In response to the recent and prolonged heat wave, Mainz University of Applied Sciences opened air-conditioned rooms and buildings to students and staff outside of its regular schedule for the first time last weekend. The decision was prompted by the exceptional weather conditions and the ongoing exam period, during which many students are putting in long hours of intensive study.
The extreme temperatures not only made working and studying a challenge in themselves, temperatures in offices and workshops also climbed significantly in several university locations. At the same time, many living spaces were simply too hot for focused work or exam preparation.
Senate chamber and auditorium repurposed as shared study spaces
On Saturday and Sunday, the Senate Chamber was made available as a quiet workspace, and on Sunday the air-conditioned auditorium in the basement was opened as well. In addition, the campus remained open into the evening to provide students with the best possible conditions for exam preparation despite the high temperatures.
With this short-notice offer, the university administration responded to the challenges posed by the heat and supported students and staff with a straightforward and pragmatic measure. Since cooler temperatures are expected again this week, the extended opening was limited to the past weekend for the time being.
