Heating Updates
March 4, 2024
There is currently a disruption in heating services affecting several buildings on our campus, including some residence halls. The issue stems from a rupture in a high-temperature hot water line at the intersection of Rugar Street and Sanborn Avenue.
Campus Updates
Please continue to check the daily email digest for the most recent updates to campus.
Wednesday, Mar. 6, 2024, 4:00 p.m. — Update 12
Dear University Community,
All residential halls and buildings along Rugar Street are currently receiving uninterrupted heating services. Our Facilities, Maintenance, and Operations team continues to closely monitor the heating system. As of now, no further campus updates are scheduled for release.
We greatly appreciate your understanding and cooperation throughout the repair process. We also extend our thanks to the entire Facilities, Maintenance, and Operations team for their tireless work over the last five days, with special recognition for Robert Boal (Assistant Director of Facilities), Darren Drake (Plant Utilities Engineer 2), and the entire team at the Central Heating Plant.
Thank you.
Past Updates
- Emails to Campus
Wednesday, Mar. 6, 2024, 8:36 a.m. — Update 11
Dear University Community,
Last night, the repair of a pinhole leak in the high-temperature hot water line commenced at around 7 PM and successfully concluded by approximately 9:30 PM. Following the completion of the welding process, a committed team from Facilities and Operations promptly started to refill the line with water, which supplies heating services to the residence halls and buildings along Rugar Street. More than 12,000 gallons of water was required to fill the line. By the early hours of Wednesday morning (3/6/2024), the line was fully pressurized and operational.
At around 4 AM this morning, the heating plant commenced the gradual restoration of heat to individual residence halls and buildings along Rugar Street, ensuring a systematic and thorough approach to the process. Heating services were restored to all but three buildings along Rugar Street as of 8 AM this morning. All of the buildings are expected to be online by noon today. Slight temperature swings may occur as temperatures reach programmed levels.
Our Facilities and Operations team will continue to closely monitor the heating system throughout the day. At this point, the next campus update is scheduled to be released no later than 5PM later today, but we will send a campus update earlier if there is a major setback or change in circumstances.
Thank you.Todd MoravecInterim Vice President, Administration and FinanceTuesday, Mar. 5, 2024, 6:53 p.m. — Update 10
Dear University Community,
Contractors located a pinhole leak in the hot water high-temperature line while making repairs. Welding to rectify this additional issue will commence once the pressure in the line subsides. Our contractors and construction crews will work diligently overnight to complete the repairs. Once the welding is finished and the hot water high-temperature line returns to full pressure, we will have a clearer restoration timeline to communicate.
We sincerely appreciate your ongoing cooperation and understanding during this period of uncertainty.
Residents in affected halls continue to receive specific updates and guidance from campus housing via email. The campus continues to monitor temperatures in the impacted residence halls. Indoor air temperatures on most floors remain in the mid to high 60s. Hot water is available in all buildings. Students in affected buildings have been provided various support options, including the choice to move to an unaffected building, access to blankets, hot beverages, snacks, other residence halls until midnight, and designated campus locations for studying and relaxation. Community Advocates are actively checking in with their residents. Questions or concerns can be emailed to [email protected]
. Faculty members with classes scheduled in Sibley Hall on Wednesday (3/6/2024) have already been advised to make alternative arrangements or delivery modes. Faculty and staff working in Sibley Hall have received instructions for alternative work locations for those who wish to relocate. The Childcare Center, Third Age Adult Day Center, and Traumatic Brain Injury Center are all located in Sibley Hall and provide services to the community. The Childcare Center has informed their constituents that they will be closed again tomorrow, and the other two Centers will announce their plans for Wednesday and inform their constituents.
The next campus update is scheduled to be released no later than 11 AM on Wednesday.
Thank you.
Todd Moravec
Interim Vice President, Administration and FinanceTuesday, Mar. 5, 2024, 1:21 p.m. — Update 9
Dear University Community,
Repairs have proceeded according to the plan summarized in the last campus update (#8).
This morning, heating services for most buildings along Rugar Street had to be temporarily suspended to complete the reconnection of the six affected buildings to the primary high-temperature hot water line. During that time, we encountered an additional repair that currently appears to be minor but is projected to delay the restoration of heating services until tonight. Assuming repairs continue as scheduled and there are no additional unforeseen circumstances, we anticipate the restoration of heating services for all buildings along Rugar Street this evening, with temperatures returning to programmed levels overnight.
The next comprehensive campus update is scheduled to be released no later than 7 PM tonight.
Thank you.
Todd MoravecInterim Vice President, Administration and FinanceMonday, Mar. 4, 2024, 4:30 p.m. — Update 8
Dear University Community,
The restoration of heating services to impacted buildings is entering a new phase. Enough pipe was found on both sides of the rupture to weld in a replacement section. This phase of repairs will take some time. Pending unforeseen issues, we are currently on pace to restore heating services to the impacted buildings by Tuesday afternoon. During the process of restoring heat to the impacted buildings on Tuesday, other campus buildings along Rugar Street will see a disruption of heating services.
The following buildings will continue to be affected for the remainder of Monday (3/4/2024) and overnight into Tuesday (3/5/2024):
-
Clinton Dining Hall
-
deFredenburgh Hall
-
Hood Hall
-
Moffitt Hall
-
Sibley Hall
-
Wilson Hall
We have created a dedicated website that provides all campus updates in chronological order. The next campus update is scheduled for no later than 1PM on Tuesday (3/5/2024).
Your continued cooperation and understanding during this period are greatly appreciated. We are committed to resolving the issue promptly and ensuring the comfort and well-being of all those affected.
Todd MoravecInterim Vice President, Administration and Finance
Monday, March 4, 2024, 11:59 a.m. — Update 7
Dear University Community,
Contractors continue to excavate the site in order to find enough pipe to replace the ruptured section of the high temperature hot water line. They found enough pipe thickness to start welding on one side of the broken section, and continue to excavate on the other side. Due to this, we are still unable to provide a definitive timeline for the completion of repairs and the full restoration of heating services.
At this point, it is anticipated that the following buildings will continue to be affected for the remainder of the day (3/4/2024) and overnight into tomorrow (3/5/2024):
- Clinton Dining Hall
- deFredenburgh Hall
- Hood Hall
- Moffitt Hall
- Sibley Hall
- Wilson Hall
Residents of affected halls will continue to receive specific updates and guidance from campus housing via email. The campus continues to monitor temperatures in the impacted residence halls. Indoor air temperatures on most floors remain in the mid to high 60s. All buildings have hot water. Students residing in the affected buildings have been provided the option of moving to an unaffected building, blankets if needed, hot beverages and snacks, access to other residence halls until midnight, and advised of other campus locations for studying and relaxation. A special email address, [email protected], has been created for them to reach out if they have questions or concerns. Community advocates will be checking in with each of their residents throughout the day today.
Faculty members with classes scheduled in Sibley Hall on Tuesday (3/5/2024) have already been advised to make alternative arrangements or delivery modes. Faculty and staff working in Sibley Hall will receive another email containing instructions for alternative work locations. The Childcare Center, Third Age Adult Day Center and Traumatic Brain Injury Center are all located in Sibley Hall and provide services to the community. The Childcare Center has informed their constituents that they will be closed again tomorrow, and the other two centers will announce their plans for Tuesday and inform their constituents soon.
Clinton Dining Hall remains fully operational at this time and Samuel D’s will be closed again on Tuesday.
We have created a website that contains a running list of these campus updates, and we plan to provide the next campus update by 5 p.m. today.
Your patience and understanding during this time is greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Todd Moravec
Interim Vice President, Administration and FinanceSunday, March 3, 2024, 5:01 p.m. — Update 6
This message is being sent on behalf of Todd Moravec, Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance
Dear University Community,
Contractors continue to actively address the heating issue and make significant progress. However, the following buildings will continue to be affected throughout the remainder of today and overnight:
- Clinton Dining Hall
- deFredenburgh Hall
- Hood Hall
- Moffitt Hall
- Sibley Hall
- Wilson Hall
Faculty members with classes scheduled in Sibley tomorrow (3/4/2024) have been advised to make alternative arrangements or delivery modes. Additionally, faculty and staff working in Sibley have received an email containing instructions for alternative work locations. Unfortunately, the Childcare Center, situated in Sibley Hall, will be closed tomorrow.
While Clinton Dining Hall remains fully operational, please note that Samuel D’s, located in Sibley Hall, will be closed tomorrow. All other venues will maintain their regular schedules.
We anticipate providing the next campus update by noon on Monday. Your patience and understanding during this time is greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Todd Moravec
Interim Vice President, Administration and FinanceSunday, Mar. 3, 2024, 12:46 p.m. — Update 5
The following message is being sent on behalf of Todd Moravec, Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance
Dear University Community,
The source of the rupture in the high-temperature hot water line has been identified. Construction crews are working on a solution to repair the rupture, but are encountering some barriers preventing the start of repairs.
The following buildings continue to be impacted today:
- Clinton Dining Hall
- deFredenburgh Hall
- Hood Hall
- Moffitt Hall
- Sibley Hall
- Wilson Hall
The campus is monitoring temperatures in the impacted residence halls and buildings. Indoor air temperatures in most impacted buildings have been recorded in the mid to high 60s and are expected to fluctuate slightly depending on outdoor temperatures. Residents of the affected halls should continue to monitor their email accounts for updates and guidance from campus housing. Contingency plans will be communicated if circumstances change.
There will be temporary and intermittent disruptions to heating services in other buildings and residence halls during the repair process. We continue to expect that the heating load in these buildings will help minimize the impact of these temporary disruptions.
We will continue to keep you informed with updates as we resolve these issues. Thank you, again, for your patience and understanding.
Todd Moravec
Interim Vice President, Administration and FinanceSunday, Mar. 3, 2024, 8:47 a.m. — Update 4
The following message is being sent on behalf of Todd Moravec, Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance
Dear University Community,
Good morning. I write to update you on the latest status of the heating issue that continues to impact several buildings on camps.
During excavation, a blowout was discovered in the high-temperature hot water line. Unfortunately, this appears to be a symptom rather than the root cause of the issue. Excavation continues this morning and a plan and timeline for repairs and the restoration of heating services is not available at this time. The following buildings will continue to be impacted today:
- Clinton Dining Hall
- deFredenburgh Hall
- Hood Hall
- Moffitt Hall
- Sibley Hall
- Wilson Hall
Residents of the affected halls will continue to receive specific updates and guidance from campus housing via email. All dining services will continue to operate according to their published schedules. Contingency plans will be communicated if circumstances change or if the situation is expected to extend beyond today.
Please be aware that once the root cause is identified, there may be temporary and intermittent disruptions to heating services in other buildings and residence halls during the repair process. We anticipate that the heating load in these buildings will help minimize the impact of these temporary disruptions.
We sincerely appreciate your understanding and patience during this challenging time. We will continue to keep you informed with updates as we work toward resolving the issue.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Todd Moravec
Interim Vice President, Administration and FinanceSaturday, Mar. 2, 2024, 4:02 p.m. — Update 3
This message is being sent on behalf of Todd Moravec, Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance
Dear University Community,
I am reaching out to provide you with the latest update on the current issue affecting the heating services in several residence halls and buildings across our campus. The impacted buildings include:
- Clinton Dining Hall
- deFredenburgh Hall
- Hood Hall
- Moffitt Hall
- Sibley Hall
- Wilson Hall
The NYS Office of General Services has engaged the services of Kingsley Arms for both the excavation and repair of the fractured high-temperature hot water line. Kingsley Arms is enroute to the site and will commence excavation work upon arrival. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide a definitive timeline for the completion of repairs and the full restoration of heating services at this moment. Progress is being made and we will keep you updated as soon as additional information becomes available.
Residents of the affected halls have received specific updates and guidance from campus housing. Meanwhile, all dining services will continue to operate according to their published schedules. As a measure of support, this evening, CAS & Chartwells will be providing complimentary snacks and warm beverages on the first floor of each impacted residence hall.
Thank you for your understanding and patience during this challenging time.
Todd Moravec
Interim Vice President, Administration and FinanceSaturday, Mar. 2, 2024, 1:23 p.m. — Update 2
This message is being sent on behalf of Todd Moravec, Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance
Dear University Community,
I am writing to provide you with an update on the issue with the heating services affecting various residence halls and buildings across our campus. This incident currently impacts the following buildings:
- Clinton Dining Hall
- deFredenburgh Hall
- Hood Hall
- Moffitt Hall
- Sibley Hall
- Wilson Hall
Our dedicated Facilities and Operations team has investigated the matter and identified an underground break in a high-temperature hot water line, necessitating excavation. To address this issue, the NYS Office of General Services is in the process of engaging local contractors to repair the line promptly.
During this challenging period, we kindly advise students residing in affected halls to close windows and take measures to conserve heat within the buildings. Students in the impacted residence halls will be receiving additional updates from campus housing. All dining services will continue to operate as per their published schedules.
We understand the inconvenience this may cause, and we assure you that every effort is being made to resolve the situation swiftly. As we work towards a resolution, our commitment to keeping you informed remains a top priority. Any updates and additional information will be promptly shared with the community.
Thank you.
Todd Moravec
Interim Vice President, Administration and FinanceSaturday, Mar. 2, 2024, 9:48 a.m.
This message is being sent on behalf of Todd Moravec, Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance
Dear University Community,
There is currently a disruption in heating services affecting several buildings on our campus, including some residence halls. The issue stems from a rupture in a high-temperature hot water line at the intersection of Rugar Street and Sanborn Avenue.
Our Facilities and Operations team is actively assessing the situation, which may take a few hours, due to the need for the affected line to cool down.
At this time, the following buildings are impacted by this incident:
- Clinton Dining Hall
- Defredenburgh Hall
- Hood Hall
- Moffitt Hall
- Sibley Hall
- Wilson Hall
Please be assured that our dedicated team is committed to resolving this matter swiftly, and will keep you updated as soon as additional information becomes available. The well-being and comfort of our students, faculty, and staff remain our top priority.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and greatly appreciate your understanding and patience during this time.
Thank you.
Todd Moravec
Interim Vice President, Administration and Finance -