FM Newsletter: People Power Spring 2025

Message from the Interim AVP

Spring is always a busy time on campus, and this year is no exception. From Maryland Day festivities to a full lineup of activities, events, and celebrations, our FM teams continue working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly.

With commencement right around the corner, we remain focused on ensuring the campus is ready to shine for one of the university’s proudest moments. And while many prepare for a break over the summer, FM shifts into high gear, tackling key renovation, construction, and maintenance projects that will help us be ready for the year ahead.

I’m proud of the work we do year-round to support this vibrant campus, and I wish everyone a relaxing and enjoyable summer, no matter what your plans may be.

— Kristy Long

Bright Ideas: How FM Keeps Campus Lighting Safe, Efficient, and Sustainable

Ever wonder who keeps the campus lit at night? FM’s Electrical Services team manages more than 2,600 pole lights across the university, balancing safety, sustainability, and efficiency. From monthly inspections to energy-saving upgrades, their behind-the-scenes work helps keep our walkways bright and welcoming after dark.

Read the full story.

Facility Managers: Connecting Customers to Services

Five Facilities Management (FM) team members start their day with one goal in mind: ensuring that campus facilities customers receive excellent service and that work requests run smoothly, no matter what comes their way. These five Facility Managers are the go-to professionals who make sure every request is handled efficiently and effectively while keeping everyone aligned throughout the process.

Read the full story.

Space Wizards: How FM Planning Optimizes Every Inch on Campus

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.

Read the full story.

FM Shines at Maryland Day

A huge shout-out to the FM team members who once again made Maryland Day a memorable experience for tens of thousands of campus visitors. Many thanks to the FM Maryland Day Planning committee and FM staff volunteers who made the FM tent come to life with games, prizes, and activities for kids, all while showing off the important work FM does across campus. Of course, none of this would’ve been possible without the tireless work of the FM teams who prepared the grounds, set up tents and tables, and then handled the teardown and cleanup like absolute pros. Great job, team FM! Maryland Day wouldn’t have been the same without you.

Check out the highlights from the day in the Facilities Management Photo Gallery!

SHIFT Happens! Making Facilities Requests Easier than Ever

Facilities Service Central is now live, and it’s already making a difference. This new portal — known as SHIFT to inside users — makes it faster and easier to report issues, track requests, and get things fixed. Because we could all use a little easy in our lives.

Read more about the launch of Facilities Service Central.

Meet FM's Division of Administration Award Winners

FM staffers were among those recognized in the Division of Administration’s first annual awards. Pictured from left to right with Interim Associate Vice President Kristy Long (center): William Marsters, Brian Trest, Damesa Bennett, and Nelson Riley.

See the award recipients.

Alumni Drive "Complete Street" Project Kicks Off

UMD's first complete street project, Alumni Drive Complete Street, began over spring break with the completion of temporary vehicle and bike lane striping in Lot Z. This initiative, part of the 2023 Campus Facilities Plan, enhances safety, accessibility, and connectivity, creating a more pedestrian- and micro mobility-friendly environment while ensuring efficient road use for all.

Read the full story.

Rolling Out in Style: Terrapin Trader Has a New Ride

Terrapin Trader is hitting the road with a fresh new look! Their newly designed truck, proudly featuring the Terrapin Trader logo, is now making its rounds across campus. Be sure to wave when you see the team cruising by in their stylish new ride!

Help Us Celebrate FM Staff Who Shine

Know someone in FM who goes above and beyond? Nominate them through FM Shines, our year-round recognition program that acknowledges the everyday excellence of individuals and teams. Anyone — FM staff or campus partners can submit a nomination.

FM Hosts Arbor Day Tree Planting Ceremony

On Wednesday, April 9, UMD's Arboretum held its annual Arbor Day planting ceremony. This year's tree was native to Maryland: a Black Gum Wildfire cultivar. The tree was planted at the northwest corner of the Clarence Mitchell Building.

View the Photo Gallery.