Carnegie Mellon University ———

COVID-19 Updates

Information and resources for the CMU community

COVID-19 Updates  ›  Preparing Campus

Preparing Campus

Icon of a spray bottle spraying a door handle.

Cleaning Campus Facilities

Icon of a chair found in Tepper.

Modifying Spaces

Icon of two people being separated by a physical barrier.

Improving HVAC and Protective Barriers

Icon of campus signage.

Providing Campus Signage

Cleaning Campus Facilities

Photo of three cleaning wipe containers, set upon brown packing boxes that are full of other cleaning products.
Photo of a man wiping down cafe tables in the Rohr Commons dining area.
Table full of cleaning supplies.

Current Status

  • Our cleaning staff of over 150 people are deep-cleaning vacant spaces to prepare for fall, as well as cleaning and disinfecting areas currently in use.
  • Every room in each of the 100 buildings on campus is on the list to be cleaned. That's 6.6 million square feet.
  • We have purchased dozens of new electrostatic sprayers to disinfect high-touch, high-traffic areas.
  • More than 200 additional hand sanitizer dispensers have been installed across campus.

In the Fall

  • High-touch, high-traffic areas will be cleaned consistently throughout the day.
  • Campus buildings will be operating at approximately 75% capacity (or less) to reduce exposure.

Modifying Spaces

Photo of the black lounge chairs, spaced to account for physical distancing.
Photo of the purple lounge chairs in the Tepper building, spaced to account for physical distancing.
Photo of the high top tables in Rohr Commons with one bright green chair per table. The tables are separated by at least 6 feet of distance.

Current Status

  • Public spaces have been modified to promote physical distancing. 
  • We are equipping over 250 learning spaces with technology that allows for both in-person and remote instruction.

In the Fall

  • All classrooms will allow at least 6 feet between student seating.
  • More than 250 learning spaces will have technology that allows for both in-person and remote instruction.

Improving HVAC and Protective Barriers

Photo of the protective barrier in the dining areas.
Photo of a Carnegie Mellon University branded mask in front of protective barriers.
Photo of a person purchasing a soda from behind a protective barrier.

Current Status

  • We have evaluated many options for improving HVAC systems, and have implemented accelerated maintenance, modified the automation logic, increased operating hours, maximized air ventilation, verified high filtration and deployed portable air cleaners.
  • We are piloting several advanced technologies, including new Ultraviolet Airflow Disinfection and Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization systems in seven buildings. These technologies show great promise in eliminating the growth of bacteria, mold and spores, and in controlling the spread of airborne viruses.
  • Dozens of plexiglass barriers have been installed in customer-facing locations all across campus, including dining and university store facilities.

In the Fall

  • Airflow disinfection and needlepoint ionization systems will be installed for cleaner air circulation. 
  • Personnel will be trained on keeping their areas clean and using the plexiglass barriers for protection.

Providing Campus Signage

Photo of a sign in a public eating area.
Photo of a person walking toward a floor sign.
Image of signage in a bathroom around the sink area.

Current Status

  • More than 3,000 posters, floor decals, table tents and other signage have been installed across campus.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the content source for the new materials, which were modified for CMU use.
  • Campus units can order additional signage (PDF).

In the Fall

  • The CMU community will use floor decals for supporting social distancing, restroom posters for instruction on proper hand-washing, and educational signage for tips on staying safe and healthy. 
  • Campus units will continue to procure additional signage as needs increase in the fall.