After the discovery of mold in two Augusta University dorms, about 30 students had to wait to move onto campus.
Freshman Tiara Jones didn’t seem to mind the delay.
“I’m glad I did it today instead of Wednesday because I feel like it was easier,” said Jones, who plans to major in nursing. “I was glad I got to stay home for a couple more days honestly.”
According to an official statement from Augusta University, “The health, safety and comfort of students living on the Augusta University campus is our top priority. Over the past few weeks, the Augusta area has experienced high heat and humidity. Those conditions, along with an impaired HVAC system, created an environment in which common mold growth was detected in some rooms in Oak and Elm Halls.
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“To remedy these conditions, Corvias, our facilities service provider, supported by Augusta University and other specialized contractors, is thoroughly cleaning the affected rooms and addressing any contributing HVAC system problems as quickly as possible,” the statement read.
The students who were affected had the option to remain at their current residence or to stay at the Augusta Marriott at the Convention at no charge until move-in on Saturday. Only four students opted to stay at the Marriott according to Kevin Faigle, Augusta University media relations specialist.
Tiara Jones’ mother, Tammy Jones, said she was pleased that the university notified them ahead of time and was just excited for her daughter to move-in.
“I was pleased with that because some places might let you get up here and find out you can’t move-in,” she said. “I am glad they were on top of it and let us know before we hit the road. I’m very happy for her, but as a mom, she is my baby, and I am going to miss her being at home.”
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Nayana Bell, another freshman nursing major moving in, said she was a little upset about not being able to move in on Wednesday, but is not worried about it now.
“A little bit, because I was really excited to move in, but it’s okay because I’m here today,” she said.
Bell’s uncle, Conrad Stewart, was one of her relatives that helped her move Saturday. Stewart said he works in the hotel industry and is not at all worried about future issues.
“I work in the hotel industry, I know everything about mold, restoration, and all that good stuff. I am not worried because I know they would not accept new students if there is going to bigger issue so I am not worried,” he said.
Chris Rickerson is a staff reporter covering Columbia County government and general assignment topics for The Augusta Press. Reach him at chris@theaugustapress.com.
