Why Summer Can Spell Trouble for Commuter Campuses
Kirkwood Community College may not have the size or round-the-clock residential presence of a four-year university, but that doesn’t mean summer is without risk. With fewer people on campus, problems can quietly build—only to surface just as students return for fall classes. For facilities teams at commuter campuses like Kirkwood, a proactive approach is essential.
Here’s your back-to-school checklist to identify and address common but often overlooked summer-related hazards before they disrupt the academic year.
Inspect for Hidden Water Intrusion
Even when classrooms and offices are empty, rain doesn’t take a break. Eastern Iowa summers bring frequent thunderstorms, and with fewer staff around to notice, small leaks can become major problems. Ceiling stains, bubbling paint, or musty odors could signal hidden water damage.
Pro tip: Check lesser-used spaces like storage rooms, mechanical closets, and infrequently accessed hallways.
Test and Flush HVAC Systems
When buildings sit idle or operate at reduced capacity, HVAC systems collect dust, humidity, and microbial buildup. Before students return, ensure all systems are tested and cleaned to prevent air quality issues—especially in older buildings or rooms with poor circulation.
Key areas to inspect:
Evaluate Carpet and Upholstery for Mold and Odors
In warm, humid conditions, soft surfaces like carpets, curtains, and upholstered furniture can trap moisture. Even in air-conditioned spaces, microclimates can form—especially near windows or in rooms that weren’t used regularly over the summer.
Don’t skip:
Library reading areas
Faculty lounges
Auditorium seating
Examine Roofs and Gutters for Storm Debris
Storm damage often goes unnoticed until it causes a leak. Branches, twigs, and leaves clogging roof drains or gutters can lead to standing water and eventually leaks or roof deterioration.
Best practice:
Check for Pest Infestations in Unused Areas
Empty buildings can become attractive to pests. Rodents and insects seek shelter during hot weather, and even small entry points can lead to infestations.
Check areas such as:
Confirm Emergency Systems Are Functional
Fire alarms, sprinklers, and emergency lighting systems must be inspected annually—but if they were due over the summer, now’s the time. Student and staff safety depends on it.
Ensure:
Fire extinguishers are pressurized and in date
Alarm panels show no faults
Exit lighting is illuminated and backup-powered
Assess Entry Points and Door Hardware
Frequent temperature swings and humidity can warp doors or rust metal components. If automatic doors, card readers, or locking mechanisms have gone unchecked, they may fail under pressure as student traffic increases.
Include in your audit:
Clean and Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces Thoroughly
Even during breaks, microbes linger. A deep clean of shared equipment, desks, and surfaces ensures a healthy environment from day one.
Focus on:
Computer labs
Lecture podiums
Student service counters
Review Basement and Crawlspaces for Moisture or Mold
Some of the worst damage hides in the lowest points of a building. High summer humidity and poor airflow can allow condensation and mold to thrive unnoticed.
Inspect for:
Schedule a Professional Walkthrough
Before the semester begins, consider a comprehensive inspection by a restoration professional. ServiceMaster by Rice – Cedar Rapids partners with facilities teams at commuter campuses like Kirkwood to spot what others miss—from HVAC inefficiencies to mold in hidden ductwork.
An expert walkthrough now can prevent costly downtime later.
Your Restoration and Maintenance Partner
Kirkwood’s campus might be quieter in summer, but risks never take a break. With decades of experience supporting educational facilities, ServiceMaster by Rice – Cedar Rapids provides restoration services tailored for busy, high-traffic campuses.
Reach out to schedule a pre-semester assessment and make sure your buildings are ready—top to bottom—for a safe and seamless return.
Back-to-School Starts With a Safer Campus
Preparing for students’ return isn’t just about class schedules and parking passes. It’s about ensuring every building is safe and functioning as intended. With this checklist in hand—and ServiceMaster by Rice on your side—you’ll be one step ahead of the unexpected.
