2.17 Facilities Maintenance Element

        Data and Analysis

        2005-2015 Campus Master Plan Update

The Physical Plant plays a primary role in the facilities maintenance and operation of the university.  Physical Plant maintains the university’s facilities and grounds in support of the academic mission of the university.  By establishing proactive routine, preventive and planned facility maintenance programs the division strives to be cost effective.  On an annual basis each building on campus is surveyed to evaluate its “Building System Condition.”  This ongoing assessment is critical in providing a cost-effective operation and is essential in deterring the accumulation of deferred maintenance on campus.  Routine data gathered includes:  building name, number, age, exterior and interior materials, roof and structural systems as well as the condition of the building envelope, HVAC, elevator, electrical and plumbing systems.

As new construction is funded, the Physical Plant assists in assessing the needs, planning and construction of future facilities so that the university is in a positive position to meet future challenges and opportunities effectively.  Our role is to focus on the new buildings’ systems to insure they are consistent with university standards.  The buildings must have sound, proven engineering designs with standard building systems components, was they are integrated into the existing maintenance programs on campus.

Physical Plant plays a major role in the appearance of the campus grounds and facilities, and consequently with the “first time” perception and opinion that the public makes regarding the university.  It is important that first time visitors, as well as UCF students, faculty and staff see clean, well-maintained grounds and buildings on campus.  To this end, the appearance of the campus and its facilities is critical to the success of the university mission and objectives.

As building deficiencies are identified, Physical Plant works in corroboration with Facilities Planning and Environmental Health and Safety to address issues.  Subject to the availability of funding, issues regarding SREF, life safety codes, ADA compliance, hazardous materials (including asbestos, lead-based paints and other environmental or hazardous materials), roof management, and energy efficiency are prioritized and addressed.

As funding allows, Physical Plant’s long term objectives include utilization of a maintenance schedule for campus facilities, continual prioritization of maintenance and improvement projects, and utilization of a schedule for eliminating deficiencies relating to current standards.  Physical Plant employs a staff of over 300 employees who collectively provide support to the university community.  On a daily basis the Physical Plant employees follow our motto “We make it happen.”

The Physical Plant is comprised of two major sections:  Operational Services and Administrative Services.  Operational Services includes Engineering Services, Campus Utilities, Maintenance and Grounds.  Engineering Services is responsible for the management of alterations to existing campus facilities as they relate to civil, electrical and mechanical engineering disciplines and university standards.  Campus Utilities is responsible for the production, distribution and maintenance of chilled water, hot water and potable water systems on campus.  Maintenance is responsible for the various maintenance programs relating to electrical systems, carpentry, plumbing, painting, roofing, signage, fire alarms, and elevators and building structures.  Grounds is responsible for the campus landscape which includes a variety of tasks:  pruning, edging, mowing grass, fertilization, chemical applications, irrigation, etc.

Administrative Services includes Building Services, Central Receiving, Postal, Work Management, Courier, Accounting, Personnel/Payroll, Computer Support and Special Services.  Building Services is responsible for the cleaning of the buildings on campus; pest control, carpet and blind replacement, and daily trash pick up.  The other Administrative Services areas provide key support to the Operational Services areas, such as ordering and receiving maintenance parts, building supplies and cleaning products.  Work Management assures the timely dissemination of information regarding calls for requests to have maintenance performed in campus buildings.  Accounting assures that parts are ordered and vendors are paid.

In summary, on a daily basis, Physical Plant supports the goal, “To implement planned and routine maintenance programs which will extend the useful life of all buildings and prevent premature capital outlay for replacement.  Through managed maintenance the Physical Plant Department will support the university facilities to provide the university community with a safe environment conducive to teaching and research.

The Physical Plant plays a primary role in the facilities maintenance and operation of the university.  Physical Plant maintains the university’s facilities and grounds in support of the academic mission of the university.  By establishing proactive routine, preventive and planned facility maintenance programs the division strives to be cost effective.  On an annual basis each building on campus is surveyed to evaluate its “Building System Condition.”  This ongoing assessment is critical in providing a cost-effective operation and is essential in deterring the accumulation of deferred maintenance on campus.  Routine data gathered includes:  building name, number, age, exterior and interior materials, roof and structural systems as well as the condition of the building envelope, HVAC, elevator, electrical and plumbing systems.

As new construction is funded, the Physical Plant assists in assessing the needs, planning and construction of future facilities so that the university is in a positive position to meet future challenges and opportunities effectively.  Our role is to focus on the new buildings’ systems to insure they are consistent with university standards.  The buildings must have sound, proven engineering designs with standard building systems components, was they are integrated into the existing maintenance programs on campus.

Physical Plant plays a major role in the appearance of the campus grounds and facilities, and consequently with the “first time” perception and opinion that the public makes regarding the university.  It is important that first time visitors, as well as UCF students, faculty and staff see clean, well-maintained grounds and buildings on campus.  To this end, the appearance of the campus and its facilities is critical to the success of the university mission and objectives.

As building deficiencies are identified, Physical Plant works in corroboration with Facilities Planning and Environmental Health and Safety to address issues.  Subject to the availability of funding, issues regarding SREF, life safety codes, ADA compliance, hazardous materials (including asbestos, lead-based paints and other environmental or hazardous materials), roof management, and energy efficiency are prioritized and addressed.

As funding allows, Physical Plant’s long term objectives include utilization of a maintenance schedule for campus facilities, continual prioritization of maintenance and improvement projects, and utilization of a schedule for eliminating deficiencies relating to current standards.  Physical Plant employs a staff of over 300 employees who collectively provide support to the university community.  On a daily basis the Physical Plant employees follow our motto “We make it happen.”

The Physical Plant is comprised of two major sections:  Operational Services and Administrative Services.  Operational Services includes Engineering Services, Campus Utilities, Maintenance and Grounds.  Engineering Services is responsible for the management of alterations to existing campus facilities as they relate to civil, electrical and mechanical engineering disciplines and university standards.  Campus Utilities is responsible for the production, distribution and maintenance of chilled water, hot water and potable water systems on campus.  Maintenance is responsible for the various maintenance programs relating to electrical systems, carpentry, plumbing, painting, roofing, signage, fire alarms, and elevators and building structures.  Grounds is responsible for the campus landscape which includes a variety of tasks:  pruning, edging, mowing grass, fertilization, chemical applications, irrigation, etc.

Administrative Services includes Building Services, Central Receiving, Postal, Work Management, Courier, Accounting, Personnel/Payroll, Computer Support and Special Services.  Building Services is responsible for the cleaning of the buildings on campus; pest control, carpet and blind replacement, and daily trash pick up.  The other Administrative Services areas provide key support to the Operational Services areas, such as ordering and receiving maintenance parts, building supplies and cleaning products.  Work Management assures the timely dissemination of information regarding calls for requests to have maintenance performed in campus buildings.  Accounting assures that parts are ordered and vendors are paid.

In summary, on a daily basis, Physical Plant supports the goal, “To implement planned and routine maintenance programs which will extend the useful life of all buildings and prevent premature capital outlay for replacement.  Through managed maintenance the Physical Plant Department will support the university facilities to provide the university community with a safe environment conducive to teaching and research.