Cleaner classrooms is goal of new campaign

Cleaner classrooms is goal of new campaign

University Park, Pa. -- This semester University Park faculty and students are being asked to join together in a new initiative -- The Clean Classroom Campaign -- to keep Penn State’s classrooms clear of trash.

Complaints about spilled drinks and leftover food in classrooms have grown dramatically in recent years. Penn State has 370 general purpose classrooms at University Park in 53 buildings with more than 22,000 seats. There also are 222 technology classrooms at the University Park campus.

An analysis of the problem prepared by the Office of Physical Plant indicates that scores of janitorial staff throughout campus are being put to work to stay on top of the pizza boxes, leftover hoagies, newspapers, bagels and spilled soft drinks and coffee on tables, floors and in hallways. The trash often appears between classes and during evening meetings by student groups in classrooms.

"It is an expensive problem that adds to the cost of education and, frankly, it just diminishes the whole learning environment at Penn State," said Rodney Erickson, Executive Vice President and Provost.

To address the issue, the University Committee for Instructional Facilities (UCIF) developed new guidelines that were then approved by the Facilities Resource Committee. Those recommended changes are reflected in AD62, the University’s policy on scheduling and use of general purpose classrooms. The new policy bars all food and drink (except for water) in general purpose and technology classrooms.

"We hope people will embrace the idea of keeping our classrooms free of trash," said Donald Leslie, Assistant Vice President and Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education, who chairs the UCIF. "We have one of the most beautiful campuses in the country. We have worked hard to create a good classroom experience for our students, and that should include classrooms that are free of trash."

As part of an effort to educate students about the problem, more than 80 volunteers, including students, faculty, staff, administrators, janitors and retirees, will be at information tables at 43 locations in general purpose classroom buildings. The volunteers will be providing information and reminders on the need to keep food and drink out of the classrooms.