Facilities Services Playing Key Role in Return-to-Campus Planning

For months, much of SLU’s St. Louis campus has been effectively closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but more than 275 staff from the Division of Facilities Services have remained on-site, performing essential duties, including enhanced cleaning in residence halls, clinical spaces and other occupied areas.

Now, Facilities Services is playing a key role in the University’s planning for the safe return of employees and students to campus. The division’s efforts include new equipment purchases and different operating procedures. A summary follows below. 

It’s important to note that Facilities Services has made it a priority to protect employees as they have remained on the frontlines of keeping the campus safe. In addition to conducting health screenings, the division has distributed reusable, washable, cloth masks to all staff. 

Also, cloth masks will be made available to students, staff and faculty prior to the start of the fall semester and to those who have been approved to return to work earlier. 

Related: SLU’s new interim mask policy

Enhanced Cleaning 

Facilities Services will continue enhanced cleaning protocols — as recommended by the CDC and other public health officials. This includes wiping down high-touch areas, such as door handles, elevators and stair railings with EPA-approved disinfectants multiple times each day. 

Hand Sanitizers 

The division has ordered more than 800 touchless, wall-mounted hand sanitizers that will be placed in common areas of campus buildings. These sanitizer stations will also be installed at every building entrance and exit, as well as on every floor near an elevator. Small pump bottles of hand sanitizers also will be made available to departments before the start of the fall semester. Departments and divisions will be able to submit a service request for delivery through FM Systems. 

Plexiglass Protective Shields (“Sneeze Guards”) 

Facilities Services has helped Pius Library, Simon Rec and other campus buildings order more than 120 acrylic screens for reception desks, service counters and other spaces where prolonged close interaction is common. To order a protective shield for your area, contact Brad Storr, construction services supervisor. 

Disinfectant 

To date, Facilities Services has distributed 175 bottles of hospital grade, EPA-approved disinfectant to labs in Doisy Research Center, Learning Resources Center and science buildings on north campus. Departments that have employees on campus now and need disinfectant, can contact Jeff Macko, director of custodial and grounds. 

Touchless Door Openers 

Where possible, Facilities Services will install foot-operated door openers in high-traffic campus restrooms without automated doors. Individuals just need to step and pull to open the door without using their hands to exit the restroom. 

Drinking Fountains 

Drinking fountains will be taken off-line to prevent use, but water bottle filling stations will continue to be operable. If you see a water bottle filling station that needs service, contact facilities at 977-2955. 

Fresh Air Intake 

Following CDC protocols, Facilities Services is increasing fresh air intake and filtration in buildings where this is possible. Please note that increasing outside fresh air intake can result in increased internal temperatures and humidity, however, systems are being actively monitored.

Transportation Changes 

SLURide vans will be restricted to two passengers at a time, and the vans’ middle seats have been removed to increase the distance between passengers. SLU will also limit shuttle capacity and is preparing to bring in additional shuttles to meet ridership demand. Following the University mask policy, passengers in vans and shuttles must wear a mask at all times.