Dear Campus Operations Team,
A new academic year is underway, and I want to thank you for all of your efforts to prepare campus for returning students. The work we do — and how we do it — shapes the campus experience and creates the “here” that changes the world. Every effort, from major capital projects to the placement of a single trash can, contributes to the look, feel, and function of campus.
Along these lines, I'd like to highlight three areas of focus for the year that have a direct impact on how we provide a world-class campus experience. As the semester continues, you will hear more about these efforts.
Campus Appearance — Getting It Done Right
We build, maintain, power, restore, and reimagine the University. The impact of major capital projects is clear, but the smallest details also shape the campus experience. Choices like consistent landscaping and coherent signage are deliberate, reinforcing our identity. Building on that intentionality, we are adopting new standards for exterior elements and accessories to create a more connected and consistent campus environment. We also launched the Campus Design Review Committee to ensure exterior projects meet UT’s design expectations as well as support a cohesive campus identity and align with our long-term vision.
Driving Improvement & Professionalism
Even amid a busy construction season, the campus experience is a priority. We must stay mindful of how the work we’re doing impacts the University as a whole. In practice, that means keeping pathways clear from parked carts, maintaining safe and clean project sites, communicating our expectations to contractors, and using UT-branded scrim and signage on construction fencing to maintain a consistent professional appearance.
Working as One Great Team
This is our campus. And as its caretakers, that means we go the extra mile. Regardless of our specific jobs, we do things that make a difference — picking up a piece of trash, helping a colleague with an unexpected challenge, and working across teams and departments to resolve issues. Our success depends on planning and collaboration across the University. To help us do this more effectively, we’ve launched the Campus Logistics Operations Coordination Committee (CLOCC) — a group that includes campus partners and is dedicated to aligning construction and maintenance activities with the University’s daily operations, ensuring safety and accessibility, and minimizing disruption while we deliver the projects that are transforming our campus.
Each of your directors will share more with your teams about specific ways you can help achieve these priorities in the near term and as we move forward.
Thank you for the care and professionalism you bring to every part of our campus. I want to underscore how proud I am of our team, and I’m excited to announce that our tradition of the Campus Operations BBQ will continue this year. Please save the date for October 7 and join us at 11:30 for the day shift and 5:30 for the evening shift at UFCU Disch-Falk Field. Be on the lookout for an invitation coming soon.
Hook 'em,
Brent Stringfellow
Associate Vice President for Campus Operations