Ventilation and Air Quality
In preparation for a safe campus reopening in fall 2021, the university conducted an exhaustive study of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. The assessment was carried out in collaboration with ME Engineers to establish a baseline for all HVAC unit performance and evaluate the effectiveness of these systems on our campus.
The evaluation found that every space on campus, including all classrooms, offices, and public areas, is sufficiently ventilated. Out of an abundance of caution, the university is providing supplementary HEPA filtration units in some spaces to improve ventilation to an even higher standard; a process we anticipated many months ago and is well underway.
To ensure that every precautionary measure was considered, The New School worked with Brad Hutton, a former Deputy Commissioner for Public Health at the New York State Department of Health, to review the report’s findings and advise the university on our health and safety protocols. His assessment concluded that the university’s comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic—which includes vaccination, frequent testing, and mask requirements along with proper ventilation of all campus spaces—provides as safe an environment as possible for our students, faculty, and staff. You can read the report here.
Additionally, the university is closely following the evolving guidance from public health agencies and industry associations including the CDC, NYC Test and Trace and other government agencies, and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). We continue to collaborate with the NYC Colleges and Universities COVID Coordination Council to share best practices, resources, and public health guidance.
Enhanced Cleaning Protocols
The university’s safety and sanitization protocols for the fall semester include nightly cleaning, disinfecting, and ventilation of all on-campus spaces.
- Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipe dispensers are installed in every building lobby and elevator lobbies on all floors, as well as near offices, classrooms, research and making facilities, and computer labs.
- EPA and CDC approved disinfectants, ultraviolet light, and/or SteraMist™ technology are used to clean and sanitize surfaces.
- High touch surfaces are cleaned throughout the day, and heightened sanitization occurs during overnight cleaning.
- Where feasible, touchless equipment has been installed.