UMN Infrastructure Issues
We began covering the issues of UMN infrastructure in Summer of 2022 following TWO gas leaks (one of which contributing to a major explosion in student housing facilities). However, the more we watched, the more issues we witnessed.
GAS LEAK:
On June 30, 2022 an explosion on the 1700 block of University Ave was reported by the Citizen App. Soon after, reports of gas odors were being heard all over the campus and Twin Cities. Come to find out, reports began coming in on odors 24 hours prior to the explosion. From our research, these initial concerns went unaddressed and were a forewarning to the explosion the next day. A month after the explosion, no formal update was issued. It would not be until August 8th that we'd get any insight.
On August 2, another round of gas leaks and reported odors came through the SafeU Alert System- leading to mass evacuations and office closure. A few hours later the situation was handled. No explosion or injuries were reported.
The following wee, on August 8, SVP Frans issues an update regarding the leaks outlining the collaborative effort between the U and the City of Minneapolis to resolve the issue.
Footage of the explosion and evacuations can be found here: Barstool Gophers ; KSTP ;
MOLD EXPOSURE:
the 17th Ave Dorm had students who reportedly fell ill due to prolonged mold exposure during the Fall 2022 semester. Students had been reporting symptoms of mold exposure to the U and the housing facilities for weeks before a student opened the grate to their air vents and discovered an alarming amount of mold in the system.
Only some students were evacuated from the building and given alternate housing options- countless others were left to live out their time with mold exposure. Mold has also been an issue in UMN dorms in 2013 and 2017.
HEATING PROBLEMS:
During the week of November 27th, UMN students living in the Middlebrook Tower were left without heat during the first winter storm of the season. 8+ inches of snow fell while Middlebrook residents froze. After more than 24 hours of complaining about the cold, Middlebrook facilities distributed portable heaters for student use- and they were advised to take measures to retain building heat until they could get the heat turned on again. Students were not relocated during this crisis.
BATHROOM PEEPERS:
Throughout campus (in the Student Union, and numerous residence halls) reports of peepers in the bathrooms have grown in number. 7 dorms on campus do NOT have locks on the showers. The MN Daily reported countless students being too afraid to shower in their own dorms due to safety concerns. The U is slowly adding in bathroom security measures, however they report it being a massive undertaking and will last over the span of at least the next year. Until then, students need to shower in fear.