Sewanee's Approach

The University is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. This includes identifying and addressing conditions within University facilities that are conducive to mold growth.

Sewanee has an extremely humid climate and experiences high amounts of rainfall. Molds are part of the natural environment and can be found everywhere—indoors and outdoors. As the EPA reports that “there is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment,” residents and employees can take proactive measures to help maintain a healthy living and learning environment on campus.

If you see or suspect mold, report it immediately.

As part of the University’s mold management efforts, the Residential Life and Environmental Safety offices provide the following information:

  • Things to know about mold & mildew
  • Steps you can take to prevent mold & mildew
  • Mold FAQs

Things to know about mold

  • Molds produce allergens, and like other allergens, exposed individuals will respond differently.
  • If you are having symptoms that you believe may be the result of allergens, make an appointment with University Health Services for an examination.
  • Molds are part of the natural environment and can be found everywhere—indoors and outdoors. Mold is not usually a problem unless it begins growing indoors. The best way to control mold growth is to control moisture. The EPA website provides guidance about mold and moisture for homes, schools, multifamily and commercial buildings.
  • Sewanee does have a Mold Response Plan to help identify and then treat possible mold growth.
  • If you see or suspect mold, report it immediately.

Take steps to help prevent mold & mildew

  • The EPA suggests that the best way to control mold growth is to control moisture
  • Do not open windows while heating or cooling units are operating. This will cause condensation and may contribute to mold growth.
  • Do not place furniture or other items in front of heating and cooling units that can obstruct airflow.
  • Do not place potted plants or any other source of moisture on or around heating and cooling units.
  • For rooms that have heating and ventilation control, set the thermostat between 68 – 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not turn the unit on a really cool or hot setting and then turn it off once it gets to the setting. Turning units off and on continually prevents proper air flow and stagnant air leads to odors and potential mold growth issues.
  • Do not leave wet or damp clothes, towels or shoes in closets. Set them on a drying rack until completely dry.
  • Please empty your room and bathroom trash on a regular basis. Do not let it accumulate in your room.
  • Do not use foam mattress pads on your bed. They do not allow air circulation between the pad and our waterproof mattresses.
  • Avoid storing items directly against exterior walls. Items stored directly against exterior walls prevent airflow and allow for condensation on the wall that promotes mold growth. A 1-2 inch gap is sufficient in most cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

The EPA also provides a good set of answers to questions about mold and mold prevention.

Is it possible for mold to grow in my residence hall?

Yes, and in every other building you normally occupy, including your home, and outside, all the time. Mold spores are always present in outside air and indoor air, except in sterile environments such as certain laboratories and medical spaces.

If I see dark splotches on any surface, is that mold?

Maybe. Mold spores are always floating in the air and will grow when they have the right amount of moisture. Condensation around windows or on pipe insulation, for example, can allow certain types of fungus to grow. What you see could also just be dirt, dust, and particulates that settle and collect on those surfaces.

What should I do to report suspected mold?
  • ...
How does the University respond to a mold report?
  • Staff members trained to identify and assess mold check the area in question.
  • If mold is found, the University’s mold management plan is activated. All practices in the plan are in line with guidelines provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
  • Sewanee has several methods of responding to reports of mold growth, in accordance with the University’s Mold Management Plan:
    • Affected areas are cleaned and treated with products that have mold inhibitors
    • When mold growth requires complex or sizable (greater than 10 sq ft) remediation, the University works with a third party abatement contractor to address the issue.
What does the University do when mold is found?

When mold is detected, the University follows the mold management plan to remediate the problem.

Is it common for students living in residence halls to experience illnesses?

University Health Services frequently sees patients concerned about common seasonal illnesses such as the flu, “stomach bugs,” and respiratory illnesses that might affect their ability to keep up with academic commitments and social activities. University Health Services tracks these illnesses closely and looks for any meaningful trends.

One of the challenges of being a student on a college campus is exposure to illnesses among friends, classmates and hallmates. Communal living environments – as well as busy, active lifestyles – contribute to college students’ risk of contracting common contagious illnesses.

If you are having symptoms that you believe may be the result of allergens, make an appointment with University Health Services for an examination.

Resources

Mold Response Plan
University procedures

This plan outlines the University’s procedures for reporting, investigating, and addressing any possible mold-related concerns.

see or suspect mold?
report it immediately

Staff members trained to identify and assess mold will check the area in question.

EPA Guidance
The best way to control mold growth is to control moisture.

Molds are part of the natural environment, and can be found everywhere, indoors and outdoors. The EPA’s website provides guidance about mold and moisture for homes, schools, multifamily and commercial buildings.

Ten Things to Know