Hot dorm buildings are leaving CCSU students uncomfortable, and some say the conditions are affecting their sleep and academic performance. Barrows, Carroll and Vance halls do not have air conditioning, and like most dorms, these buildings tend to run hot. So why doesn’t a university provide air conditioning for students? 

It’s a question many CCSU students are asking. The answer isn’t simple, but Central’s vice president of operations, Sal Cintorino, shared some insight into the issue. 

Cintorino acknowledged the situation. 

“The question regarding air conditioning in Barrows is valid. The answer is complex. The university has a priority list for major improvements, like updating HVAC systems. Air conditioning in Barrows is at the top of the list,” Cintorino said. 

CCSU has been working to add air conditioning in all dorm buildings. Over a decade ago, the majority of buildings did not have air conditioning, and as Cintorino said, Barrows is a priority. It is a lengthy process that requires a significant amount of funding. 

“Central currently has a proposal to renovate Vance and Barrows. The cost is estimated to be more than $60 million, about $30 million for each building. The renovations require new electrical, ductwork and mechanical systems to support a centralized air conditioning system. This will require a CHEFA sale,” Cintorino said. 

The Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority, or CHEFA, provides funding and grants to organizations. The last CHEFA sale CCSU received aided in the construction of the midcampus residence hall. 

CCSU has faced challenges in getting all representatives on board to support funding for air conditioning in dorm buildings. 

“It is very important to understand that those who have signed off on funding in the past don’t see value in HVAC investment for only a few weeks of use. Students traditionally need cooling in residence halls for the very beginning and end of the academic year, August to May,” Cintorino said. 

CCSU is not the only college within the CSCU system advocating for air conditioning. 

“As you know, Central is 175 years old, the first publicly funded institution in the state. Therefore, much of our infrastructure is dated. It will take time to renovate all the spaces. We are also not alone. There are other CSCU schools that currently don’t have AC either,” Cintorino said. 

“With that said, if Central is funded for these types of upgrades, renovations will require between 12 to 18 months, and the building will need to be taken offline. We will have to relocate these students within other residence halls during the renovations. If space is limited, some may be required to find off-campus housing.” 

Adding air conditioning in Barrows, Carroll and Vance halls is a comprehensive task that requires many moving parts. In the meantime, CCSU makes it clear which buildings are without air conditioning and recommends fans to help make students’ time on campus more comfortable.