Spotlight on: New FM Units

Over a period of nearly a year, extensive work has been done to realign the organizational structure of Facilities Management (FM). The realignment, still evolving, has yielded the establishment of one new unit, Engineering Services; and the consolidation of the Capital Projects, Design Services and Planning units into Planning, Design and Construction (PDC).

Engineering Services, led by Don Janus, will review all types of projects for quality and consistency with campus standards and with a total cost of ownership perspective. This should produce fewer changes during construction and provide a better product for operations to manage. Engineering Services will also provide troubleshooting support to maintenance operations, assist energy management and support systems integration with building automation controls. Engineering services also has a key role in planning studies and overall infrastructure plans.

PDC, led by Kathryn Horne, with a focus on process documentation and improvements, combines the former Design Services and Capital Projects into one project organization alongside the already existing Planning unit. This consolidation allows for streamlined efficiency in the areas of project management, administrative support and the elimination of hand-off of projects.

As a highly customer-focused department, the PDC unit’s strategies for developing teams committed to the varying needs of customers will be divided between four project management teams. The four project teams are Academic Affairs; Infrastructure Support; Student Affairs and Athletics; and Business Affairs, University Advancement and Office of the Chancellor.

Additionally, implementation of a new process for the initiation of all campus projects, including planning studies, changes in space use, interior alterations and renovations, furniture, signage, real estate leases, utility and infrastructure upgrades, landscape and hardscape improvements, and new construction, has begun.

This new intake process will provide a single point of contact for all campus customers and help manage the campus environment in a coordinated and comprehensive way. Any division or department may identify a need for a potential project by completing and submitting a project request in ARCHIBUS.

All of these changes, and those still being identified and implemented, aid in the department’s endeavor to provide high-quality work in operating and maintaining the campus.