Announcements
Our In-House Construction and Project Administration teams can no longer guarantee that any additional projects requested for campus can be completed before the start of fall semester. Please keep this in mind when communicating with customers.
Training has a new number!
Our Training Team now has a dedicated RingCentral phone number to make it easier to get the help you need, when you need it. If you have a question or need support, just call 865-974-9666.
We’re available 7:00 AM–7:00 PM. When you call, whichever Training Team member is available will answer, so you can get a quicker response without tracking down a specific person.
SAVE THE DATE: FS Summer Picnic July 15th at ANRB
Mark your calendars for the Facilities Services Summer Picnic on July 15th at the Agriculture and Natural Resources Building (ANRB) on the ag campus. This is the same location as last year with a very similar structure. We’ll have a BBQ lunch with games on the plaza. An official announcement with more details will go out this week.
REMINDER: Central Supply Warehouse Closed for Inventory 6/29-6/30
The Central Supply Warehouse will be closed for year-end inventory on Monday, June 29, and Tuesday, June 30, 2026. This will make it necessary for you to estimate as closely as possible the items you will need from the warehouse during this period. These items will need to be ordered early enough to be picked up by 4:00 PM on Friday, June 26, 2026.
During these two days, any needs for warehouse stock items that cannot wait until Wednesday, July 1, 2026 will have to be handled via purchase orders (POs). If any POs need to be placed prior to the conclusion of our physical inventory please let me know, and I will see to it that they get handled promptly.
DASH Reminders
GL Account Codes
Still struggling with your chart of accounts (COA)?Here’s a quick reference list of the GL/Acct codes used most often.
Your GL code will change depending on what you are purchasing.
Administration, Finance & HR Update
The Administration, Finance, and Human Resources team continues to work diligently to support the operational and workforce needs of Facilities Services.
Our Accounting team has been working tirelessly to complete all accounting and billing activity for projects that have been officially closed. In addition to finalizing those transactions, the team is also processing partial billing and accounting activity for projects that remain active, ensuring our financial records remain current and accurate.
As we approach fiscal year end, it is especially important that teams remain diligent in closing out work orders in a timely manner, particularly monthly maintenance charges. To ensure expenses are recorded accurately within the current fiscal year, all applicable charges should be processed and closed before June 30. Delays in closing work orders until July, especially for work completed months earlier, create challenges in accurate financial reporting and budget management.
Our Budget team is actively preparing for the FY27 budget cycle. In the coming weeks, we will be meeting with each director to provide an overview of their FY27 budget allocations and planning assumptions. We are excited about this next phase, as it will provide directors with greater visibility and stewardship over their budgets, allowing them to more effectively manage operations, make informed financial decisions, and align resources with departmental priorities.
The FS Payroll team would like to remind supervisors to regularly review employee timecards throughout each week and make any necessary edits in a timely manner. Proactive timecard management helps ensure payroll deadlines are met efficiently and reduces last minute issues for both supervisors and payroll staff.
As we approach the summer months, hiring managers with current or upcoming vacancies are encouraged to remain diligent in posting positions and regularly reviewing applicant pools. With an increased focus on attracting highly qualified candidates, timely movement through the hiring process is essential to allow adequate time for onboarding and training before the start of the Fall 2027 semester.
FS Recruiting continues to strengthen partnerships with local trade schools, community colleges, and universities to build sustainable talent pipelines for Facilities Services. We are also excited to share that another Facilities Services Career Fair is being planned for the Fall semester, with additional details to be shared soon.
Thank you all for your continued collaboration, dedication, and commitment to supporting the success of Facilities Services and helping us effectively manage our financial resources while recruiting, hiring, and retaining a strong workforce for the University.
Building Services
- No report received
Operations
Moving & Event Services
- No report received
Sustainability
- No report received.
Maintenance & Repair
Housing
- Still doing room to room checks in Stokely Hall
Athletics
- No report received
Dining
What’s Improved?
- At RTD – repaired dishwasher, steam kettle, hot wells, meat slicer, walk-in freezer and cooler, cleared and treated floor drains, repaired sinks.
- At Haslam – replaced grease trap, install new hoses and lines.
- At Stokely – cleaned coils, repaired undercounter dishwasher, chargrill, ice maker, delimed ovens, replaced potentiometers.
- At ANRB – cleaned prep cooler coils, replaced mop sink faucet, cleaned floor drains.
- Replaced cutting boards in Vol. Hall, Haslam, ANRB, Nursing Hillside.
- At Arena – repaired water filtration leak.
What’s Declined?
- No noticeable decline observed.
This Week’s Attention?
- Continuation on hood cleaning in all required buildings, PM on equipment and roof units.
What Changes Are Happening This Week?
- No changes at this point.
Zone 4
- No report received
Zone 5
- No report received
Zone 6
- No report received
Zone 7
- No report received
Zone 8
What improved last week?
- We had some relief early in the week with lower humidity.
What declined last week?
- Mid to later in the week we had issues with our building heat in the ANRB building and excessive humidity in the Brehm/Food Science buildings.
Where is attention needed this week?
- We are finishing up a lighting project at the Little River Dairy Unit.
What changes are happening this week?
- e are training a new employee for our After Hours One-Call team and hope to have him transition to our 3rd shift One-Call team fairly soon.
Lock & Key Services
- Rekeys at Brown Residence and Laurel Residence (2).
- Core swaps and installations at Alumni, Agriculture, and Rocky Top.
- Lock repairs and replacements at Hodges, Haslam, SERF, McClung, and Min Kao.
- Padlock issuance for Facilities and Facilities Construction (3).
- Key services including key copying at Library Storage.
- Handle repairs, replacements, and adjustments at Agriculture, Haslam, and SERF.
- Strike repairs, adjustments, replacements, and installations at Haslam, SERF (5 adjustments/replacements), and Mossman.
- Hinge adjustments at Agriculture, Haslam (2), and SERF (7).
- Closer adjustments at Agriculture and Plant Bio (2).
- Latch adjustments at Agriculture and SERF (3).
- Door and exit device hardware work including clutch replacement at Haslam; head, foot, and bottom bolt adjustments/replacements at SERF; top rod adjustment at Student Union; and door planing at SERF.
- General door repair at Environmental Landscape.
Comm & Info
Training
- What did we learn last week?
- Collaboration across units can better help us address other’s needs, so that we can connect unit goals to the overall department goals to impact the university’s mission.
- What challenge can training help us solve?
- The Training Unit offers help with communication, customer service, Microsoft Products, leadership, and even finding employees’ strengths as individuals and teams. Contact us for specific training needs!
- What do employees need to know this week?
- We have 7 new staff joining our department this week. They’ll be released to their units (Plumbing, M&R, Building Services, & IT) upon the completion of their OSHA training. Also, coming up in July we will have an entire week of super short, highly practical trainings on a variety of tech used across Facilities Services, from Microsoft Office to radio usage to conference room essentials. Keep an eye out for a schedule at the beginning of July!
- What best practice should we share across teams?
- Onboarding: Outside of NEO, how are units onboarding their new team members? Let us know at [email protected] so we can develop a consistent program. Are you interested in helping shape the future of onboarding for FS? If so, let Rebecca know if you want to participate in the new onboarding committee we’re standing up.
WOM & IT
- WOM processed 241 individual requests last week
- WOM and M&R are reworking elevator signage to reduce number of signs and provide better information for all elevators on campus
- FS IT processed 117 individual requests last week
- FS IT is working with two shops to move data to OneDrive and MS Teams
- FS IT Operations has a new staff member Alex Fuentes
- FS IT implemented new data connectivity for FS Controls staff with HSC
- FS IT ordered a new copier for the new office spaces in Concord
- FS IT developing and continued testing of MS Autopilot deployment methods meeting new OIT standards ahead of schedule
Utilities Services
A/C Utilities
- What improved last week?
- Music – chiller installation progressing. Conf. Center – chiller installation progressing. Hesler –SERF – Replace 1400 - amp breaker in chiller no. 2. Completed chiller repairs at Haslam Building
- Where is attention needed this week?
- Baseball – installing AC system for weight room. Arena – Magnetic strainers installation. Student Health – repairing chillers. Police – repairing chillers.
A/C M&R
- What improved last week?
- SERF AHU-4
- What declined last week?
- A broad range of areas experienced declines.
- Where is attention needed this week?
- SERF, Student Aquatics, Brenda Lawson, Arena, Stadium.
- What changes are happening this week?
- Coil replacements, CHW coil repairs, split system installs, VRF system repairs, water leak repairs, and refrigerant system repairs.
- Any critical repairs or outages that were addressed?
- SERF AHU-4, Claxton AHU-104, Arena AHU-3.
Electrical – High Voltage Utilities
- What improved last week?
- Repaired outages on pole lights.
- What declined last week?
- Pole light outages.
- Where is attention needed this week?
- Call in 1-800 for McCord & Middle Drive.
- What changes are happening this week?
- Repairing campus standards at Fraternity Park.
- Any critical repairs or outages that were addressed?
- Middle Drive pole outages.
Electrical – Low Voltage M&R
- What improved last week?
- Started SERF new power feeds for labs and implementing a plan for Neilsen Physics Temp AC power.
- What declined last week?
- Working on campus with standard pole lights that are out.
- Where is attention needed this week?
- Completing SERF power drops and power for new furnace.
- What changes are happening this week?
- Dividing teams so we can have extra tech working on newer work orders.
- Any critical repairs or outages that were addressed?
- Planning the power feeds for the Temp AC for Neilsen Physics.
Plumbing Utilities
- What improved last week?
- Everyone worked well together toward the common goal of completing steam maintenance on the vaults. Overall, a great week for everyone.
- What declined last week?
- Nothing has declined. Everyone worked hard and worked as a team, and we got it done.
- Where is attention needed this week?
- Continuing focus on steam maintenance. 6″ valve at the steam plant and get the steam back on campus.
- What changes are happening this week?
- Continue working on Steam tasks, staying hydrated, and preparing for the upcoming week.
- Any critical repairs or outages that were addressed?
- Replacement of one of the restroom trailer toilets that was broken during its recent deployment. Investigated potential leaks at the auxiliary building several times throughout the week. Finished cleaning up at Hess Hall. Investigated high water usage at Min Kao. Checked on the 4th floor restroom at Hodges Library.
Plumbing M&R
- What improved last week?
- We were able to complete many critical outages.
- What declined last week?
- Limited staffing.
- Where is attention needed this week?
- Completing and verifying work orders by June 30th.
- What changes are happening this week?
- Completing work orders over summer break.
- Any critical repairs or outages that were addressed?
- Completed water leak outage at Student Union.
Steam Plant
- What improved last week?
- Continued work with contractors on new boiler installation. Worked on steam outage list. Brought plant back online after outage.
- Where is attention needed this week?
- Will work on clean up and improvement projects around the plant.
- What changes are happening this week?
- Working on any issues that arise and working with contractors on the new boiler.
- Any critical repairs or outages that were addressed?
- Pressure tested Boiler #5 to find tube leak.
- Isolated DA tank #2 for door repair.
Building Automation Systems
- What improved last week?
- TBA Discharge air temps lowered.
- Graphics alterations and programming issues at Carousel Theater.
- New Programming for Facilities Services BAS.
- What declined last week?
- Old Invensys systems.
- Pheonix control valves at Plant Bio.
- Heating water systems across campus
- Mossman Labs
- Where is attention needed this week?
- Monitor heating water systems across campus
- Closing work orders from previous FY
- What changes are happening this week?
- Hesler Phoenix valve issues are being addressed
- Mossman Lab heating issues
- Any critical repairs or outages that were addressed?
- Adjusted Outside air dampers to reduce Co2 during events at TBA.
- Heating water systems
- Vivarium heating post steam outage
Electrical Control and Fire Alarms
- What improved last week?
- Completing Deficiencies to get fire panels up to code
- What declined last week?
- Several batteries in fire panels
- Where is attention needed this week?
- Assisting contractors with fire alarms and sprinkler testing
- Continue working on leak detection at IAMM
- What changes are happening this week?
- Normal repairs and disables
- Any critical repairs or outages that were addressed?
- Correcting deficiencies at multiple buildings
Chemical Treatment
- What improved last week?
- Housing Closed Loop system health, equipment installs for TBA, SERF
- What declined last week?
- Not declined more than it already is, but Nursing loop is being opened to Claxton chilled loop
- Where is attention needed this week?
- Chill water closed loops for TBA, Claxton, and SERF
- What changes are happening this week?
- Ability to feed chemicals into buildings that need it. As well as extra makeup water capacity in Claxton loop to prevent “drying” out the system. JARTU cooling tower monitoring/feeding install
- Any critical repairs or outages that were addressed?
- Claxton
In-house Construction
- New projects received: 1
- New estimate requests received: 5
- Construction Projects of Note:
- Biosystems Engineering and Soil Sciences Building
- Add planters, trellis, irrigation and lighting to create a living screen along Joe Johnson Drive
- Andy Holt Tower, suite P103 WUTK Radio Station area
- Paint, carpet and finishes for offices and studio spaces
- Biosystems Engineering and Soil Sciences Building
Safety Stand Down
Driving Safely: Adapting to Right-Hand Drive Vehicles
As Facilities Services continues to expand the use of right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles within our fleet, including vehicles available in the motor pool, it is important that all employees understand how these vehicles differ from the standard left-hand drive vehicles that most of us drive every day. While RHD vehicles offer operational advantages for many of our services, they require drivers to adjust their habits, awareness, and vehicle positioning.
Whether you operate an RHD vehicle regularly or may occasionally use one from the motor pool, taking time to understand these differences can help improve safety, reduce the likelihood of incidents, and increase driver confidence. The information below highlights key operating considerations and safe driving practices to help employees successfully transition to and operate right-hand drive vehicles.
Facilities Services employees operate a variety of specialized vehicles to support campus operations, including right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles. While these vehicles may look different from the standard vehicles most of us drive every day, one important fact remains the same: the rules of the road do not change.
Because the driver’s seat is positioned on the right side of the vehicle rather than the left, operating an RHD vehicle requires increased awareness, concentration, and adjustment. Understanding these differences and practicing safe driving habits can help prevent accidents, property damage, and near-miss incidents.
Understanding the Difference
In a standard U.S. vehicle, the driver sits on the left side while traveling on the right side of the road. In a right-hand drive vehicle, the driver sits on the right side, but the vehicle still travels on the right side of the road.
This change in seating position can affect depth perception, lane positioning, turning judgment, and mirror use. Drivers may initially feel that the center line is farther away than expected or find it more challenging to judge distances during left turns and lane changes.
Vehicle Controls May Feel Unfamiliar
Many RHD vehicles have controls positioned differently than you may be accustomed to in personal vehicles. Turn signal and windshield wiper controls may be reversed, mirror controls may vary by model, and speedometers may display speed in kilometers per hour rather than miles per hour.
Common Speed Conversions
| MPH | KM/H |
| 15 mph | 24 km/h |
| 20 mph | 32 km/h |
| 30 mph | 48 km/h |
| 40 mph | 64 km/h |
| 50 mph | 80 km/h |
Before driving, take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the vehicle’s controls. Avoid relying on muscle memory and visually confirm control locations before operating the vehicle.
Key Driving Adjustments
Maintain Proper Lane Position
One of the most common challenges for new RHD drivers is maintaining consistent lane position. Because the driver’s perspective has shifted, it is important to use lane markings—not the position of the hood or vehicle body—as your primary reference.
Use Extra Caution During Left Turns
Left turns often require additional attention because judging the speed and distance of oncoming traffic can feel different from the right-hand driving position. Take extra time to scan intersections, verify clearance, and avoid rushing through turns.
Increase Mirror Awareness
Effective mirror use becomes even more important in an RHD vehicle. Drivers should develop a consistent scanning routine and regularly monitor traffic conditions, curb clearance, pedestrians, and parked vehicles.
Slow Down for Tight Maneuvers
Parking lots, narrow roadways, and tight turns may initially feel unfamiliar. Reducing speed and allowing extra time to maneuver can help prevent curb strikes, side-swipes, and other low-speed incidents.
Common Adjustment Challenges
Employees new to RHD vehicles may experience:
- Drifting toward the center line
- Steering too close to curbs or parked vehicles
- Difficulty judging vehicle width while parking
- Slower decision-making at intersections
- Reaching for controls on the wrong side
These experiences are normal during the adjustment period. Confidence and consistency improve with practice, patience, and attention to safe driving habits.
Safe Habits Every Driver Should Follow
Before driving:
- Adjust mirrors and seating position every time.
- Confirm visibility around the vehicle.
- Conduct a brief orientation check before moving.
While driving:
- Slow down during unfamiliar maneuvers.
- Increase following distance.
- Eliminate distractions such as phone use, paperwork, or unnecessary adjustments to vehicle controls.
When parking:
- Continuously check mirror clearance.
- Verify curb distance before exiting.
- Reposition the vehicle when needed rather than forcing a tight parking maneuver.
Don’t Forget the Transition Back
An often-overlooked risk occurs when switching back to a personal vehicle after operating an RHD vehicle. Drivers may briefly reach for controls on the wrong side, use incorrect mirror-scanning habits, or misjudge lane position.
Before leaving work, take a moment to mentally reset and remember that your personal vehicle uses the standard left-hand drive configuration. Driving a little more cautiously during the first few minutes can help ease the transition.
Safety Is a Shared Responsibility
Facilities Services expects all drivers to prioritize safety over speed, report near misses or concerns, and support one another through coaching and feedback. Supervisors play an important role in helping employees build confidence and safe driving habits.
Supervisors are strongly encouraged to conduct ride-alongs with employees who are new to operating right-hand drive vehicles. These coaching opportunities allow employees to become familiar with vehicle controls, receive real-time feedback, and gain confidence in a controlled environment before regularly operating RHD vehicles on their own.
Final Reminder
The vehicle configuration may be different, but the road rules remain the same. Safe operation of a right-hand drive vehicle depends on awareness, patience, and consistent attention to the driving environment. By taking the time to adapt and practice safe habits, we can help ensure a safer workplace for everyone.