FM Staff News

Thousands of honeybees made an unexpected home high atop the Reckord Armory in June, drawing attention from passersby and prompting a uniquely delicate Facilities Management response. The swarm settled more than 30 feet up on one of the building’s east portico columns, creating a sizable nest just as crews were preparing to repaint the area. What followed was a careful, collaborative removal effort involving FM’s Pest Control team and experts from the Department of Entomology — all carried out with the goal of protecting both the bees and the building.

Almost fifty years ago, a high school student followed his appreciation of art and science to study architecture at UMD, where he took a part-time job in the Department of Physical Plant, the forerunner of Facilities Management (FM).

Vacation mode: activated. But before you log off for a well-earned summer break, take a moment to set your out-of-office message. This quick task helps keep communication flowing smoothly while you're away—and shows our commitment to great customer service even when we’re off the clock. Here’s how to make your message count:

On a typical day, Facilities Management’s Space Management team is juggling space change requests, analyzing space-use data, and collaborating with campus partners to find efficient, data-informed solutions for evolving space issues. Part puzzle, part problem-solving, university space management is about making sure the rooms and buildings on campus, like classrooms, offices, study spaces, and labs, are being used in the best way possible. 

Lighting plays a critical but often overlooked role in making the University of Maryland campus safe and welcoming after dark. From pedestrian pathways to parking lots, Facilities Management’s (FM) Electrical Services Exterior Lighting team is responsible for keeping more than 2,600 pole lights operating smoothly across campus.

On Wednesday, April 23, Facilities Management Human Resources (FMHR) hosted the FM staff for a luncheon at the South Campus Dining Hall. FM staff members enjoyed the complete spread of meal options from salads to full entrees, along with great conversations.FM Human Resources Luncheon Photo Gallery