UT-San evacuates 486 students from dorm because of mold

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http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/story.hts/metropolitan/899253

May 4, 2001, 12:51AM

UTSA evacuates 486 students from dorm because of mold

Associated Press

SAN ANTONIO -- More than 400 UT-San students were evacuated from

their dormitory Thursday after a building inspection found traces of mold

that university officials said may pose health problems.

University of Texas-San President Romo said 486 students who

live in Chisholm Hall will be moved into hotels.

" The safety of our students is paramount, and we must take immediate action

to make certain residents of Chisholm Hall move to a new location so we can

eliminate any threats to their health, " Romo said.

University officials said a sample test by Argus King Environment, Inc.,

during a building inspection Thursday afternoon uncovered a variety of mold

in the residence hall's rooms. The university had the company conduct tests

in response to students' concerns about maintenance issues at the dorm.

The dormitory is managed by Houston-based Century Housing, which manages all

residence halls at UTSA and residence halls at 30 other campuses nationwide.

Romo said he has instructed university officials and Century Housing to

continue extensive testing of the building and work with students to find

suitable alternative housing.

He said he is confident Century Housing will take appropriate action to

rectify the safety problems.

Classes at UTSA ended Wednesday. Finals begin Saturday.