Our Services

• Roofing
• Shell
• Windows and doors
• Flooring
• Signs

• Trash removal
• Vacuuming of carpet
• Mopping of non-carpeted floors
• Dusting of desks and low furniture
• High dusting of all items taller than normal arms length reach
• Carpet shampooing
• Bathroom cleaning and restocking of bathroom supplies
• Waxing of non-carpeted floors
• Dusting of curtains and blinds
• Inside and outside window cleaning
• Emergency cleanup as required for conditions not caused by deliberate actions of vandalism
• Custodial services are provided on a limited basis to the main public buildings such as the Forum, University Commons, and University Center

• Regularly scheduled trash pickup
• Snow removal
• Landscape maintenance
• Project work as may be authorized within the operating and/or capital budgets

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE

The mission of our program is to maintain the grounds on the Drew campus in an aesthetically pleasing and safe condition. These areas include all lawns, trees, landscape plantings, athletic fields, parking lots, sidewalks, and roadways. We maintain these areas in a safe and attractive condition within our provided budget.

The maintenance programs are initiated by the Grounds Supervisor, and most of the labor-intensive work is done in-house by Facilities staff. Some major grounds work and projects such as paving, fencing, and major tree work are done by professional contractors. The contractors are authorized to do work and are supervised by the campus Grounds Supervisor.

Dubbed “The University in the Forest”, Drew is distinguished by its many old trees and on-campus arboretum. The Facilities and Grounds Departments always try to remain sensitive to the University’s desire to maintain the forest look and feel of the campus grounds. We continue to work with students, faculty, and administration to preserve and protect the age-old trees and grounds.

The Grounds Department practices conscientious and environmentally sound chemical applications according to its Integrated Pest Management Program, which incorporates different cultural and natural protections against pests and careful monitoring to determine the level of severity. Pesticide applications are made only when necessary, and herbicide and insecticide applications are made only as spot treatments in problem areas, not in blanket applications. This, along with the elimination of preventive pesticide applications, reduces the amount of pesticide use. Cultural and natural practices include over seeding with pest-resistant grass varieties, fertilization and liming per soil test results, soil aeration, proper mowing height, and irrigation, where possible. Our goal is to maintain a healthy stand of turf and ornamental plantings that will withstand occasional pest infestations and require only limited use of pesticides. Tree, extermination, and horticultural professionals are also called on in certain situations to provide expert evaluations and recommendations.

The Grounds Staff receives training each year in landscape related topics, such as proper pruning techniques, plant identification, masonry training, and safe equipment operation. The department is able to handle an increasing workload as the need for outside contracting diminishes with in-house training and our capability to handle previously contracted work. The Grounds Staff continues to maintain a safe and attractive campus for the Drew community, and broadens its knowledge of grounds issues through training for the benefit of the University.

SNOW REMOVAL

To ensure efficient snow removal operations and the safety of the campus community, Campus Security and Facilities Operations ask for your cooperation during all winter storms. Drew University will make every effort to keep the community informed ab out changes in the University schedule due to snow.  A declaration of a snow emergency will be made via the emergency notification system.   The campus community may be asked to relocate vehicles for periodic lot clearing. This is necessary to remove excess accumulations of ice and snow in long term parking areas.

• Operable locks
• Door hardware
• Appropriate keying
• Project work as may be authorized within the operating and/or capital budgets

GENERAL HEATING INFORMATION

Although the Drew University campus has a variety of heating systems, there is some general knowledge that can be useful in understanding how most buildings are supplied with heat.

Many of the larger buildings are equipped with outside air sensors that serve a variety of functions. Most importantly, these devices signal the appropriate heating unit to supply heat when the outside air drops below 55°. These sensors also conserve energy when the outside air temperature exceeds 55°. This is not to say that buildings cannot be supplied with heat when the outside air temperature is not below 55°; however, in most of these cases an HVAC tradesperson is needed.

Day Schedules for the most of the buildings on campus, whether they are academic, residential, or auxiliary, are set at a target temperature between 68° and 70°.

Night Schedules for many of the academic buildings vary depending on the night classroom schedule. As a rule the buildings are set back at their scheduled closing time and return to normal heating schedule several hours before they are open for business. The night set-back temperature is approximately 65°.

HEATING PROBLEMS

During the change of seasons, Facilities Operations experiences the majority of its heating calls. Fluctuating temperatures often create stress on thermostats, heating systems, and outside air sensors. Often these devices require periodic adjustment. As it becomes colder more consistently, heating buildings becomes more routine. Knowing this, there are many ways students, resident advisors, faculty, and staff can do to allow Facilities to respond more effectively.

The current protocol for heating problems for students is to call Facilities Operations, Extension 3510. After 5:00 p.m. or on weekends, all calls should be directed to Public Safety, Extension 3379. Then a facilities person will come to take the temperature with a thermometer. It will take several minutes for the thermometer to accurately read the correct temperature. If the reading is below 68°, the temperature will be adjusted.

The person reporting the heat problem must identify the exact location. Please include information about the general status of the building and indicate whether only one room is cold or if a whole floor or building is affected.

Due to the variety of older buildings on campus, variations in temperature from room to room and floor to floor will occur. While the goal is to create a comfortable environment for all, it may not be readily feasible to achieve the heating set points in all rooms and in all locations at all times.