September/October 2023 • volume 39, number 5

Leadership and the Workplace

Leadership Reimagined: Navigating the Higher Education Workplace

An Excerpt from the 2023 Thought Leaders Report

Editor’s Note: Since 2006, APPA’s Thought Leaders Series (TLS) has conducted dedicated discussions on the future of higher education and the impact of that future on educational facilities. In March 2023, a group of higher education presidents, other senior campus leaders, consultants, association executives, and educational facilities leaders attended the annual Thought Leaders symposium to […]

Feature

Reflections on University of Chicago’s Pre-Apprentice Program

Joshua Currin (Steam Plant Operator Pre-Apprentice), Anthony Davis (Building Engineer Pre-Apprentice), and Eric McDowell (Carpentry Pre-Apprentice)

There is a shortage of people in the facilities management and construction skilled trades. According to an article published by the Associated Builders and Contractors, the industry is bracing for a shortfall of 650,000 people. This shortfall is primarily caused by three factors. First, fewer high-school graduates are pursuing these rewarding careers. Many high schools […]

Feature

Applying Building Energy Conservation Strategies

Amiya Panigrahi, P.E., C.E.M., and Indu Panigrahi

The primary intent of this article is to provide guidelines for improving building energy efficiency and providing proper indoor environmental quality (e.g., thermal comfort, proper illumination, sufficient ventilation, acoustic performance) through an integrated design process and the proper selection of equipment and design parameters. A healthy and energy efficient environment is expected to improve occupant […]

From the Editor Sep/Oct 2023 – Thank You to the 2023 Thought Leaders Symposium Participants

Steve Glazner

Facilities Digest Sep/Oct 2023

Anita Dosik

The Bookshelf Sep/Oct 2023

Theodore J. Weidner, Ph.D., P.E., RA, NCARB, DBIA, CEFP, APPA Fellow

New Products Sep/Oct 2023

Gerry Van Treeck, New Products Editor

Membership Matters

The Five “Es” of Equity

Mallica Reynolds

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI) are more than just buzzwords ripped from the news headlines. They speak to core values that must unite and bring a renewed focus on our similarities rather than differences. APPA, and by extension SRAPPA, understand the importance of these concepts and have made a concentrated effort to educate members […]

Perspective on the Profession

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions—The Time is Now to Decide How You Decide

Erik Backus, Ph.D., P.E., LEED AP BD+C, ENV SP, FMP

If you have been frequenting the pages of Facilities Manager magazine over the last decade, you might have seen a pattern or theme emerge: there’s a lot on our plate as facilities professionals to decide. Lander Medlin, APPA President & CEO, has been hammering home how much needs to be done and how we, as […]

Code Talkers

Experiencing an Organizational Code Blue? Strategic Planning as a Revitalization Tool

Lindsay Wagner, Ph.D.

Stress is a function of the body that protects it from harm. The human brain and body work together to survive extraordinary situations through the fight, flight, or freeze response. When the body responds to stress it receives a surge of adrenaline. Once the stress is resolved, the body returns to baseline. Organizations are just […]

Facility Asset Management

Putting Supply Problems into Perspective

Yossi Sheffi, Ph.D.

As procurers of a wide range of products, facilities managers are familiar with the supply problems many organizations have experienced over recent years. These problems have subsided as the disruptive impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on supply chains has receded, but shortages and delivery delays have not disappeared. Such snafus are frustrating for buyers, but […]

APPA U Wrap-Up

Indianapolis Sets the Stage for 2024 Best Practices in Facilities Management

David McCabe

APPA U in Indianapolis engaged hundreds of facilities management professionals with hands-on and leadership skills, networking opportunities. Nearly 400 facilities professionals from educational institutions, school districts, libraries, and museums in 43 states and countries as far as Nigeria and Brazil gained real-world leadership and technical skills at APPA U in Indianapolis September 10–14. Supported by […]

Technology + Trends

Nine Observations for Higher Ed from the World of Audio/Video

John Cook

The largest nerdfest of audio/video/instructional technology is a trade show called InfoComm. This year’s show attracted 30,000 people, and Higher Ed institutions were well represented again; your campus may have sent several people to evaluate products and catch up on the latest trends. Nearly 1,000 exhibitors showcased their products and new developments so, it was […]

Power Tools

Breath of Fresh Education: Composite-Material Diffusers’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality in Learning Spaces

Marc Mascarello

Maintaining optimal air quality in educational facilities is crucial for fostering a conducive learning environment as clean fresh air enhances cognitive function and concentration among students and staff. Poor air quality can lead to health issues and reduced productivity, underscoring the necessity of ensuring proper systems within these spaces. The design of an HVAC (heating, […]