Move-In Accomplished: A Look at DSF’s Successful Preparation

Published by Costanzo on August 25, 2023

The reviews are in: Fall Move-In 2023 was a tremendous success. Baxter and Sharon have already shared their praise for all the work that went into getting our campuses ready, but we thought we’d add a little more context with numbers and pictures. The effort and thought that went into the whole process is truly impressive, especially when compared to years gone by. Thank you to everyone who contributed!

Over 2,200 student FixIt requests have been completed since August 16.
Over 3,500 cards issued in person by the GWorld Office.
Another 2,500 cards preprinted and issued through Housing check-in sites.
About 1,300 VEX trips during move-in.
Nearly 1,500 meals served by the BIG admin. That includes about 500 breakfasts and almost 1000 lunches.
Almost 200 sets of windows replaced in residence hall student units.
Almost 130 beds added to Guthridge.
Almost 400 new lower bowl seats added to Smith Center.
1 new grocery market and 30 new banquettes added to District House.
3 new food venues, 70 new tables, and over 200 new chairs added to USC.
Over 700 shoppers at Sustainability’s first ever Reuse Market.
Almost 4,000 items given away at the Reuse Market. That’s nearly 6,000 pounds of home essentials, clothing, and kitchenware.

And here’s a quick look at busy DSF staff across campus, with special appearances by President Granberg and Vice Provost Coleman.

Five Star FixIt Reviews 8/25/2023

Published by stephanie.stinfort on August 25, 2023

The positive reviews are still pouring in from earlier in 2023! Keep up the great work!

Terrence Branch for creating cabinet keys for Support Building: “Terry got the job done within a 24-hour period! Fastest ever! He is always so accommodating.”
Carlos Danbney for Vacuuming floor at Science and Engineering Hall: “Thanks so much!”
Raymond Wallace for fixing a door lock in Enterprise Hall: “Immediate service much appreciated.”
Julio Martinez for creating and installing new cubicle sign at Support Building: “Julio is always courteous and efficient and does an excellent job.”
Leule Ambaye for replacing a door holder at Bell Hall: “Thank you for the prompt service.”
Michael Akyea for replacing lamps at Ross Hall: “Mike always does a phenomenal job and has excellent customer service skills. He is friendly and a great electrician who is able to explain everything to me in laymans terms”
Julio Martinez for creating and installing a nameplate insert at Enterprise Hall: “It was quick”
Adolfo Palacios for changing the lock and securing the door to the roof at Tompkins Hall: “Great job, done very quickly and professionally”
Tony Standard for unclogging a bathroom sink in Francis Scott Key: “Thank you for handling this in a timely manner”
William Perez for fixing HVAC unit at Phillips Hall: “No problems. Thanks”
Giovanny Ruiz for fixing HVAC unit at Grad School Of Education and Human Development: “Not sure who did it, but it worked! The classrooms had air conditioning and the students rejoiced.”
Brian Johnson and Victor Saunders for completing a large ecycling pick up: “Thank you for completing this bulk waste electronics pickup this week. Warmly, Kris”
William Vigil for his maintenance service to a stove at West Hall: “thank you so much! I know it was something small but they were noticeably getting pretty bad and I didn’t want it to become a hazard. I’m glad it was handled quickly and am overall very appreciative!”
Yared Yirgu for fixing thermostat issue at Ross Hall: “Thank you for your follow-up and assistance.”
Jose Chevez for unclogging shower drain at South Hall: “Great and quick !”
Benyam Ngussie, Yared Yirgu and Stephen Ankoma for cooling several classrooms at Phillips Hall:”You got the job done! Thanks!”
Souk Vongs for replacing a Peloton bike seat at Enterprise Hall: ” Appreciate the immediate installation of the replacement bike seat post in the VSTC gym for safety reasons.”
Anthony Baylor for unclogging a toilet and shower drain at District House: “Timely and friendly, thank you”
Brian Johnson and Mark Jones for the bulk trash pick up at Support Building: ” Thank you!”
Brian Johnson and Mark Jones for the ecycling pickup at Science and Engineering Hall: “Thank You!”
Brian Johnson and Victor Saunders for ecycle pickup at Science and Engineering Hall: “Thank you for performing this bulk pickup quickly and cleanly.”
Roger White for his in person check in regarding an event set up at Enterprise: “I appreciate Roger checking in with me in person to ensure all was set up as requested. All needs met, thanks!”
Sara Bautista for doing a thorough vacuum at Enterprise Hall: “It looked beautiful – I was so embarrassed for spilling my nuts, but the cleanup was phenomenal. Thank you so much.”
Tim Lindsey and Souk Vongs for setting up and taking down a room at Exploration Hall: “We appreciate the immediate response to setting up and taking down the room for the Loudoun County Election Polling group which is scheduled 2-3 times a year.”
Souk Vongs for resetting a thermostat at Innovation Hall: “Technician was courteous and helpful.”

From the Desk of Baxter Goodly: An Extraordinary Move-In

Published by Costanzo on August 25, 2023

Team,

I want to take a moment to recognize your efforts and express my sincerest appreciation for a tremendously successful move-in. The planning, collaboration, hard work and, most of all, your dedication made this a truly extraordinary experience for our students and families. Compliments for this year’s move-in have been pouring in. And, importantly, the data shows that we are improving our performance year over year. As an example, let’s look at our move-in urgent and emergency work order phases. The number of phases reflects our level of readiness. During the 2021 move-in, we responded to 1,628 urgent & emergency work order phases. In 2022, we serviced 1,189 phases and this year, our move-in phases dropped to 884. That is a decrease of 46% since 2021 and is a clear indication of how much we have improved!

That level of improvement only happens through exceptional leadership, working towards a common purpose and a relentless pursuit of excellence. And I firmly believe that the Zone structure we established nearly two years ago is paying dividends. This year’s results prove that “Own Your Zone” is not just a slogan — it’s key to proactive maintenance, efficient customer service and continuous improvement. Equally important are the many building improvement projects (large and small) that occurred throughout the summer.

Of course, accomplishing such a feat is never about one department — it takes the entire FPCM team moving together towards the FPCM Mission: “Fostering an inviting campus environment through exemplary delivery of facilities services.” And this year’s move-in was truly a team effort. Facilities, Buildings and Grounds (FBG), Transportation and Logistics (T&L), Construction Management and Campus Planning (CM/CP), Utilities, Energy and Engineering (UEE), the Business Integration Group (BIG) and our ABM partners all played critical roles. Thanks to all of your efforts, the Academic year is off to a great start.

WELL DONE!

All the best,

Baxter

Event: George Talks Business Featuring President Ellen M. Granberg

Published by Costanzo on August 23, 2023

DSF: Here’s an opportunity to learn about our brand new President, Ellen M. Granberg, from her own point of view. Learn more about her professional journey in academia and industry, her early impressions and discussions with the GW community, and what leadership means to her at this pivotal moment in higher education. Dean Anuj Mehrotra will serve as moderator. Registration is required to attend.

Wednesday, September 6
6:30 – 7:15 p.m. EDT
Jack Morton Auditorium

Register

Five Star FixIt Reviews 8/21/2023

Published by stephanie.stinfort on August 21, 2023

Lets give a round of applause to this weeks Kudos Recipients!

Aaron Ferebee for repainting a kitchen faucet and replacing toilet at 1959 E ST: “he was great!”
Julio Martinez for creating and installing a new/updated cubicle sign at Support Building: “Julio used an old sign and was able to add a third name to it, therefore not wasting materials! I am always impressed by his work.”
Gary Lee and HVAC team for resetting a thermostat to cooling setting at South Hall: “The gentlemen who came in to fix our AC were swift and extremely polite. Would want them to come every time I had an issue.”
Carl Bryant, Brian Johnson, Mark Jones and Shaunte Wilkins assisting with move from Kogan Plaza to Student Center: “Brian, Carl and the rest of the team were a delight to work with”
Julio Martinez for creating and installing a new cubicle sign at Ross Hall: “Thank you”
Gregory Rinks for disconnecting smoke detector and rerouting to United Security: “Super prompt response!”
Jose Melgar for unclogging the bathroom sink drain at Madison Hall: “Great job, quick response and left much better than when it was working prior to the issue with the sink.”
Nestor Fuentes for Unclogging a bathtub drain at International House: “Very polite and professional. He explained what caused the issue clearly, and was quick and efficient in resolving the problem. Very happy with the service.”
Michael Akyea for replacing lights at Ross Hall: “Mike was great installing the light timer and fixing all lights out.”
The Event Set Up and Support Team for assisting in a move and set up at Science and Engineering Hall: “The guys came back quickly when we needed an extra table. They were the BEST!”
Esther Eshun for providing housekeeping services at Support Building: “Thank you so much!”
Anthony Bethea for patching and painting a wall in District House: “I wasn’t home when they came to fix the wall, but I came back and it looked brand new! A relief with move-out being soon.”
Jodien Gordon for repairing a dresser at Somers Hall: “The employee was very courteous and helpful!”
Tony Standard for mending a leaky valve at Guthridge Hall: “My technician was so kind— he not only fixed the issue professionally (a leak under my sink) but actually put the items that go under my sink back for me. He also fixed the water pressure on my bathroom sink as well after noticing it wasn’t very strong. I unfortunately did not get his name, but am so grateful for the kindness he showed me!”
Yared Yirgu for restoring lab to a comfortable temperature at Science and Engineering Hall: “GREAT”
Victor Aguilar for cleaning services to the white boards at Enterprise Hall: “The request was fulfilled in a timely manner.”
Yared Yirgu for fixing a thermostat issue at Ross Hall: “He was amazing!! He kept coming back to make sure the job was done well and complete!”
Benyam Negussie and Freddy Espinoza for adjusting the temperature at Jacob Burns Law Library: “Thank you so much! I appreciate the communications regarding the status of this ticket, the timely response to the ticket, and the results – our staff have responded that the temperature is noticeably cooler and much more comfortable. We are grateful for the Facilities team!”
Michael Graham for disconnecting an overhead light at Media and Public Affairs: “Very quick and effective response. Thank you!”
Benyam Negussie and Freddy Espinoza for adjusting the temperature at Bell Hall: “Thank you for the quick response.”

Goodbye and Good Luck to John Kane and Steve Ferrara

Published by Costanzo on August 20, 2023

Two more valuable FPCM teammates are leaving us for new beginnings. John Kane was always a friendly face during his 46 years at GW and he knew every inch of our campuses. He’s headed into a richly deserved retirement, though we’re sad to see him go. Meanwhile, Steve Ferrara had a much shorter tenure as part of FPCM, but he made his mark by shepherding us through the major Thurston renovation. He and his family are off to Brown University where he’ll no doubt once again prove himself to be a major player in construction management. Below you’ll find photos from their goodbye parties.

From the Desk of Sharon Reich Paulsen: Well Done

Published by Costanzo on August 18, 2023

Dear Safety & Facilities Team –

August always ushers in the busiest time of year for this team as you all diligently prepare to welcome our students back for the new academic year. I wanted to take a few moments to say the campuses look great, inside and out! Thank you for all your work and effort this summer to get us to this point.

Today we are ready to welcome new and returning students alike, as well as their families. We are ready because of you. Thank you for all you have done individually and collectively throughout each unit and department of Safety & Facilities to prepare for the fall semester while still maintaining excellent daily operations. You have truly made a difference.

There is still much work to be done, especially over the course of the next few weeks. Based on all that I have seen I know this team will continue to deliver and help make our entire community comfortable and happy to be back, and proud to be GW Revolutionaries. Raise High!

I look forward to seeing you during move-in!

With thanks and appreciation,
Sharon Reich Paulsen
Executive Vice President and Chief Administration Officer

Five Star FixIt Reviews 8/18/23

Published by stephanie.stinfort on August 18, 2023

Congratulations to today’s list of five-star employees!

Courtland Newell, Leroy Keys, Alexis White, Terence Taylor, Terrance Bell and Ronetta Lane for fixing a clogged and overflowing toilet: “Excellent service. Had an emergency fixit near midnight and technicians came right away to solve my problem. Problem was totally gone and fixed by the morning.”
Steven Wilson for installing a new window screen at Amsterdam Hall: “Really timely and the screens he put in seem sturdy. He was very nice and the whole thing was quick and easy.”
Jose Melgar for unclogging a shower drain at International House: “The gentleman was very polite, and left the site as clean as when he arrived. Really great service.”
John Swieczkowski and Terence Taylor for fixing a malfunctioning sink drain stopper at District House: “THEY WERE GREAT”
Victor Saunders for replacing a broken dresser at District House: “Thank you for the service! The technicians were great and extremely nice! I appreciate everything facilities does to keep the campus working well and fixing anything that needs to be fixed. I had a fixit request prior to this one and the service and response time was also great. Thank you all so much!”
Wallace Vauss for replacing the water filter on the bottle filling station at Phillips Hall: “excellent and speedy resolution! Thanks.”
Aaron Ferebee for unclogging a sink drain at Thurston Hall: “SUPER CLEAN SINK NO VOMIT”
Terrence Branch for creating multiple keys for Support Building: “This job was completed in record time! Terry is always a professional.”
Terence Taylor for unclogging a sink drain and restoring the water pressure at District house: “They responded to the request in a timely matter and fixed everything perfectly!”
Jose Guzman for replacing a missing ceiling tile at Ross Hall: He is always very friendly and extremely helpful. I am always happy to see him”
Ashley Nicholas for assisting in replacing stained and odorous carpet with LVT at MVC Academic building: “Love the new flooring!”
William Perez for replacing the air filter and switching system to cooling mode in Phillips Hall: “Thank you!”
Aaron Ferebee for replacing a leaky faucet at Mitchell Hall: “I have never been more satisfied with the work that has been done in Mitchell Hall. It was quick, the worksite (the bathroom) was left incredibly clean, and the technician was very courteous. Thank you!”
Terrence Branch for replacing the access lock batteries at Science and Engineering Hall: “Technician was very nice!”
Debebe Bemeke for replacing stove burners and pan at Shenkman Hall: “Great!! He did an excellent job! thanks so much!”
Victor McKay for replacing bulb in stove fixture at Shenkman Hall: “Great experience! The fix was super fast and non intrusive, if they hadn’t left a note we wouldn’t have even known they came in.”
Debebe Demeke for fixing a dishwasher at Shenkman Hall: “Our fix it person was very helpful and attentive and even changed our vent and stove drip pans. He was quick, respectful, and courteous.”
Christopher Gammon and William McKnight for fixing the thermostat at Mitchell Hall: “The technicians were great!”
Antoine Swilling, Louis Everett and George Clemons for treating a moth issue at District House: “The fixit guys were fantastic! Thanks so much!”
William Perez and HVAC Team for replacing thermostat at Lafayette Hall: “All of the employees that helped to work on the thermostat issue were super cordial and amazing, and worked the best they could with the issues that arose.”

DSF Field Trip to Nats Park

Published by Costanzo on August 18, 2023

DSF went out to the ol’ ball game this past Tuesday after giving away about 50 tickets to staff. A fun time was had by all despite the Nationals’ on-field performance (they lost 5-4). Thanks to those who stopped by to enjoy a night outdoors before move-in got into full swing!

GW George cheers on Nats George as he crosses the finish line to win the presidents race.

Student Staff Appreciation BBQ

Published by stephanie.stinfort on August 18, 2023

Last Thursday, the student staff at Facilities Central were treated to a special appreciation BBQ hosted by Dionne Thomas and FBG. The event was filled with laughs, good food, and games. Their dedication to their zones this summer did not go unnoticed, and Dionne and Harold Speed both took a moment to say a few words of thanks. We appreciate the student staff and all they have done and continue to do as we prepare for move-in.