Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Information about campus ventilation practices

As preparation continues for the fall 2020 semester, University of Iowa Facilities Management (FM) has been working to change ventilation system and filtration system practices for heating and air conditioning units across campus to lower the risk of exposure to COVID-19. For detailed information on this process, please see this video from Lynne Finn, associate vice president, Facilities Management.

This work includes:

  • Upgrading to MERV 13 filters, which will help prevent the circulation of bacteria and virus-carrying agents, across all capable systems.
  • Adjusting the systems while classrooms are occupied to maximize airflow, increasing filtration and fresh air.
  • Purging building air daily, by activating the HVAC systems and least two hours before occupancy.
  • Monitoring and verifying systems are working correctly, and making adjustments as needed.

Classrooms will be the most densely used campus spaces this fall and are the priority. FM provides information on system operations to building coordinators and those working on planning for the return to campus for their unit.

Ventilation systems will be operated according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Considerations for Institutes of Higher Education and the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Additional information on how the campus ventilation systems will be managed this fall is available in the Fall 2020 Steps Forward Plan.

 

ITS Help Desk to open for in-person appointments

The ITS Help Desk at University Capitol Centre (UCC) will open to limited walk-in service starting Thursday, Aug. 20. Appointments are required—contact the Help Desk to schedule.

Please wear a face covering when visiting the Help Desk at 2800 UCC. Walk-in hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. The Help Desk walk-in area is closed on weekends.

Chat, email, and phone are the fastest way to connect with the Help Desk. Regular semester support hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; noon to 5 p.m. Saturday; and 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday. Summer and extended pre-semester weekend hours can be found online.