Some students said they have faced persistent illness following mold exposure in ASU residence halls, raising concerns about health policies on campus.
These students said they feel there is a disconnect between the reality of their living environments and the University's commitment to maintaining quality housing.
Sydney Frank, a freshman studying global health, said she tested for mold in her Manzanita Hall dorm at the start of the academic year after experiencing a decline in physical and mental health.
"I literally tested for mold at the beginning of the year because I was SO sick and having mental health problems," Frank said in a written message.
Frank contacted University officials regarding the state of her room but said she received no assistance regarding her concerns.
Recently, she left a glass of water out and came back to it a few days later to discover mold in her cup, Frank said.
Frank said the situation has been a struggle, making it harder to go to class and have motivation because of the brain fog and constant sickness.
She also said she felt disappointed, and she wished the University had offered options to handle the situation rather than the lack of response.
Scarlett Mrvan, a freshman studying business who lived in the Hassayampa Academic Village, experienced a similar situation before receiving a transfer.
"I had to move out of (Hassayampa) into Barrett because of mold," Mrvan said in a written message.
Mrvan said she experienced four cases of strep throat and six cases of tonsillitis between August and January. The University was not helpful when contacted about the situation until Mrvan's parents got involved, Mrvan said.
Once her parents reached out, Mrvan "suddenly had phone calls and (Zooms) to get (her) moved, and then it happened within that week," she said. "So to me as a student I didn't feel they took (it) very seriously (until) my parents took part."
Mrvan was moved to the Barrett Residential Complex and has not had any of these health issues since.
"Since moving to Barrett, I've had zero issues with my sinuses or my tonsils and when I got checked up at the doctor two weeks ago, they did my follow up CT scan (and) I was completely cleared up from drainage and tonsil inflammation," Mrvan said.
These issues extend beyond physical health and can create psychological strain for students, Teri Taylor, a professor at the College of Health Solutions, said.
"It can definitely affect your mental health," Taylor said. "It can increase your anxiety, your depression, if you're having to deal with these issues or stressed out about inhaling the mold."
According to a written statement from a University Housing spokesperson, any reported air quality concern in residence halls is managed carefully by University Housing and its partners.
The spokesperson said each case is evaluated for visible growth, water damage or elevated humidity, and that routine inspections, preventative maintenance and indoor air quality screenings of ventilation systems are meant to ensure a healthy living environment.
"Students and families can be confident that ASU is committed to providing safe, clean, and well-maintained residential spaces," the spokesperson said.
This is not a new issue for residents. Students who have now moved out of the dorms recall being sick during their freshman year.
READ MORE: Students face problems in old dorms with mold, floods, fires and more
"I was legitimately sick the entire year," Audrey Cooper, a sophomore studying business law who lived in Hassayampa, said. "My voice was almost always gone, lots of coughing, I always woke up with a stuffy nose and feeling super lethargic and tired."
Edited by Natalia Rodriguez, Senna James, Katrina Michalak and Ellis Preston.
Reach the reporter at cjone224@asu.edu.
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