Thursday. "We have detected a problem and will take any action to protect the health of our students."
After being alerted Thursday afternoon of the results of the inspection,
Romo instructed officials at the university and Century Housing to continue
extensive testing of the building and work with students to find suitable
alternative housing.
"Century Housing manages residence halls at 30 other campuses around
the country and we are confident that they will take the appropriate action
to rectify this problem," Romo added.
Century
Housing, based in Houston, manages all housing at UTSA, where 2,000 students
live on campus in either Chisholm Hall or University Oaks, an apartment complex
on the south edge of the 1604 Campus.
A sample test by Argus King Environmental, Inc., of the residence hall’s
rooms uncovered mold in the building. The university hired the company to
conduct tests in response to concerns by students about maintenance issues
at Chisholm Hall.
Classes at UTSA concluded Wednesday, May 2. Finals begin Saturday, and the university’s Commencement Ceremony is Saturday, May 12.