By Mark Crawford
With proper support from facilities management leaders, digital technologies can transform university campuses into places where buildings monitor their maintenance requirements, HVAC systems self-adjust in real time, and space is optimized for the needs of students and staff. This is all possible with the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI)—not just for creating […]
By Fred James and Steve Hoiberg
While demographic, environmental, and operational challenges reshape higher education, campuses must elevate the student experience to stay competitive and relevant. Facilities managers play an essential role in this transformation as they directly affect the environments where students live, learn, and pursue their passions. In this article, we explore how a smart campus elevates the student […]
By Sabeel Yosef
Campuses are meant to change, develop, and evolve, making construction over time a necessary step towards equipping colleges and universities with the infrastructure to meet the modern needs of the students they serve. By implementing agile building strategies through thoughtful approaches, campuses can create dynamic, future-ready learning environments while minimizing student life and operations disruption. […]
By Shane Foster
In school districts across the country, effective facilities management is often the unsung hero behind operational efficiency and educational excellence. Well-maintained schools not only provide a safe and conducive learning environment for students but also drive cost savings, improve energy efficiency, and extend the lifespan of critical infrastructure. When districts invest in proactive maintenance, strategic […]
By Billie Zidek
The week of January 6, 384 facilities management professionals convened in Fort Worth, Texas at the Omni Fort Worth from January 6-9 for APPAU. There was representation from across the United States and Canada, along with attendees from as far away as Saudi Arabia and Jamaica. APPAU traditionally consists of two signature professional development programs—the […]
By Whitney Jibben
I spent the first 14 years of my career in higher education in Student Affairs. This included living in a residence hall, planning fun programs, and being on call in the evenings. Throughout this time, I developed strong relationships with the campus facilities staff and enjoyed learning more about the daily operations of the campus. […]
By Lindsay Wagner
Technical expertise, strategic planning, and operational efficiency are critical in our field. However, one of the most overlooked yet essential aspects of successful facilities management is demonstrating genuine care for the people who occupy and interact with the built environment. The quote, “People don’t care about how much you know until they know how much […]
By Stefania Vatidis
It is estimated that 10 to 30 percent of students in higher education (HE) in the United States are on the neurodiverse spectrum, with conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other learning disabilities. While the exact figure is difficult to determine due to the reliance on voluntary self-disclosure, research points to a clear […]
By Perry Artese
Technology master planning is a vital tool that enables educational institutions to strategically design, implement, and maintain technology infrastructure that benefits the bigger picture. Technology planning involves thoughtful integration of telecommunications, security, audiovisual systems, and more into campus renovations and development projects. With institutional growth, managers realize how technology impacts all facets of construction planning. […]
By Patrick Eddy, P.E.
Amid growing concerns over grid reliability, many educational facilities are looking to expand backup power capabilities. Diesel generators remain the go-to option. Yet these systems contribute to local air pollution and global climate change — and, if not properly maintained, present reliability concerns of their own. Some governing authorities are starting to issue waivers for […]
By Amanda McGregor
Brown University is the sole off-taker for the Dry Bridge solar project in North Kingstown, a landmark renewable energy development generating enough power to offset about two-thirds of campus electricity use. PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — With final regulatory approval secured on Tuesday, Nov. 19, one of the largest solar energy projects in Rhode Island […]
