Creating a Positive First Impression and a Lasting Impact That Benefits Both Students and the Institution
Facility leaders play a pivotal role in shaping the student experience on campuses across the country. This experience significantly influences academic success, personal growth, and long-term alumni loyalty—all factors that can impact an institution’s bottom line.
In a recent Facility Executive article, UG2 Director of Operations Raymond Jimenez explains that a proactive, student-centered approach to facility management is essential to enhancing the student experience, strengthening lifelong alumni relationships, and elevating an institution’s reputation.
Curious how dorm life can be made safer, cleaner, and more engaging through smart FM strategies? Here’s a snapshot of five ways facilities executives can fuel success—for students and the school.
1. Focus On Strategic Planning
Proactive planning is essential to minimizing disruptions. Jimenez recommends facility services teams allot about 40% of their teams, to third-shift crews for overnight cleaning and to use break periods for major projects to stay ahead of issues.
2. Commit To High Standards and Clear Service Level Agreements
Beyond adhering to high standards, such as APPA 2 level for cleanliness, facilities management leaders should collaborate with stakeholders to create Service Level Agreements with priority timelines.
3. Implement Self-Service Work Orders
You can’t fix what you don’t know. Give the campus community—students, faculty, staff, and even visitors—the ability to report issues via a digital work-order system.
4. Communicate And Collaborate
Creating open lines of communication between facility services teams and residential life, safety teams, event management, and other key stakeholders helps prevent misunderstandings and keeps everyone working toward the same goal.
5. Prioritize Student Safety And Comfort
Safety needs to remain the top priority for any campus facility services team. Ongoing safety training and routine life cycle analysis of furniture and appliances can ensure timely upgrades.
For expanded details and insights on five ways to elevate the student experience, read the full Facility Executive article and be sure to check out our blog for additional posts about creating positive campus environments.