News

Welcome to the first in a series of brief articles about safety controls in Facilities Management (FM), where we work hard to keep our workplace safe and healthy for everyone. While personal protective equipment (PPE) often gets the spotlight, it's just one piece of the puzzle. In FM, we employ a range of safety measures that offer even greater protection than PPE alone.

As part of Facilities Management's ongoing commitment to supporting the professional growth of its diverse workforce, FM launched a new Computer Literacy Training Program Pilot earlier this month. The pilot, developed in collaboration with the University of Maryland Extension's Tech Extension program, addresses a growing need for basic computer skills among FM staff.

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.