By Dr. Jim Hundrieser and Angela Meyer, AIA
In March 2023, APPA brought together thought leaders who are truly rethinking how to use campus space or integrate technology into space to increase efficiency and maximize how employees work. From a holistic perspective, our observations included the following: While space may be available because of flexible work options, leaders are reticent to give up […]
By Joe Bilotta, FAUA
For decades, campus planners, facilities managers and space administrators have been trying to manage building spaces in the most efficient way possible. Although there have been some minor success stories, most struggle to use space well. This is due to a lack of interest and understanding of the benefits embraced by those using the space. […]
By Daniel Bollman, CEFP, and Adam S. Lawver, CEFP
Enabling the 21st century workforce with access to information critical to daily decision making requires more than the latest smart phone technology or Wi-Fi connection. It requires a facilities-driven technology strategy or “roadmap” to identify not only your current technology-enabled practices, but also opportunities to advance that technology for what you hope your team can […]
By Mary S. Vosevich, MBA; Mary Anne Ocampo, MARCH, MAUD; and Kevin R. Locke, AIA, LEED AP
Social movements inspire change. And for the last several years, higher education has been shaped by significant diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts that seek to reflect the societal needs of a changing world. In the wake of a global pandemic, national racial reckoning, political polarization, intensified climate change effects, and technological advancements, institutions are […]
By Jeffrey A. Miller
A few years ago, facilities management was moved into my portfolio. Sure, I had interacted with facilities management for 25+ years in various jobs across higher education, but I never had the opportunity to oversee this critical function. I first asked internal and external colleagues about the best way to get up to speed around […]
By Brian Caputo
The last few years have driven significant changes for campus operations and maintenance (O&M). O&M teams have always prioritized ensuring that building-critical equipment keeps occupants safe and comfortable, maintains uptime, and operates cost-effectively. However, new challenges require different approaches, many of them driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, an uncertain economy, and the O&M talent gap. […]
By Alan Sactor
Who doesn’t like the way a new building looks just before it opens? The hallways and stairwells are clear, and the mechanical rooms are clean. Everything looks pristine. But we all know that it’s not likely to stay that way. Space on campus is valuable and there never seems to be enough. Storage and other […]
By Teddy Gerry
Lifting multiple 40-pound bags. Salt dust filling the air. Empty bags stacking up. Sound familiar? Anyone tasked with managing soft water in schools knows the trials and tribulations involved in providing quality water to help keep the district running smoothly. So, the thought of eliminating one—let alone three—of the biggest headaches sounds too good to […]
By APPA
For the first time ever, APPA is providing valuable training to virtually all levels of educational facilities professional in one location during the same week. The training will take place throughout the week of September 10, 2023, at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown in centrally located Indianapolis, IN. In conjunction with the twice-yearly offering of APPA […]
By Craig Park, Associate AIA
Field Editor: John Cook, NV5 In an age where technology constantly evolves, college and university facilities operations managers face the challenge of keeping up with the latest advancements. One effective solution to this is implementing an academic technology benchmarking program. This program enables institutions to build agility and adaptability into their strategic technology planning process, […]
By Mahmoud Ibrahim
First came the wired campus. Today, the goal is the mythical wireless campus. Institutions often assume wireless devices are the simplest and lowest cost method to achieve their network needs. But that’s not always the case. Smart facilities and IT managers are realizing that the best way to future-proof networks and handle ever-increasing bandwidth needs […]
