Carnegie Mellon University ———

COVID-19 Updates

Information and resources for the CMU community

Scotty with mask: Tartans All In everywhere
COVID-19 Updates  ›  Campus Spaces

Campus Spaces

Cleaning Campus Facilities

Photo of a man wiping down cafe tables in the Rohr Commons dining area.
Table full of cleaning supplies.
Photo of woman using a hand sanitizer dispenser
  • High-touch, high-traffic areas are cleaned consistently throughout the day.
  • Campus buildings are operating at approximately 50% capacity (or less) to reduce exposure.
  • Our cleaning staff of over 150 people have deep-cleaned vacant spaces, and are cleaning and disinfecting areas currently in use.
  • As part of our commitment to green cleaning, the CMU custodial program uses disinfectants with no VOCs or added fragrance and the cleaners are not listed as asthmagens.
  • Every room in each of the 100 buildings on campus has been 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 350 additional hand sanitizer dispensers have been installed across campus.
  • Hand sanitizer and wipes are available throughout learning spaces.

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 workstation
  • Public spaces have been modified to promote physical distancing. 
  • We have equipped over 200 learning spaces with technology that allows for both in-person and remote instruction.
  • All classrooms allow at least 6 feet between student seating.

Improving HVAC and Protective Barriers

Photo of HVAC system and man with a filter
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.
  • 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.
  • Personnel have been trained on keeping their areas clean and using the plexiglass barriers for protection.

Providing Campus Signage

Photo of students walking with a face mask sign in front of them
Photo of a person walking toward a floor sign.
Image of signage in a bathroom around the sink area.
  • The CMU community uses floor decals for supporting social distancing, restroom posters for instruction on proper handwashing and educational signage for tips on staying safe and healthy. 
  • More than 6,000 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).
  • Campus units will continue to procure additional signage as needs increase.