At thousands of schools and universities, years of economic troubles have led to repeated budget cuts. The reductions typically fall disproportionately on maintenance departments, where cuts are viewed as less critical than those that directly affect classroom instruction. And so nearly every facility manager at an education institution faces a…

Discusses ways colleges and universities are making their residence halls more homelike and less institutional through careful selection of furniture and furnishings. Balancing cost with comfort and adequately addressing student needs for computer space are addressed. (GR)

Explores how to improve roofing inspections so minor repair problems can be exposed while they are still inexpensive to repair. The need for regular inspections is advocated. Tips are provided for checking a roof for potential problems. (GR)

Provides guidelines to help schools maintain hard floors and carpets, including special areas in schools and colleges that need attention and the elements needed to have a successful carpet-maintenance program. The importance of using heavy equipment to lessen time and effort is explained as are the steps maintenance workers can take to make the…

Discusses the ways equipment innovations can help schools clean more effectively and improve staff performance. Provides advice on cleaning strategies and types of equipment used for different areas, including tips for buying vacuum cleaners that fit the school's needs and conserve budgets. (GR)

Proposes 10 strategies that colleges and universities can use to keep students living on their campuses. Strategies include providing more amenities to living areas, having greater electrical capacity in each room, providing computer connectivity, assuring greater fire safety and personal security, offering more dining options, and allowing…

Outlines 10 steps that school administrators can take to make their schools safer and more secure for students and staff. These steps encompass crime prevention through environmental design, crisis planning, entrances, lighting, police presence, prevention programs, rapport with students, smaller schools, technology implementation, and staff…

Discusses crisis-management planning for college and university campuses that can contribute to effective and rapid response and wise decision making during not only natural disasters, but also those that are manmade. Crisis-management tips are highlighted. (GR)

Explores how schools and universities can make sure that construction sites do not pose a hazard to students or a temptation to thieves and vandals. Highlights safety recommendations for mounting construction projects while schools are in session. (GR)

Provides three articles on the subject of educational facility upgrading and retrofiting that address setting guidelines for classroom acoustics, making sports facilities brighter and more energy-efficient, and cutting energy bills and protecting interiors. (GR)