Environmental Health in Residential Buildings

We monitor and maintain proper ventilation in all residential halls and apartments to ensure fresh, clean air circulation. HVAC systems are regularly inspected and serviced to promote optimal indoor air quality. 

Air in residential buildings is filtered through air handlers before being distributed throughout the building. These systems use filters on the main units to help reduce dust, allergens, and other particles in the air. 

Albion College employs an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to minimize pests in residential areas while reducing the use of harmful chemicals. Residents are encouraged to maintain cleanliness in their rooms and promptly report any pest concerns to Community Living staff. 

Bed Bug Procedure

Students who suspect bed bugs in their room must immediately report it to the Office of Community Living by:

• Capturing a bed bug in a sealed zip-lock bag, or
• Snapping a picture of the bed bug

Sealed zip-lock bags or pictures are shared with the Assistant Director of Housing & Operations or the Area Coordinator of the building. 

Reports should be made as soon as possible. Delayed reporting can lead to further infestation and may result in shared responsibility for treatment costs. 

Inspection & Confirmation

Upon receiving a report, the Office of Community Living will share a photo with the Facilities staff. If bed bugs are found:

• Students assigned to the space will be assigned to a temporary space. The following instructions will be given:
  • The student(s) will collect enough clothing for approximately a week in a trash bag. Student(s) will tie the bag of laundry shut and transport to the nearest laundry room. Shoes needed for the week should be washed with the laundry. 
  • Student(s) will wash clothes in the washer on the highest possible temperature setting.
  • Student(s) will tie the empty trash bag shut and dispose of the bag in an outdoor dumpster.
  • Student(s) will dry clothes in the dryer on the highest possible temperature setting. 
  • The student(s) will retrieve any school supplies that will be needed for the next week. This is limited to absolute necessities. No cloth bags, backpacks, or suitcases are to be used to transport items. 
  • Student(s) cannot stay in or visit any other residential room on campus besides the temporary room assigned. 

Treatment Protocol

The College will coordinate and cover the cost of professional treatment in college-owned housing when bed bugs are confirmed. Treatment may involve chemical or heat remediation depending on the vendor’s recommendation. Repeat treatments may be the responsibility of the student(s) assigned to the housing assignment infested. 

Post Treatment

Facilities staff will inspect the room to ensure treatment was effective. They will replace mattresses and any other furniture if necessary. Custodians will vacuum around bed spaces to clean dead bugs. Facilities will notify Community Living when the space is ready to be moved back into. 

Community Living staff will notify the student(s) that the room is ready to be moved into. 

Albion College takes proactive steps to prevent mold in residential spaces. Students play a key role in maintaining a healthy environment by helping reduce excess moisture. 

• Report Leaks Promptly: Students should immediately report any water leaks or moisture issues in their living spaces. Our maintenance team responds quickly to address concerns and conducts regular inspections of common areas. 

• Use Bathroom Fans: In apartments, residents are encouraged to keep bathroom fans on during and after showers to prevent moisture buildup.

• Clean Regularly: Bathrooms should be cleaned weekly to help prevent mold or mildew.

• Report Issues: Any nonworking bathroom fans or ventilation concerns should be reported right away through the work order system. 

By working together, residents and staff can help ensure a safe, clean, and healthy living environment for all students. 

Proper disposal of trash and recycling is essential to maintaining a healthy environment. Residents must use designated dumpsters and recycling bins located around campus. Disposal of hazardous materials (e.g., batteries, paint, chemicals) must follow College guidelines, please contact Community Living for assistance. 

Albion College is a smoke-free campus. Smoking, including the use of electronic cigarettes and vaporizers, is prohibited inside residential buildings and within 25 feet of all campus buildings.