Miscellaneous Services
Administrative
The administrative office of the physical plant provides direct support for the department in the area of clerical, bookkeeping, accounting, payroll, and personnel services. The accounting clerk can provide information in regard to billing of all chargeable services.
Conservation
Minimizing energy use on campus requires a joint effort between the physical plant and all other members of the campus community. The physical plant operates a computerized energy management system that controls the heating/ventilating/air conditioning systems in most campus buildings.
While the physical plant strives to minimize energy use with the computerized management system and efficient use of the buildings, support from the campus community at the user level also is needed to ensure to reduction of energy use.
We recommend the campus community take the following actions to reduce energy use:
- Turn out lights, fans, or other equipment in offices, classrooms, laboratories, and dormitory rooms when not being used.
- Close blinds and drapes in the evening to reduce heat loss in the winter and to retain coolness in the summer.
- Report broken windows, improperly closing doors, and dripping faucets the physical plant work service center.
- Keep windows closed during the heating and cooling seasons and report any overheating or overcooling problems, to the work service center.
Construction and Alteration
The physical plant provides personnel and/or coordinates outside contractors for all construction, alteration, renovation, or remodeling projects in university facilities. For these services requesting departments must complete a "Physical Plant Request for Remodeling" form. These forms are available upon request from the physical plant administrative office, ext. 2245.
Electrical Requirements
Prior to purchase of special equipment requiring electrical power, a department should consult the physical plant personnel in regard to source and/or availability of power, equipment phase, voltage, and amperage.
Elevators
The Physical plant administers a service contract with an external elevator service company for the routine maintenance and repair of all elevators on campus. Emergency and routine problems with elevators should be directed to the physical plant work service center, x2287.
Emergencies
Emergencies requiring the services of the physical plant department should be directed to the work service center, extension x2287, weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and all other times to the university operator at 0.
Fire Extinguishers
All fire extinguishers and other fire control devices in campus buildings are the responsibility of the physical plant. Extinguishers are inspected on a regular basis to comply with all local and national fire codes. Whenever a fire extinguisher is discharged for any reason, it should be reported immediately to the physical plant work service center.
Furniture Maintenance
The physical plant maintains classroom furniture. Office furniture and furniture used in lab and research areas are the property of the using department and are maintained only as a chargeable service from the physical plant.
Furniture Moving
Furniture moving is available as a chargeable service from the physical plant. If a department arranges for an outside commercial moving service for any reason, the physical plant must be advised so that elevator and right-of-way arrangements can be made, and liability for any damages to university facilities can be addressed.
Mail Service
The physical plant does not provide campus mail service. For information or assistance with mail service, contact the mailroom, extension 2211.
Pets
Pets are not allowed on campus or in buildings due to the serious sanitation and housekeeping problems they can present.
Refuse Disposal
Refuse removal from campus buildings (excluding student residence facilities and the student activity center) is the responsibility of the physical plant. Once refuse is removed from the building, it is placed in dumpsters located in several key campus locations. Dumpsters are emptied by a commercial refuse contractor and are not intended for personal use by the university community. Special pickups and disposal of large amounts of trash or bulk items can be arranged as a chargeable service by contracting the physical plant.
Recycling
The physical plant coordinates an ongoing recycling program for some materials produced in the university’s solid waste stream. The campus community is urges to participate to the fullest extent in this program. Receptacles for recyclable materials are located throughout the campus in all buildings and are serviced and maintained by the physical plant daily.
Roofs
Access to the roof areas of university facilities is strictly prohibited without prior authorization from the physical plant. Placing equipment of any kind on roofs also is strictly prohibited.
Storage of Materials
No equipment or materials of any type may be stored in stairways of public corridors or placed in such a way that it blocks fire exits. Equipment or materials may not be stored in mechanical equipment rooms or electrical closets. The physical plant does not provide storage space for departmentally owned materials or equipment. Users must secure storage within their assigned building space.
Telephones
The physical plant does not handle installation of telephones. This service must be coordinated with the university’s telecommunications office.
Television (cable)
Connection to the campus cable television system is available for academic purposes in most major buildings. Requests for connection to the campus system must be made through the university’s telecommunications office, extension 2366. Requesting departments may not contact privately with outside TV cable companies for this service.
Vehicles (motor)
The physical plant maintains a limited number of motor pool vehicles that are available for departmental use on a first-come first-served basis. Use of these vehicles is a chargeable service and subject to the university’s policy on operation of such vehicles. A copy of this policy is available from the physical plant work service center extension 2287. The physical plant also can supply, on a limited basis, trucks and drivers for assistance with departmental needs. This also is a chargeable service. Physical plant vehicles may not be operated by anyone other than physical plant personnel.
Work Service Center
The physical plant work service center functions as the primary communication center for complaints, request for repairs or special services, vehicle requests, and emergencies related to university facilities. The center maintains direct radio communication with physical personnel during normal working hours.