TO: All Students and Employees
FR: Karen Moranski, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Stan Nosek, Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance
On Sunday, October 17, smoke was reported inside Nichols Hall. The Rancho-Adobe Fire Department responded and determined there wasn’t a fire, but concluded the smoke may have been due to an electrical problem.
The State Fire Marshall has been notified and campus electricians have shut down the electrical grid for both Nichols and Carson Halls. Electricity was shut off in Carson Hall because it is on the same electrical grid as Nichols Hall. We anticipate both buildings will be closed for two days on Monday, October 18 and Tuesday, October 19. The buildings have been locked and no one will be able to enter while the electrical issue is being investigated and corrected.
Classes being held in these buildings on Monday and Tuesday will pivot to remote instruction. Students should contact their faculty to find out how to continue coursework. Faculty and staff will not be able to enter Nichols and Carson Halls for the next two days. Employees who work in those buildings will work from home. Thanks for your understanding and patience.
We will provide updates to the campus community as we know more. Questions about this incident may be directed to Facilities Management at fmwo@sonoma.edu.