From the Experts, UG2 in Action

Why Higher Ed Customers are Opting for Full-Service Campus Solutions

By Maggie Walsh

Optimize efficiency and lower costs by combining services

Over the past three years, as colleges and universities confronted the realities—and lingering impact—of the COVID-19 pandemic, many found that even with well-established in-house facilities management teams, turning to an outside facility services provider made sense. Campuses with hybrid in-house/outsource programs or multiple outsourced providers also found operational synergies in consolidating service contracts under one partnership. The right partner could respond with agility and innovation to a constantly changing environment.

UG2 has been privileged to deepen our relationships with those institutions as they’ve turned to us for additional support, like buildings and grounds or mechanical services. As in other industries, our higher ed customers are seeing that the benefits of combining services into an integrated facility services or full facilities management program go well beyond the cost savings:

An agile team. With a bundled approach, employees across multiple service areas get to know your needs, practices, and preferences. They can share information, respond immediately to issues flagged by another service line, and often are cross-trained to step in and support one another in a pinch.

Leading-edge tools, technology, and innovation. Collaborative problem-solving across teams drives innovative thinking and improves decision-making. Your management team has a big-picture view of your needs and challenges, and can cooperate on ideas, strategies, and solutions.

A bigger ROI. Working with a single, established partner for multiple services often allows you to make your budget go further. Streamlined operations can bring cost savings through labor efficiencies and a stronger self-performance model, and avoid waste and duplication of services.

A package tailored to your needs. Maybe you want to add mailroom services to your janitorial contract, or perhaps you are finding you have gaps in document management, event support, or stadium services. With a full spectrum of offerings available to choose from, you can work with our expert solutions team to identify priorities and map out the ideal combination of services.

Streamlined relationships and communication. With bundled services, you won’t waste time communicating the same messages to multiple vendors. UG2’s communication strategies mean that everyone is on the same page, always.

Consistent service delivery and superior customer care. With UG2’s team always working to set the new standard of facility services, our customers can count on employees who go above and beyond expectations. A single partner integrates into the fabric of your campus and becomes an extension of your leadership and mission.

Motivated, invested team members with a stellar record of retention. We take great pride in the talent of our employees. They bring a tremendous level of commitment to every customer. When a customer works with multiple service lines, that investment is magnified as our team gets to deepen their understanding of your goals, challenges, and priorities—inside and out. We become an integral part of your campus community.

Maggie Walsh
Vice President, Strategic Partnerships & Solutions