Spring classes may begin with winter chill

January 4, 2010

As classes for the spring semester get under way Tuesday, students, faculty and staff should be aware that some offices and classrooms may be chillier than usual because the university’s primary steam heating system is out of operation.

The primary heating system, a turbine engine located at the UF’s Progress Energy cogeneration plant near the Health Science Center, suffered a failure several weeks ago. The unit had to be shipped to the manufacturer to be rebuilt. In the interim, the university has used a back-up steam boiler system that has less heat-producing capacity than the jet turbine. That, combined with the current record-setting cold temperatures, has left some campus buildings colder than others.

The turbine was back on campus as of Monday, and officials expect it to be back in operation by mid-week. In the meantime, students, faculty and staff may wish to wear a sweater or light jacket in class or in their office.

Anyone who wishes to take leave time because his or her office space is too cold should contact Human Resource Services at 352-392-2477. Faculty who believe their classrooms are too cold to hold class should consult their deans, directors or department chairs.