Changes to Custodial Services

David S. O’Brien, Assistant Vice President for Business Affairs

Budget reductions at the University of Florida have caused the Physical Plant Division to re-examine our business practices and some changes to services will result from the belt-tightening. Beginning in July, there will be modest adjustments to the daily and/or weekly services offered by our custodians so that they will be able to continue to maintain our ever-growing campus. For example, emptying trash cans in offices will be done once a week (on Fridays) instead of the current three times a week and vacuuming in offices will be reduced to twice a month (1st and 3rd Tuesdays). Building stairwells will be cleaned once each week (Thursdays) and glass doors and entryways will be cleaned each Monday.

Also, it is important to note that these changes will not apply to common areas such as restrooms, hallways, entryway and lobby floors, eating areas and break rooms, classrooms, auditoriums, and labs, conference/meeting rooms, and clinical areas. Our customers can help us with this transition by disposing of food items in areas that will continue to be serviced daily (such as break rooms) instead of in office wastebaskets, and, of course, by continuing to recycle office paper whenever possible.

It may be necessary to reassign some staff positions to other buildings from where they currently work in order for us to effectively transition to the new expectations. We believe the changes will not create undue hardships for our employees or our customers. As always, PPD’s goal will be to provide the best service that we can. Your support while we undergo these changes is appreciated.