Facilities Services

Facilities Services Weekly

May 18, 2026

Five people, including a bearded man pointing, gather around whiteboards filled with handwritten notes in an emergency management exercise.

Announcements

Admin & Finance

Building Services

Operations

Maintenance

Comm & Info

Utilities

Construction

Safety Stand Down

Announcements

Upcoming Food Trucks at FSC

Birria Boss – May 28 from 11am to 2pm 

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.

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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. 

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Building Services

Student Union

  • The overlook glass on G1 and G2 was cleaned. 
  • The entrance mats at Volunteer we changed out and cleaned due to food spills. 
  • The auditorium was used for a few events and extra cleaning was needed. 
  • The green rooms and dressing rooms were cleaned after the Carnicus event. 
  • The carpet in 376 had spills which were cleaned. 
  • Extra trash cans were placed on the plaza for events, and trash was removed from the area. 
  • Event room 270, the carpet was spot cleaned. 
  • We cleaned after other events such as the 2026 FYE Peer Mentor Workshop, KPDA Showcase, Nexus Conference, TCE Board of Advisors, and the 2026 Biomembranes  Symposium. 
  • The dining area in phase 2 the area was blown out, dust mopped and auto scrubbed. 
  • G1 and L1 dining was blown, dust mopped and IQ cleaned the floors. 
  • Ballroom A, B and C spot cleaning of the carpet was done to remove food stains. 
  • The connector bridge windowsills were dusted and cleaned with HDQ. 
  • Cardboard was baled throughout the week. 

Old FSC B and the Rocketry Department

  • The restrooms were cleaned. 
  • Trash removal was completed. 

BASS Building

  • The opening of their new area was held on Friday, so extra cleaning was needed. 
  • The entrance was cleaned to remove cobwebs and debris. 

1610 Building

  • High dusting and regular dusting were completed. 
  • Stairwells were swept and mopped. 
  • The sidewalk was blown off. 

Bass Anthropology

  • The entrance was blown out and the cobwebs were removed. 
  • The outside windows were cleaned. 
  • High dusting was completed. 

Zone 7

  • Removed carpet stains in classrooms on the first and second floors of Humanities and Social Sciences. 
  • Provided custodial support for final reviews in the College of Architecture in the Art and Architecture Building. 
  • Set up for and cleaned between and after events in McClung Tower 1215/1216, including faculty/staff lunch and end-of-year celebration. 
  • Provided custodial support for end-of-year faculty luncheon in Haslam Music Center 110. 
  • Checked for doors not closing properly at Humanities and Social Sciences and reported doors not latching. 
  • Set up trash and recycle cans for Welcome Wednesday on Humanities and Social Sciences Plaza and removed them afterward. 
  • Cleaned offices at Temple Hall and Clarence Brown Theatre. 
  • Checked and cleaned buildings Friday night and Saturday to accommodate rescheduled exams in Humanities and Social Sciences, Art and Architecture Building, and Haslam Music Center. 
  • Cleaned bathrooms after plumbers cleaned out the drain line at Temple Hall. 
  • Helped with other buildings and events in other zones as needed. 
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Operations

Moving & Event Services

  • Picked up tables from College of Nursing 209 following weekend Event: Surgical Innovation Symposium. 
  • Picked up tables and chairs from Claxton Education following weekend Event: CECS Tech Playground-Big Orange Preview. 
  • Picked up stage, tables, and chairs from Fiji Island after weekend Event: Phi Mu Crawfish Boil. 
  • Provided electrical support and solar cart for Event: ARL Spring Conference at HSS South Lawn. 
  • Picked up tables and chairs from Zeanah Engineering Building after weekend Event: TCE-Big Orange Preview. 
  • Delivered display boards to Baker School room 103. Picked up the next day. 
  • Delivered tables to A&A Atrium for Event: UT Pottery Sale. Picked up on Friday. 
  • Picked up and delivered Mace & Mace stand from Andy Holt Tower to Student Union Ballroom for Event: Chancellor’s Honor’s Banquet. Picked up and returned the next day. 
  • Moved furniture in Andy Holt Tower P225 to Andy Holt Tower P209. 
  • Delivered and set up 60 tables, 150 chairs, and stage at Circle Park for Event: Garden Party, and picked up Friday. 
  • Delivered 85 tables 250 chairs to Circle Park for Event: Party in the Park. Picked up on Friday. 
  • Delivered and set up 23 tables 100 chairs to HPER Plaza for Event: KRSS Graduation Celebration. Picked up same day. 
  • Set up tables and chairs at ANR 101A and 101B for Event: TN Extension New Employee Conference. 
  • Delivered tables to Black Cultural Center for Event: BAE-Chella. Picked up the next day. 
  • Moved items out of Taylor Law School 367 into storage. 
  • Moved furniture from Conference Center Building 312 to Austin Peay 221B & 221C. 
  • Picked up and disposed of metal shelves in Taylor Law School 146. 
  • Picked up and disposed of large wooden shipping crate from Hesler Biology 315. 
  • Delivered and set up 35 tables and 75 chairs to HSS North Lawn for Event: Denim Day. Picked up the next morning. 
  • Delivered and set up 55 tables and 110 chairs at Zeanah Engineering and Tickle Buildings. Picked up on Friday afternoon. 
  • Delivered and set up 20 tables 160 chairs to Magnolia Courtyard for Event: Faculty Speaker Series. Picked up the next morning. 
  • Provided electrical assistance for Event: Ignite TL Fun Day at HSS South Lawn. 
  • Moved phase I of CEHHS-KLASS/Literacy Group from Bailey A231 to Claxton 412 and items from Claxton 412 back to Bailey A231. 
  • Delivered packing materials to Claxton 407A for next phase of Bailey/Claxton CEHHS-KLASS/Literacy move. 
  • Delivered tables to Dogwood Hall Courtyard for Event: A Goodbye to Dogwood Hall. 
  • Delivered tables, chairs, and provided electrical support for Event: BLOOM on the Ped Walkway. Picked up later that day. 
  • Delivered and set up 15 tables 30 chairs at 21st  Mortgage Plaza for Event: Dragon Fest. 
  • Delivered tables to Beacon Hall East Courtyard for Event: Beacon Bash. 
  • Delivered tables and chairs to UT Gardens Friendship Pavilion for Event: EEB Spring Celebration. Picked up after hours later that day. 
  • Provided electrical support at Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse for Event: Lady Vol Day. 
  • Provided sound assistance at TRECS/Band Pavilion for Event: 2026 Sport Club Celebration. 

Sustainability

What improved last week?

  • Recycling: Recycling operations continued to improve through stronger coordination between Facilities Services, Athletics, Dining, and Housing. Cardboard recovery and diversion efforts remained steady, and ongoing discussions around expanded waste diversion, organics handling, and infrastructure planning continued to move forward. Progress was also made in evaluating long term sustainability initiatives including alternative waste processing, energy recovery concepts, and operational efficiency improvements.  
  • Grow Lab: woodchips were delivered to the garden, 24 tomato seedlings planted in the garden, 32 corn seeds planted in newly dug corn plot 
  • Compost: Gave tour to 18 members of the Knox Master Gardeners Membership Committee, completed preventative maintenance on equiptment, continued work on processing backlog of agricultural waste   

What declined last week?

  • Recycling: Operational strain continues to come from contamination in waste and recycling streams, inconsistent participation in proper sorting practices, and equipment limitations tied to growing service demand. Staffing and time constraints continue to affect the ability to fully optimize collection schedules, outreach, and material handling operations across campus. 
  • Grow Lab: Weeding and general maintenance of the garden were limited due to rainy weather last week.  
  • Compost: operational capacity due to the loss of full-time operations specialist  

Where is attention needed this week?

  • Recycling: Attention is needed on contamination reduction, coordination of summer operations and event logistics, and continued planning for future infrastructure projects tied to waste diversion and sustainability. Additional focus is needed on evaluating equipment needs, maintaining service reliability during peak campus activity, and advancing discussions related to long term recycling and energy recovery strategies. 
  • Grow Lab: Weeding specific parts of the garden, and covering needed areas with woodchips 
  • Compost: processing agricultural waste, bin washing & cleanliness  

What changes are happening this week?

  • Recycling:  Planning efforts are continuing for upcoming operational adjustments tied to summer campus activity, event support, and waste stream management. Discussions are advancing around future sustainability initiatives, infrastructure upgrades, and potential pilot opportunities related to waste processing, diversion, and energy recovery systems. Coordination between departments and external partners is also increasing as projects move from concept evaluation toward feasibility and implementation planning. 
  • Grow Lab: More work is planned for our mycelium brick project. Maintenance on rain garden and meadow paths.  
  • Compost: adjusting to the summer compost collection route 
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Maintenance & Repair

Housing

  • Switching pex hot water lines to copper at Stokely Hall

Athletics

  • Neyland Stadium:  General maintenance and preparing for special events in premium areas. Also preparing the stadium for Banana Ball.
  • Regal Soccer: General Maintenance and Repairs throughout the building, also doing repairs for One Knox Lady’s soccer.
  • Lindsey Nelson Stadium: General building Maintenance, and assistance with contractors on construction.  
  • Football Complex: Doing general building maintenance and checking all areas for recruits and visitors.
  • Sherri Lee Softball:   General Maintenance and Repairs, going through making repairs from the weekend Super Regionals.
  • Allan Jones Aquatic: General Maintenance and Repairs. 
  • Goodfriend Tennis: General Maintenance and Repairs. Preparing for tennis matches.  
  • Thompson Boling Arena: General maintenance and repair and preparing after commencement exercises.

Dining

  • What’s Improved: 
    • Last week our team PM-d exhaust fans and make-up air units, cleared multiple clogged floor drains in Stokely, Student Union, and Rocky Top Dining. We repaired a leaking drainpipe in Stokely, estimated parts list like heat tape, pipes and insulation, to repair/replace walk-in freezer drainage in Student Union CFA. Fixed fryers and mixers, repaired slicers and dicers. Repaired island cooler in RTD POD.
  • What’s Declined:  
    • We need more people to perform our job and respond to calls and emails more efficient and faster.  
  • This Week’s Attention:  
    • This week we need to start replacing worn out parts on conveyor type Hobart dishwashers like rollers, flights, glides, hoses, spray arms, readjust tension and alignments as well as replace slots on tray returns and dish return conveyors, check chains, gearboxes, bearings. Our AC guys are cleaning coils on reach-ins, ice makers, ice cream makers.
  • What Changes Are Happening This Week:  
    • Going more from reactive to proactive repairs and PMs since we have now easier access to the equipment that’s not being in use at summer break.

Zone 4

  • Art + Architecture – worked on an air leak in 338 and AC in the carpentry shop
  • Andy Holt Tower – worked on AC on the 8th floor and a light in P105
  • Communications – worked on AC in Rooms 042 and 045
  • Student Services – Worked on AC units in 116 and 302
  • McClung Tower – worked on AC in 902 and 1110
  • General maintenance throughout zone and filter changes    

Zone 5

  • Going room to room at SMC servicing AC induction units and cleaning coils
  • Cleared clogged sewage lines on the 3rd and 4th floors at Hodges to mitigate potential flooding
  • Made repairs on two AHU at HPER
  • The team is going full steam ahead into HPER to make repairs and complete preventative maintenance
  • Continuing to strive for excellence in customer service 

Zone 6

  • What Improved:  
    • Access to common areas is easier with the end of semester
  • What’s Declined:  
    • Control and air compressor issues at Hoskins and Bailey Education
  • What Needs Attention:  
    • All of the above as we’ve been dealing with issues from end of semester events
  • What changes are happening this week: 
    • Continuing to work on those air compressor issues and common areas while foot traffic is low

Zone 7

  • Dougherty: replaced batteries in all restroom fixtures, replaced water fountain filters 
  • Ferris Hall: replaced batteries in all restroom fixtures, replaced water fountain filters, fixed a clogged toilet on the 4th floor 
  • Perkins Hall: replaced batteries in all restroom fixtures, replaced water fountain filters, installed a new Ac unit in room 316 
  • Min Kao: replaced batteries in all restroom fixtures, replaced water fountain filters 
  • SERF replaced bad bulbs throughout the hallways, elevator tracks PM 
  • Walters Academic: replaced quick stops on all restroom fixtures, replacing ceiling tiles in the hallways, replaced light fixtures in the restrooms, annual cooing tower cleaning 
  • Dabney/Buehler: annual cooling tower cleaning   
  • Ayres Hall: replaced can lights in the 2nd floor women’s restroom 

Zone 8

  • As we move into warmer weather, we will be facing challenges on older HVAC systems.
  • We are in process of completing a complete lighting upgrade to the Little River Dairy barn.
  • We are in process of cleaning cooling towers for our chill water loop at the Plant Biotech building.
  • We have been experiencing an unusual number of leaks lately in the Plant Biotech building.
  • We are preparing for the annual steam outage and trying to get any bad steam traps repaired.
  • Our major overhaul of our HVAC system continues at JRTU as we hope to get our chill water system back online soon.

Lock & Key Services

  • The Lock and Key team completed more than 100 work orders this week supporting campus security, access control, and door hardware maintenance across the university. Highlights include:
  • 76 rekeys completed across residence halls and campus facilities, including major rekeying efforts at Poplar, Beacon, Hess, Reese, Laurel, Clement, Ayres, Tickle, and the Free Store.
  • 6 lock changes, replacements, or reconfigurations at locations including Fleet Management, Agriculture, Plant Bio, Sigma Phi Epsilon, and Alpha Delta Pi.
  • 5 repairs to panic bars, internal rods, and door hardware at McClung Tower, the Student Union, Sorority Village, Andy Holt, and Neyland Stadium.
  • 4 panic paddle installations completed at Cherokee Mills.
  • 4 new lock installations or core changes at the Specialty Shop, Hodges Library, Conference Center, and Haslam Business Building.
  • Additional maintenance and support work included lock lubrication, mailbox lock repairs, troubleshooting call backs, padlock issuance, quotes, and lock maintenance at Nursing and Health PE facilities.
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Comm & Info

Training

  • Don’t forget to complete your OSHA training ASAP!

FS IT

  • No report received.
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Utilities Services

A/C Utilities

  • What improved last week?
    • Music – chiller installation progressing. Conf. Center – chiller installation progressing. Hesler – Cooling tower installation progressing 
  • Where is attention needed this week?
    • SERF – chiller no. 2 breaker installation. Reese – chiller / cooling tower installation. Arena – magnetic strainers installation 
  • Any critical repairs or outages that were addressed?
    • TREC – chiller repairs. Police – boiler repair 

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 Frat 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? 
    •  Team engagement has improved significantly. 
  • What declined last week?
    • Shop cleanliness.  
  • Where is attention needed this week?
    • Graduation ceremonies, the Savannah Bananas game, and valve replacement at the greenhouse. 
  • What changes are happening this week?
    • Steven Stellmach is no longer on call.  
  • 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 on several days throughout the week. Finished cleaning up at Hess Hall. Investigated high water usage at Min Kao. Checked on the 4th floor restrooms at Hodges Library. 

Plumbing M&R

  • What improved last week?
    • Working with contractors. Communication went more smoothly.  
  • What declined last week? 
    • Work progress slowed because staffing levels were insufficient to complete all tasks. 
  • Where is attention needed this week? 
    •  Workload demands require additional team support.  
  • What changes are happening this week?
    • Efforts are focused on completing all assigned tasks within the week. 
  • Any critical repairs or outages that were addressed? 
    • Outages at Conference Center. Drains unclogged at Hodges Library. Working to address other problems occurring at Hodges Library. 

Steam Plant

  • What improved last week?
    • Continued work with contractors on new boiler installation.
    • Continued work on the relocation of water softeners and reinstallation. 
  • Where is attention needed this week? 
    • Will be working on preparations for upcoming steam outage.  
  • What changes are happening this week?
    •  Working on any issues that arise and working with contractors on new boiler  
  • Any critical repairs or outages that were addressed? 
    • We swapped steam headers for contractors on the new boiler install. 

Building Automation Systems

  • What improved last week?  
  • Communication with Stokely Family Residence restored. 
  • Communication between Phoenix servers and JCI systems. 
  • TBA HVAC Control Dashboard 
  • What declined last week?  
  • Old Invensys systems. 
  • Pheonix control valves at Plant Bio. 
  • Haslam business communication issues. 
  • Where is attention needed this week?  
  • Prepare Stadium for Baseball Game. 
  •  Anderson Training VFD replacements. 
  • Mossman Pheonix system communications issues. 
  • What changes are happening this week?  
  • Installing new VFD’s at multiple locations. 
  • Troubleshooting issues with Mossman Pheonix system 
  • Any critical repairs or outages that were addressed?  
  • Manually altering dampers and water valves at TBA for Graduation. 
  • Repairs to AHU 12 at Serf. 

Electrical Control and Fire Alarms

  • What improved last week?
    •  Guys are working to clear out old work orders. 
    • Several smoke and duct detectors cleaned 
    • Changed batteries in fire panels around campus 
  • What declined last week? 
    • Small oven fire at Laurel Hall 
  • Where is attention needed this week? 
    • Upcoming events at the stadium and arena 
  • What changes are happening this week?
    • Getting IAMMs on Leak detection 
    • Working on Dougherty leak detection 
  • Any critical repairs or outages that were addressed? 
    • Standard equipment repairs 

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 
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In-house Construction

  • Agriculture and Natural Resource Building: Display cabinet 219; Changes to suite 469 
  • Austin Peay: Divide office 397A 
  • Bailey Education: Multiple rooms carpet/paint/shades 3rd floor 
  • Bass Building: Add bottle filler 
  • BESS Office Bldg.: Awning on the 1st floor entrance 
  • Biosystems Eng.: Living wall 
  • Brown Residence Hall: Renovate G100 for package lockers 
  • Campus: TCE lab renovations in various buildings; Asphalt repairs; Repaving on campus; Replace water fountains 
  • Cherokee Mills: Move new folks in- Shared Services, Ed Research; Business 
  • Clarence Brown Theatre: New displays 
  • Claxton Education: Cubicle changes 338 and 344 
  • Communications: Renovate 001-017, 250/251, 294/295, 333 and 420; HVAC for WUOT 299I; Paint and carpet 268, 432B 434; On-air light for radio station 
  • Conference Center Bldg.: Electric 399S5; Paint and electric 215; Renovate window displays; Connections for new dish machine 402A; Replace hand sinks in kitchen on 4 
  • Dabney Buehler: Lab renovation 209-214; Nitrogen piping; Paint 569; Small renovation 352 
  • Dogwood Hall: Trash compactor 
  • Dougherty Engineering: New sink 301; Electric and air 102B; Wind tunnel 101 
  • Engineering Research Annex: New lights; Lab renovations 
  • ETREC Johnson Animal: Repair kennel floor  
  • Ferris Hall: Renovate 213A and 326; White boards on 3 
  • Fred Brown: Lights and electric work in laundry room 
  • HPER: Various renovations for Capital Project on 1st floor 
  • Haslam Business Building: Renovate 320; Install backbox, electric and mount for monitor 334; Digital signs in corridors; Door lights 2nd floor office suite; Divide 540 into 2 rooms; Changes to serving area in 501; Rework drain line 501: Patch and paint outside of 532 and 633; Repalce carpet on 5 and 6 hallways 
  • Hesler Biology: Install emergency electric for greenhouses 
  • Hoskins Library: Carpet 2nd floor corridor 
  • Humanities: New entry doors from pedestrian walkway 
  • Innovation South: Electric connections for equipment 
  • Kappa Kappa Gamma: Replace kitchen cabinets 
  • Lake Avenue Garage: Convert to dry fire protection system 
  • Law Complex: Paint and carpet 247 and 252 
  • McCord Hall: Floors in hallways; Renovate G055, 111 and 112 
  • Middlebrook Building: Repair cracks in Vol Shop area; Fence around Vol Shop trucks 
  • Min Kao Engineering; Access controls 6 doors on 3rd floor; Replace sink and faucet  
  • Morgan Hall: Lighting, sound proofing 
  • Mossman Building: Labware washer 620F; Install humidity system 120C 
  • Nielsen Physics: Renovate 407 
  • Perkins Hall: Floors in hallways; Renovate S008 for robotics 
  • Phi Kappa Psi: painting 
  • Plant Biotech: Controls for growth chamber B015; Remove sinks and plumbing 101 
  • Rocky Top: Dining renovations and repairs 
  • Senter Hall: Lab renovation117 
  • SERF: Renovations for 103, 106, 108, 213; Lab renovations for cluster hires; Move gas cabinet 513A; Lab renovation 420 
  • Sorority Village: Install turnstile 
  • Stokley Hall: Paint interior of building; Paint Keoke Coffee 
  • Stokely Management Building: Renovate restrooms on 7; Build offices 436 
  • Strong Hall: Lab work 726A1 
  • Student Aquatic Center: Grout pool tile 
  • Student Rec.: Refinish basketball courts 
  • Student Union: Dining renovations; Install door glass 382H; Electric and water for visitors area 
  • Tickle engineering: Light for concrete washout area 
  • UT Arboretum: Repair beams in auditorium 
  • UT Drive Building B: Electric for equipment 107 
  • UT Drive Building C: Renovate for move from Presidential 
  • UT Gardens: Install Smart flower 
  • UT IAMM: Electric 150 
  • Vet Med Center: Renovate lab A335; Wall repair B022C; Add 16 panic buttons 
  • Volunteer Hall; Correct settling issues 
  • Walters Academic: Renovate spaces on 2nd and 3rd floor 
  • Zeanah Engineering: Card reader\ Add access controls for 8 rooms; Lab renovations for cluster hires; Electric and plumbing G169; Window film and blinds 114 
  • 11th Street Garage: Paint and carpet for UTPD 
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Safety Stand Down

Safety at a Glance 

Weekly Accident Report

Type of Action May 18
Reported Injuries  0
Reported Auto Accidents 0
General Liability 0
Reported Near Misses 1
Reported Safety Concerns 2
Reported Safety Suggestions 0

This report provides a summary of the number of incidents, accidents, and safety-related reports received during the week. The purpose of this report is to maintain awareness of workplace safety activity and encourage continued reporting of incidents, hazards, and safety concerns. 

The information included reflects all reports submitted and documented during the week. Employee reporting of injuries, near misses, safety concerns, and suggestions plays an important role in identifying hazards and supporting a safe work environment. 

What Improved last Week? 

Units are getting ready for the upcoming CIS Inspection. We have received several questions, reviewed what’s been done so far, and talked through expectations to make sure everything is on track. 

What Declined last week? 

  • This week saw a reduction in both on-the-job injuries and auto accidents, with zero incidents reported in either category.  

Where is attention needed this week? 

We will be completing a series of risk assessments for upcoming projects and assigned work tasks to identify potential hazards, evaluate associated risks, and develop appropriate control measures. The process will involve reviewing project scopes, identifying task-specific risks, determining mitigation strategies, and documenting any necessary actions or responsibilities.  

What Changes Are Happening This Week?

FS Safety has implemented a new incident and accident reporting system that includes a corrective actions report as a follow-up to incidents. Prior to sending the corrective actions report, FS Safety will review the corrective actions with the supervisor so there are no surprises when the report is received. The report will be sent from the FS Safety email account ([email protected]) and must be signed and returned to FS Safety by the supervisor. 

By signing the report, the supervisor acknowledges understanding of the corrective actions outlined in the document and agrees to carry them out. If you receive a corrective actions report and have any questions or concerns regarding its contents, please contact FS Safety. We will be happy to discuss the document with you. 

The purpose of the corrective actions report is to ensure hazards are properly addressed and to help prevent future incidents. 

Contact FS Safety by email at [email protected] or by phone at 865-974-9833 

Safety Shout Outs: 

Troy Soumeillan 

In recognition of outstanding customer service that directly contributed to mission partners achieving their goals. Your efforts reflect exceptional dedication and a sustained commitment to excellence.   

“Just wanted to forward you a couple pictures from this morning’s training. I cannot remember the “employee spotlight” initiative that FS uses for great work by your personnel however, I would be dumb if not to mention this morning’s training session. Troy was extremely professional, thorough, and explained in every detail the safe operation of the equipment so that IWS personnel can effectively train others (academia/research) across campus that may use these types of MEWP equipment. I just wanted to let you know how much the team and I appreciate Troy’s time today and both of your assistance in making this campus safer a little bit more every day!” 

Ryan Setzer, GSP, STS, STSC 

Supervisor, Industrial Worker Safety 

Jairus Miller and Bryson Materna 

A big Safety Shout Out goes out to Jairus Miller and Bryson Materna from Landscape Services.  

We would like to recognize Jairus Miller and Bryson Materna for their outstanding commitment to safety and their proactive efforts to protect those around them. 

While performing stump grinding operations, both individuals demonstrated exemplary adherence to safety protocols by wearing full PPE and establishing proper barricades to contain flying debris and clearly define the work zone. What truly set their actions apart was their initiative to elevate safety beyond standard requirements by assigning a dedicated watch to ensure that pedestrians did not enter the restricted area. 

Their vigilance, teamwork, and forward-thinking approach reflect the highest standards of safety excellence. Jairus and Bryson’s actions not only safeguarded themselves but also reinforced a culture of accountability and care for others. 

This level of dedication serves as a model for all and exemplifies what it means to put safety first. 

Well done, gentlemen. Your actions are a powerful example of what it means to lead with safety and accountability, and they make a lasting impact on everyone around you. 

Memorial Day & Travel Safety

Safe Driving, Vehicle Readiness, and Boating Safety

Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember those who gave their lives in service to our country. As we approach the holiday weekend, it is also one of the busiest travel periods of the year. For Facilities Services staff, this is an important opportunity to reinforce both personal safety and responsibility on the road and water. The goal is simple: stay safe, return to work, and return home to your families.

Holiday travel increases risks due to higher traffic volumes, longer trips, fatigue, and recreational activities such as boating. These risks can be significantly reduced through preparation, awareness, and sound decision-making.

Safe Driving Practices: Preventing Roadway Incidents

Motor vehicle incidents remain one of the leading causes of preventable injuries and fatalities. During holiday travel periods, risk increases due to congestion, distracted drivers, and longer driving times.

Safe driving practices include:

  • Always wear seatbelts, every trip, every passenger
  • Avoid distracted driving (no texting, phone use, or multitasking)
  • Follow posted speed limits and adjust for weather or traffic conditions
  • Maintain safe following distances to allow reaction time
  • Never drive under the influence of alcohol or impairing substances
  • Take regular breaks during long drives to reduce fatigue

Fatigue is often underestimated; drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as impaired driving.

Vehicle Maintenance: Preparing Before You Travel

A properly maintained vehicle is one of the most effective ways to prevent breakdowns and roadway emergencies.

Key maintenance checks before travel:

  • Inspect tire pressure, tread depth, and overall tire condition
  • Check engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid
  • Test lights, turn signals, and brake lights
  • Ensure brakes are functioning properly with no unusual noises or vibrations
  • Verify spare tire, jack, and emergency kit are present and usable
  • Confirm windshield wipers are in good condition for weather readiness

Preventive maintenance reduces the risk of mechanical failure and improves overall road safety.

Boat Safety: Life Jackets Save Lives

For those participating in recreational boating or water activities, drowning remains a leading cause of preventable fatalities often due to lack of preparation or failure to wear a life jacket.

Boat and water safety practices include:

  • Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket
  • Ensure life jackets are properly sized and in good condition
  • Never operate a boat under the influence of alcohol
  • Check weather conditions before heading out on the water
  • File a float plan so others know your location and return time
  • Maintain safe speeds and watch for other vessels and obstacles

Even strong swimmers should wear life jackets—unexpected conditions such as cold water, fatigue, or currents can quickly become life-threatening.

Remembering the Purpose of Memorial Day

While enjoying time with family and friends, it is important to remember the meaning of Memorial Day. This holiday honors the men and women who lost their lives in military service to the United States. Their sacrifice is the reason we gather, travel, and spend time with loved ones during this long weekend.

Taking safety seriously is one way we show respect for that sacrifice, by protecting our own lives and the lives of those around us.

Memorial Day weekend should end the same way it begins; safely.

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