News

Humboldt State University’s Gist Hall “has been closed until further notice” after what the university describes as “the possible presence of disturbed asbestos” was detected during a “routine check” on Friday.

According to a post on the HSU website, tests will be conducted over the weekend and Monday. The university asks employees who worked in Gist Hall to contact their supervisors. Finals are being relocated.

“All events and other activities in the building have been suspended, and there is no access to offices or classrooms. Finals are being relocated, and that schedule will be shared by email and posted on the building doors as soon as possible,” the post reads.

Humboldt State’s Department of Theatre, Film and Dance professor Rae Robison wrote in an email to the Journal that the news came just before the production of The Fantastic Mr. Fox was set to hit the stage, but the play will go on Saturday, May 11, at the North Coast Repertory Theatre.

“Thanks to the generosity of Calder Johnson and NCRT, The Fantastic Mr. Fox will perform tomorrow night at 7 p.m. If patrons were holding tickets for the Friday night, Saturday matinee, or Saturday night show — they will be honored,” she wrote.

The HSU post on its website:

Out of an abundance of caution, Gist Hall has been closed until further notice.

All events and other activities in the building have been suspended, and there is no access to offices or classrooms. Finals are being relocated, and that schedule will be shared by email and posted on the building doors as soon as possible.

During a routine check of the building’s systems on Friday, May 10, the campus discovered the possible presence of disturbed asbestos. Testing will be conducted throughout the weekend and into Monday, and results will be available then.

Information about disturbed asbestos.

Employees who work in Gist Hall should contact their supervisor. For information during non-business hours, contact UPD Dispatch at 826-5555.