Newsletters - May 26, 2026 - Facilities Services

Announcements

Admin & Finance

Announcements

Upcoming Food Trucks at FSC

Birria Boss – May 28 from 11am to 2pm

Pre-Order at: Birria Boss Pre-Order Form – Fill out form

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

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.

Operations

Moving & Event Services

Set up tables and chairs at ANR 101A/B for Event: Eastern Region Clover Bowl.
Picked up tables from Art & Arcitecture Atrium.
Moved furniture and other items from Claxton 407Ato Bailey A231.
Carried AC units from upstairs attic of Sigma Kappa Sorority House to the entry, dinning, and chapter rooms.
Picked up commencement supplies from Food City Center and returned them to Andy Holt Tower 8^th floor and Marble Building storage.
Delivered tables to Strong Hall Atrium outside room 101 for Event: Ambassador Training. Picked up Tuesday morning.
Removed furniture and items out of 11^th Street UTK Police Station rooms 129, 131, 132, 134, 135, 136, and hallway into room 120/120C for renovations.
Removed all furniture and items from Claxton Education Building rooms 209, 210, and 211 into room 224 for renovations.
Removed all furniture and items from College of Law rooms 152, 152A, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 158A, 159, and 159A to the first floor for storage for renovations.
Removed all furniture and other items from College of Law Suite 201 to Law Library and the first floor for renovations.
Removed all furniture and other items from College of Law Suite 337 to the hallway for renovations.
Picked up tables from SERF 3^rd floor and tables and display boards from Ayres Hall 4^th floor following Event: Barrett Lectures.
Moved desk out of 639A to a different location on the 6^th floor.
Moved desks from Ferris Hall rooms 328 and 336 to Conference Center Building room 312C.
Moved furniture from Student Services Building rooms 105B, 105F, and 109K to Academic Resources Building rooms 317A, 311B, and 105A.
Moved furniture between rooms 412, 408, 402, 424, 410, and 428 in the Academic Resources Building.
Picked up and dispose of a large shipping crate from Hesler Biology room 315.
Picked up all Student Disabilities Services chairs in classrooms all across campus and returned them to Blount Hall ground floor.
Moved furniture from Conference Center Building rooms 109, 110B, and 106 to other rooms within the building.
Delivered tables outside of Strong Hall Auditorium for Event: UT Ambassador Training. Pick these up on Friday morning.
Delivered and set up tables and chairs to Communications & Info TV Studio for Event: OCM Monthly Staff Meeting. Picked up at the end of the day.
Provided sound and electrical assistance at Circle Park for Event: Spring Celebration for Faculty.
Moved furniture from Jessie Harris Building basement to Claxton 520B.
Moved boxes and other items from Conference Center Building 3^rd floor cubicle 312T to cubicle 316A.
Moved items from Dougherty room 331 to SERF room 215.
Moved equipment and other items from Dougherty 336C to Zeanah Engineering Building room 415.
Uncrated ultra-low temp freezer at Zeanah Engineering Building and placed it into room 410A.
Picked up unused packing materials from College of Law 1st, 2nd, and 3^rd floors.
Delivered packing materials to UT Drive Building A for upcoming move.

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

Maintenance & Repair

Housing

Working on cleaning up Reese 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:

Zone 3 teams made significant improvements this week to support safe, efficient, and reliable dining operations across campus. Crews completed repairs on coolers, slicers, fryers, coffee makers, hot boxes, hot wells, and a stand mixer while also addressing preventative maintenance needs by cleaning refrigeration coils, deliming steamers, tightening sneeze guards, and improving drainage systems. Additional work included replacing faulty faucets and hood lights, repairing heat lamps, restoring a walk-in freezer door, and continuing progress on dishwasher conveyor repairs. Teams also installed protective covers on sink waste food processors to help prevent future water damage to controls and disconnected gas equipment to support deep cleaning efforts at Stokely Hall.

What’s Declined:

No noticeable decline observed.

This Week’s Attention:

Zone 3 teams are continuing to focus on preventative maintenance efforts to improve equipment reliability and extend the life of critical dining assets. Current priorities include servicing chains, gearboxes, bearings, and motors; cleaning refrigeration coils; replacing water filters; and performing preventative maintenance on exhaust fans. Teams are also evaluating next steps and repair options for a leaking fryer oil tank to ensure continued safe operation.

What Changes Are Happening This Week:

No changes at this point.

Zone 4

Worked on a door in 103A and a water leak in 309
Andy Holt – AC issues in 403C and a ceiling leak in 113
Communications – AC issues in 66C and 116
Student Services – worked on a light in 486
McClung Tower – Worked on AHU #8 chilled water line
General maintenance and filter changes throughout the zone

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 and needed repairs are being addressed

What’s Declined:

A good number of work orders came in last week, so this week we are triaging and addressing as deemed appropriate

What Needs Attention:

Issues at Claxton from leaks

What changes are happening this week:

The response team is assisting in building inspections

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 4^th 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 2^nd floor women’s restroom

Zone 8

What improved last week?

We got several of our AC units running in several buildings to help cool the occupied space.

What declined last week?

Our building heat in the Brehm Animal Science building is having issues and appears to be losing water somewhere or the make up is not adequately keeping up with the closed loop. This is causing issues in some of our labs in Brehm.

Where is attention needed this week?

We will continue to work with portable units to attempt to cool part of the space in the Kingston Pike Building

What changes are happening this week? A

As we get closer to our annual steam outage, we will try to identify steam traps that need repaired/replaced

Lock & Key Services

Lock Repairs at Early Learning Center and Nursing
Andy Holt-Change head and Foot bolts
Chi Omega-Handle replacement
Cherokee Mills-ADA paddle install x4
Chi Omega-Closet handle repair
Chi Omega-Battery Replacement
2023 Lake-Deadbolt install
Humanities-Panic bar repair
Kappa Kappa Gamma-Locks replacement
Austin Peay-File cabinet key impression
Bailey Ed-Lock change
Chi Omega-Battery Change
Baggage Depot- Lock install OIT room
Nielson Physics-Door handle repair
Tickle-change codes on electronic locks
Student Union-Door repair
Sutherland- issue padlocks
Rekeys at Brown Hall, Cherokee Mills, Bailey Education
Rekey suites – Vol Hall (28 Work Orders), Beacon East/West (85 Work Orders), Clement Hall (6 Work Orders), Hess Hall (27 Work Orders), Reese Hall (11 Work Orders), Poplar Hall (18 Work Orders), Laurel Hall (17 work orders), Jessie Harris (1 Work Order)

Comm & Info

Training

What improved last week?
- We began working on reviewing some of our NEO process to plan for a more integrated and focused onboarding program for employees across the department. OSHA numbers are looking really great, so keep up that work.
Where is attention needed this week?
- Kevin and Wayne are both out, so if you need DASH attention, see Rebecca.
What changes are happening this week?
- This week, we will have a low-key development week. We are working on getting ready for some exciting technology training opportunities coming up over the summer!

FS IT

No report received

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?
- N/A
Any critical repairs or outages that were addressed?
- N/A

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?
- Repaired PEX leaks at Geier Hall. Repaired water leak at Neyland Stadium.

What declined last week?
- The excessive workload was challenging due to insufficient staffing.

Where is attention needed this week?
- Working on completing work orders over summer break.

What changes are happening this week?
- Preparing for Steam Week outages.

Any critical repairs or outages that were addressed?
- Major water leak at Neyland Stadium.

Steam Plant

What improved last week?
- Continued work with contractors on new boiler installation.
- Finished relocation and installation of water softeners.
- Replaced air inlet filters on the turbine.
- Set up inspection dates for yearly boiler inspections.
Where is attention needed this week?
- ill continue to work on preparations for upcoming steam outage.
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?
- We put isolated steam headers back in service to check for any issues after contractor work.

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 Banana Ball.
- 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?
- Closed almost all of our older work orders
- Assisting other crews with disables around campus other crews with disables around campus
- Changed batteries in fire panels around campus

What declined last week?
- Carrick Hall 10^th floor fire panel power supply shorted out

Where is attention needed this week?
- Upcoming event Banana Ball
- Normal fire alarm and sprinkler repairs

What changes are happening this week?
- Getting IAMM on 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

In-house Construction

New projects received: 9
New estimate requests received: 7
Construction Projects of Note:
- Stokely Hall Dining Area refresh
  - Replace soffit laminate over food wells, expand seating, lighting
- Classroom Renovations-Min Kao Eng., Claxton Ed. and Morgan Hall
  - Painting, carpeting, lighting, seating, sound panels

Safety Stand Down

Safety at a Glance

May 26

Risk Management Report: 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.

Type of Action	May 26
Reported Injuries	1
Reported Auto Accidents	0
General Liability	0
Reported Near Misses	3
Reported Safety Concerns	2
Reported Safety Suggestions	0

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?

Communication between some units and FS Safety regarding upcoming projects has improved. Earlier coordination allows FS Safety to communicate safety compliance requirements more effectively, support project workflow planning to reduce unnecessary interruptions or shutdowns and enhance overall project safety and efficiency.

What Declined last week?

Making it through the weekend’s activities with no reported injuries or accidents. By the looks of the crowds, that was no easy feat!!

Where is attention needed this week?

Preparing for CIS inspection

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.