To Report a Mold Concern or Water Intrusion Event
Notifying Departmental and Facilities Management of any noticeable water loss events or mold growth expedites reporting and response, which are critical when water intrusion and mold growth occurs in a building.
Submit a work order in Planon or Call SOS at (802) 656-2560
Planon login (for Staff & Faculty)
Planon login (for Students Living On-Campus)
Service Operations Support (SOS) is the center of communications and work control for Facilities Management. The SOS team reviews on-line Service Requests and helps route them to the appropriate maintenance personnel for scheduling and follow up.
Water Intrusion Response Program
The Water Intrusion Response Program is intended to provide basic procedures in response to a water intrusion event inside a building, as well as a means to analyze workplace conditions, impacted materials, and determine corrective actions to prevent developing hazardous conditions, such mold growth
Written Program (PDF)Hazardous Conditions Caused by Water Loss Events
Frequently Asked Questions
Mold in University Housing
Q: I see something that looks like mold, what should I do?
A: Notify University Housing staff and report it through Planon online or by calling SOS at 656-2560.
Q: What happens after I report a mold concern?
A: University Housing, EHS and Facilities staff work in collaboration to assess the area, determine a cause, and coordinate cleanup if needed.
1. University Housing and/or Facilities will schedule a time to review the area.
2. If necessary, EHS may be consulted to conduct a visual assessment.
3. If mold is present, cleaning and repair are scheduled.
4. You will receive follow-up when the work is complete.
Q: What is Mold?
A: Mold is a type of fungi that is naturally occurring and can be found in various indoor and outdoor environments year-round. In nature, mold helps decompose or break-down leaves, wood and other plant debris. Molds become a problem when they go where they are not wanted and digest materials such as indoor living spaces.
Q: How does mold grow indoors?
A: Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce. Mold spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, potting soil, plants, and foods.
Q: Why does mold show up in bathrooms, windows, and ceilings?
A: Mold grows in damp, humid environments. Common contributors include:
- High humidity and poor ventilation
- Steam from showers
- Condensation on windows
- Wet or damp building materials
- Limited airflow or blocked vents
Q: Is mold dangerous?
A: Most molds commonly found in buildings do not harm healthy people. But people who have allergies or asthma may be more sensitive to molds. Most mold is not hazardous, but it can still affect air quality and cause irritation for some individuals. The bigger concern is the underlying moisture problem, which must be corrected to prevent mold from returning.
Q: Is “black mold” more dangerous?
A: Molds come in many colors including white. "Black mold" and "toxic mold” are not a species or specific kind of mold. “black mold” is often misunderstood. While some molds can produce irritants or allergens, color alone does not indicate hazard. All molds should be addressed, but black mold is not always more dangerous than others.
The use of “black” and “toxic” are marketing and news media terms used and can be misleading. All mold under the right conditions has the potential to cause building damage and health effects.
Q: Can I test for mold in my room myself?
A: If visible apparent mold growth is apparent, testing is not recommended. Cleaning should be conducted or coordinated. Mold testing must be done by qualified professionals. If testing is determined to be necessary, it will be coordinated through the EHS Occupational Health & Safety Office.
Q: Can I use a store-bought mold test kit to test in my room?
A: Store-bought mold test kits are unreliable as they cause confusion and inconsistent results.
Q: What can I do to help reduce mold in my room?
A: - Keep windows closed when AC is running to reduce condensation
- Use bathroom exhaust fans when showering
- Keep furniture slightly away from exterior walls
- Report leaks, drips, or humidity issues right away
- Avoid blocking vents or covering air returns
- Clean minor surface mold with soap and water, if comfortable doing so
Q: Who cleans mold in residential halls?
A: Small areas of mold can usually be addressed by Custodial Services. Larger areas, or areas impacted by water intrusion, may be handled by professional contractors.
Q: How do I clean mold in my room or bathroom?
A: Using common hold cleaners and mild detergents can be used as directed to clean small areas. Bleach is not recommended due to fumes and surface damage.
Q: Will University Housing relocate me if mold is found?
A: Relocation is rare and only happens if a space is unsuitable for occupancy. Most issues are minor and are resolved quickly once cleaned and the moisture source is addressed.