Welcome to the 2026 Spring Semester

Good morning FM,

Welcome back and welcome to a new year and a new semester. Driving across campus today, I was reminded just how much work Facilities Management has underway—projects you can see taking shape, along with the behind-the-scenes work that supports the university’s mission. I’m proud of, and grateful for, the work each of you does every day to support this university.

As we move into 2026, we’re doing our work with careful attention to budgets and resources. While we may face challenges, I’m confident in this team’s ability to adapt, problem-solve, and leverage opportunities to keep moving forward together. Over my many years at UMD, I’ve seen time and again that FM rises to the challenge, and I know that will continue. In this environment, collaboration and patience are essential—both within FM and with our campus partners.

As we look ahead to the spring semester, a few priorities will guide our work:

• Continuing to deliver outstanding customer service, even as we operate with a leaner workforce. How we show up for our campus partners—and for one another—matters.
• Building our customer service skills through FM’s customer service training, as part of our ongoing commitment to professionalism, communication, and service excellence.
• Keeping safety front and center in everything we do. Many of you are balancing additional responsibilities or working independently at times, and it’s critical that we stay focused and look out for one another.

I’m looking forward to getting out to your units, spending time with teams across FM, and learning more about the work you do every day. I also hope to see you at the FM Appreciation Lunch on February 9 in the STAMP Grand Ballroom. Don’t forget to RSVP!

Thank you again for all you do. Here’s to a successful and safe start to the semester.

Sincerely,
Bill

William Olen
Interim Associate Vice President and Chief Facilities Officer
Facilities Management
University of Maryland
301-405-7336
wolen@umd.edu