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FMEP

Raising the Standard of Campus Facilities 

APPA’s Facilities Management Evaluation Program (FMEP) is a peer-driven review designed to help colleges, universities, and educational institutions strengthen their facilities management organizations. Through a structured, objective evaluation, the FMEP provides clear insights, actionable recommendations, and a path toward continuous improvement. 

What Is the FMEP? 

The FMEP is a comprehensive external review conducted by seasoned educational facilities professionals. Unlike internal audits, this peer-review process offers a candid, independent perspective on how facilities operations align with an institution’s mission, goals, and long-term vision. 

Why Institutions Choose FMEP 

The FMEP helps institutions: 

  •  Benchmark performance against industry best practices 

  •  Gain an unbiased assessment rooted in factual data 

  •  Strengthen long-range strategic planning and operational effectiveness 

  •  Improve customer satisfaction across faculty, staff, and students 

  •  Build staff engagement and support for change 

The outcome is a professionally written report with detailed recommendations and an executive summary crafted for senior leaders and trustees. 

Key Areas of Evaluation 

FMEP assessments are built around seven core criteria that together reflect the health and effectiveness of facilities organizations: 

  • Leadership – Direction, vision, values, and ability to drive cultural change 

  • Strategic & Operational Planning – Alignment with institutional goals and future needs 

  • Customer Focus – Engagement with faculty, staff, students, and stakeholders 

  • Assessment & Information Analysis – Use of data and metrics to improve performance 

  • Human Resources Development & Management – Building talent, creativity, and capacity 

  • Process Management – Efficiency and effectiveness of operations and services 

  • Performance Results – Outcomes in campus appearance, satisfaction, financial stewardship, and more 

Together, these categories cover 56 performance indicators that provide a complete picture of facilities management excellence. 

How the Process Works 

  • Institutional Self-Evaluation – Each institution prepares a profile and self-assessment. 

  • On-Site Peer Review – A tailored team of experts visits campus for 3–5 days, conducting interviews and evaluating operations. 

  • Oral Report – The team shares immediate feedback with institutional leaders. 

  • Final Report – A detailed written report with recommendations is delivered, typically within 8–12 weeks. 

The Power of Peer Review 

FMEP evaluators are facilities leaders from peer institutions who bring years of experience managing complex campuses. Their independent perspective ensures objectivity and credibility. Because they are practitioners, they can speak candidly, identify gaps, and share proven strategies that internal staff may overlook. 

Proven Track Record 

Over the past three decades, the FMEP has been successfully conducted at hundreds of institutions, including major universities, specialized schools, and cultural organizations. Institutions consistently report stronger alignment between facilities operations and institutional goals after completing the program. 

Start the Conversation 

Discover how APPA’s FMEP can help your institution advance its facilities organization and better serve its community.