By Peter Carrigan

York College of Pennsylvania’s facility services is one among many departments impacted by the pandemic. Being one of the most multi-faceted departments on campus, its staff members have experienced rapid adaptations to their everyday tasks.

“Here, facility services encompass various aspects,” said Kevin Feil, director of facility services. Different areas within the department have been given new tasks, all being crucial during this time.

Feil shared some of the most prominent changes within key areas.

“Custodials help students by focusing on high-touch points,” he said. Hand sanitizer management and frequent cleanings have been more common than ever before. The creation of social distancing in buildings and the postings of pandemic guideline signage are further examples.

Employees in maintenance have created descriptive guidelines within their work orders before being cleared to enter student housing. Those in charge of HVAC units have implemented extra filter changes to keep the air pure and combat the virus.

Feil mentioned that the grounds crew has seen the fewest changes due to their work being outside but keeping the campus safe under uncertain conditions is common. These tasks are done for the benefit of students and faculty.

“COVID means a lot more precautions for the hopes of keeping people safe,” Feil said.

Facility services aim to maintain the balance of health and safety within campus environments. They ask students to try and do the same. Using hand-sanitizer stations around campus and keeping their buildings clean are easy ways for students to do their part, according to Feil.

Despite the ever-changing environment, facility services continue to adapt during the uncertainty created by the pandemic.

Peter Carrigan is a marketing major and public relations minor with an anticipated graduation in May 2022.