News

At the University of Maryland, the Facilities Management (FM) team plays a pivotal role in ensuring the campus is primed for success, especially at the start of a new academic year. Move-In Week in August is a peak time when FM’s careful planning and hard work truly shine. By providing essential services like clear directional signage, conveniently placed dumpsters, and more, FM helps students and their families transition smoothly into campus life. Through these efforts, FM ensures a warm welcome and a well-organized start for the entire university community.

Thousands of Terps flocking to campus this fall have been greeted with a unique way to “ring” in the new academic year. An eye-and ear-catching art exhibit now leads the way to Thurgood Marshall Hall, with five 12-foot-tall red rings circling the sidewalk at the Do Good Plaza entrance. As pedestrians walk through them, sensors activate speakers that play inspiring quotes from UMD students, faculty, staff and alums.

UMD has once again excelled in the annual Campus Race to Zero Waste competition (formerly RecycleMania). This year, we achieved impressive results in the category of Waste Diversion, which measures the percentage of materials that are recycled and composted rather than sent to landfills. UMD ranked second nationally among large and very large schools and was the top university in both the state of Maryland and the Big 10. Our diversion rate during the competition was 56.825%.

Since the announcement of a delayed launch for SHIFT in May, significant progress has been made behind the scenes. Here's an update on the latest developments: Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): We have conducted a detailed review of our SOPs and finalized them to ensure smooth operations.

On May 15, UMD received news that the NextGen Energy Program received its final approval to move forward. The University of Maryland and Maryland Energy Impact Partners (MEIP) secured partnership approvals from the University System of Maryland Board of Regents and the state of Maryland’s Board of Public Works and are now moving on to the financial close, which is expected to occur this summer. MEIP Includes Plenary America US Holdings Inc., Kiewit Development Company/Kiewit Power Constructors Co., Honeywell International & Ramboll Americas Engineering Solutions, Inc.

Earlier this spring, the University of Maryland Arboretum staff received notification that UMD has been recognized as a Bird Campus by the Maryland Bird Conservation Partnership, joining just three other Maryland universities. Bird Campus designation recognizes 2-year and 4-year colleges and universities committed to reducing threats to birds and becoming more healthy for students, faculty, and employees (as well as for birds).