Following the water main break on April 22, residents of the east wing of Colorado Mesa University’s Tolman Hall were relocated in order for cleanup and safety restoration efforts to properly take place. As of Tuesday April 30, some residents were able to return to their original rooms.
“Students were informed that they are welcome to move back into Tolman Hall,” CMU Director of Public Relations David Ludlam said. “On the other hand, students who are happy with their new assignments are welcome to finish out the new semester where they are to avoid moving twice.”
The east wing of Tolman Hall was damaged last week in a water main break that caused flooding on all floors and required the relocation of residents while campus safety and Rapid Response assessed damage and safety. Residents were displaced to dorm rooms around campus and into the community.
“Most importantly, students were thanked by CMU staff for the patience and collaborative spirit they exhibited in responding to the unfortunate incident,” Ludlam said. “They truly displayed the Maverick spirit in their response.”
Nico Ortega for The Criterion 
Nico Ortega for The Criterion
Tolman resident Matthew Bohling said that the process of moving out was streamlined and simple despite the time-crunched situation.
“The RA’s here on campus made moving out really smooth and as calm and comfortable as that situation could have been. They were all so helpful and we got asked every 2 minutes if we wanted help or boxes or bags or anything at all,” Bohling said.
Bohling and his roommate managed to obtain a room together in Rait Hall, where they lived during the period of displacement. They have decided to stay there for the remainder of the year before moving off campus next fall.
“We decided it would be too complicated to move back to Tolman and we became comfortable in Rait,” Bohling said.
Bohling said he is thankful that his room was far enough away from the break that none of his personal belongings were damaged. Meanwhile, other residents are currently in the process of moving back into Tolman or returning to families in the local community. Residents whose rooms were closer to the water main break are still displaced.
“I just want to express my gratitude to all of the RA’s again, they made the experience as painless as possible and honestly kind of fun. They had music playing and so many smiling faces made the process as good as it could have been,” Bohling said. “There are such great people here at CMU!”
