UC Riverside is beginning to open up its core campus again, returning to daytime weekday access for campus buildings.
Starting Aug. 16, Facilities Services will begin unlocking and locking buildings at their normal operating hours as the campus prepares for the return of more in-person work and instruction this fall. Campus buildings had been locked and accessible only by those authorized to work there over the last 17 months.
“This is a phased approach balancing building asset security with the reality that activity is returning to campus to make it as efficient as possible,” said Monty Anderson, interim director of Facilities Services.
Most campus buildings will be unlocked at 7 a.m. and locked at 5 p.m. Hours for buildings that hold evening classes will be extended in accordance with their traditional hours and occupancy demands.
Updated signage will be posted at all campus buildings informing occupants of health and safety requirements on issues such as masking and social distancing. Facilities Services is partnering with Environmental Health and Safety to create updated posters.
Bathrooms and water fountains that had been shut are also being restored for use. Some water fountains are being retrofitted so that every campus building has at least one gooseneck water bottle filling station on its first floor.
Facilities Services is in the process of restoring staffing levels, particularly custodial and maintenance, and will return to normal cleaning schedules, Anderson said.
All building system air filters have been fitted to the highest Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values, or MERV, rating, which measures how well filters trap specific types of particles. Filters will be changed on a regular replacement schedule.
As part of its expanded efforts, Facilities Services will turn on air circulation systems two hours before opening buildings and continue an hour after closing.
“It helps extend air circulation and air flow as much as possible to ensure maximum air quality,” Anderson said.
Anyone returning to campus is reminded to fill out the Daily Wellness Check.
