Explores the benefits of multi-year bid contracting of university furniture contracts and offers tips on how to be successful at this approach. Areas covered include careful development of specifications, establishing clear ground rules for pricing and contractual escape routes, and comprehensive and careful bid contract writing. (GR)

Provides tips on how to improve a university's or college's campus grounds maintenance program that can enhance a school's appearance and improve the odds of increasing enrollment. Grass selection, tree and shrub management, and the use of flowers are examined. (GR)

Presents practical steps for avoiding overbuying when selecting copiers for university administration. Evaluating copying needs, eliminating excessive features, examining the dealer's capabilities, and being patient for the right price are discussed. (GR)

Discusses the easing of overcrowded schools through the use of portable classrooms and provides an example from Elk Grove Unified School District (California) which has opened entire elementary schools using only portables. Fifteen tips for installing relocatables are highlighted. (GR)

Examines housing strategies several college facilities managers used to cope with the problem of overcrowded residence halls. Also highlighted are tips to help facilities managers determine if their solution is to build additional housing. (GR)

Provides administrative advice on how some safety experts have made college campuses safer and friendlier without breaking the budget. Tips on security and advice on safety management that encompasses the whole environment are highlighted. (GR)

Presents specific steps that help make schools energy efficient and cut costs. Four basic strategies are suggested that include creating a database of energy usage that can also catch the occasional billing error, investigating less obvious ways of cutting energy use, such as applying cellulose commercial spray as an insulation choice, and…

Discusses how to plan year-round school construction projects so that they have less negative impact on student learning. Extensive communication with all parties involved to identify potential problems and being clear in contracting proposals concerning construction criteria are stressed. (GR)

Examines the physical health risks attributed to poor furniture and equipment ergonomics and looks at ways to help assure that furniture and equipment purchases and practices are ergonomically sound. Cautions to be wary wary of marketing hype that a company's furniture is ergonomically set, and acquire adjustable furniture and encourage students…

Provides guidelines that school administrators can use to increase student participation in cafeteria lunches. Redesigned features, employee appearances, and use of decorations are discussed, as are using prepared foods and disposable utensils to cut labor time, and marketing the cafeteria to parents to raise their perceptions. (GR)