Facilities Services Directory

The Business Operations office handles crucial financial, administrative, and logistical tasks. Our dedicated employees undertake a range of accounting responsibilities, from employee timekeeping to work orders and job costs. The Business Operations office directs financial forecasts, manages inventory, and oversees accounts payable and interdepartmental accounts receivable. The office is the driving force behind a detailed canvas of financial and administrative excellence, ensuring the steady rhythm and efficiency of the department's activities.

Facilities Services proudly maintains the buildings and spaces on campus. Our expert carpenters are equipped to provide a diverse array of services, including window and door repair, brick wall and sheet rock work, and ceiling tile and wall finishes. They are also readily available for office furniture assembly, picture hanging, and whiteboard and blackboard installation. Additionally, the carpentry shop collaborates with the paint shop on carpet and tile floor covering installations. This multifaceted approach ensures that the carpenters are not only skilled in traditional carpentry but also in various aspects of enhancing and maintaining the overall functionality and aesthetics of campus spaces.

Custodial services at Tulane University campuses are delivered through a collaborative partnership between our in-house Tulane custodial staff and valued third-party vendor HES. To uphold our commitment to environmental sustainability, Tulane actively engages with local and national vendors, ensuring the implementation of environmentally conscious and sustainable cleaning practices that align with our Green Cleaning standards.

Services we provide at no cost:

• Daily general cleaning
• Daily restroom cleaning
• Daily removal of waste and recycling
• Classroom, lab and office cleaning 
• Sweeping, mopping, burnishing, carpet care and annual floor polishing 
• Windows: inside and outside

The following services are provided for an additional charge. An interdepartmental transfer (IT) must be completed to initiate your request.

• Cleaning outside of normal operating hours and areas
• Refrigerator cleaning 
• Cleaning that requires additional staff
• Floor projects outside of the scheduled annual polishing

The Electrical Services team at Tulane University plays a critical role in managing, testing, and operating all high-voltage electrical systems owned by the university. This encompasses a range of systems, including electrical distribution systems, underground feeders, electrical step-down transformers, and high-voltage switchgears. The department employs infrared technology and underground feeder test analyses to ensure the reliability of the university's underground electrical distribution and emergency backup system.

University transformers and switchgears also undergo annual testing and cleaning, guaranteeing the continuous functioning of the electrical infrastructure. This proactive approach ensures that the lights stay on when needed. During storms and adverse weather conditions, the Electrical Services group is responsible for switching power from Entergy to Cogen to ensure the university's power reliability.

The Electrical Services team is committed to compliance with the National Electrical Code, and adheres to all federal, state, and local regulations governing the operation and maintenance of the electrical cogenerating system. Their vigilant and proactive approach underscores their dedication to maintaining a dependable and safe electrical infrastructure for the university.

From caring for the campus's 1,065 trees to carrying out excavations for utility repairs and installations, the Grounds team at Tulane University takes on a multifaceted role overseeing campus maintenance and beautification. As well as general landscape management, Grounds is also at the forefront of enhancing campus aesthetics, directing the design, installation, and maintenance of campus signage.

The Grounds team works under the guidance of the Campus Landscape Architect when undertaking new landscape construction projects to ensure a cohesive and visually appealing environment. Tulane's commitment to environmental stewardship is evident in its recognition as a "Tree Campus USA" since 2010. Grounds plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the campus trees through proper fertilization and pruning.

The responsibilities of the Grounds team extend beyond landscaping to include drainage system design, installation, and maintenance. Department supervisors sit on the Storm Water Management Committee chaired by Campus Planning. A dedicated technician manages campus irrigation, maintaining over 2,000 sprinkler heads and 47 control boxes. The team also stays prepared for emergencies with a stockpile of over 1,000 sandbags.

The Grounds team also manages off-campus properties such as city neutral grounds and fraternity buildings. This includes sweeping all campus and surrounding city streets and managing asphalt and cement repairs and installations. The Grounds team also sets up, maintains, and removes garbage cans, recycling bins, and barricades for various campus events.

The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) department is responsible for maintaining optimal temperature and humidity levels in all indoor campus spaces, ensuring a conducive learning environment for students, faculty, and staff. The majority of buildings are remotely monitored through a campus-wide building automation system. This system ensures cost-efficient performances by scheduling operation parameters for building HVAC systems. It also provides valuable information to HVAC technicians in the field for analysis and problem resolution.

Preventive maintenance is a key focus for the HVAC department. This encompasses tasks such as lubrication, belt adjustments, filter replacements, and repairs for all air handling units across campus. Technicians are also responsible for troubleshooting and calibrating HVAC direct digital control throughout the entire system, ensuring the seamless operation and reliability of the university's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning infrastructure.

The department also oversees small refrigeration systems, including water coolers and ice makers.

Comprising over 500 acres of rural land located south of the lower coast of Algiers in Plaquemines Parish, the F. Edward Hebert Center is home to the Tulane University Biodiversity Research Department. The grounds also comprise part of the Lower Coast Field Station, a program of the Tulane ByWater Institute. The Field Station is a place for scientific research and connecting across disciplines. For more information, go to the Studio in the Woods webpage for the Field Station.

The center also hosts several buildings that are storage units for different university departments. Facilities Services runs the grounds and general maintenance shops at the Hebert Center along with the cabinetry shop and its skilled finish carpenters that design and assemble custom order cabinets for university offices, laboratories, and classrooms.

The key shop at Facilities Services plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of the campus. They manage all aspects of campus keying and locks, including the ordering and installation of signs, plaques, and door number plates. Locksmiths handle both general and specialized lock services, cutting and delivering keys and installing and maintaining door hardware such as closers, lock sets, doorknobs, panic bar devices, Detex brand exit door security stations, and ADA push buttons. They are also well-versed in managing power supplies and controls for automatic doors.

The key shop works closely with both Splash Card Services and the carpentry shop to maintain proper door operations. This not only ensures a smooth flow of key and lock services but also contributes to a safe and secure building environment across the campus. The meticulous attention to detail in their services underscores the key shop's commitment to maintaining the integrity and security of campus facilities.

The Life Safety department at Tulane University is committed to guaranteeing a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, and staff. The department provides comprehensive services crucial to the university's operations, including the mandatory testing, inspection, and maintenance of fire/life safety systems in all campus buildings.

Our Life Safety specialists work diligently to ensure that the university's fire/life safety systems meet the standards set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and other industry codes. Department technicians promptly address and correct any fire code violations. Their work includes the maintenance of various suppression systems such as fire pumps, fire extinguishers, chemical suppression hoods, halon or intergern systems, and sprinkler systems. Technicians are also responsible for maintaining all fire extinguishers and fire detection systems including alarms, smoke detectors, pull stations, horns, and strobes.

The Life Safety department also oversees the work of external contractors involved in modifying or repairing university fire systems. A Life Safety crew is asked to be on hand at university-based special events and major sporting gatherings in order to ensure the overall safety and well-being of the university community when conditions or the university fire marshal requires it.

From scheduled maintenance to emergency repairs, the Motor Pool Garage Shop ensures the reliable upkeep of various university vehicles. Skilled technicians handle a diverse fleet of golf carts, commercial construction and service equipment, lawn mowers, tractors, and trailers. Their responsibilities extend to maintaining the fuel management system, overseeing vehicle gasoline storage, and keeping pumps ready to dispense fuel to any authorized university vehicle around the clock. This proactive approach ensures the efficient operation and longevity of the university's range of vehicles.

Moving Services provides labor to assist departments with:

• Event set up and break down
• Special event assistance for events such as Commencement, concerts, sporting events
• Equipment transfers, excluding items that require a technician expertise 
• Basic furniture/equipment assembly, set up, and configuration
• Office moves 
• Emergency operation assistance
• Junk removal 
• General labor assistance/providing a helping hand 
• Heavy material moves 

All of the services below are provided for an additional charge. An Interdepartmental Transfer (IT) must be completed and routed to us at least 3 business days prior to your move date. Please note our department is not a professional moving company. Facilities Services does not assume responsibility for any damages that may occur as well as we do not provide on- or off-site storage of items and materials. 

• General moving and delivery services
• Furniture moving - Moving of furniture from one office to another, one building to another, or to storage at the Hebert Center in Belle Chasse is funded by the department requesting service. Facilities will provide labor, boxes, and equipment handling needed to complete the move. The requesting department is expected to have all items suitably packed prior to the move. Although every effort will be made to assure safe handling, all damages and losses are the risk of the requesting department.
• Furniture pool - A limited amount of surplus reusable furniture is stored at the Hebert Center by Facilities for the Property Manager (purchasing agent). With the prior clearance of the Property Manager (865-5219), Facilities will remove items from storage, make necessary repairs if desired, and deliver them to the requested location as funded by the requesting department.
• Furniture rental - Items such as tables, chairs, tents, and party goods can be rented through Support Services by submitting a job order or an IT. Charges for this service will be based on actual man-hour expenditures.
• Moving furniture and equipment. This ranges from moving a single desk to moving an entire department from one building or floor to another
• Set-up of tables, chairs, and stage for commencement and other special events and returning same to storage
• Collecting and hauling trash from residence halls, including old mattresses, pallets, and broken furniture
• Pick-up of bulk mailings for Admission Office and Business School and delivery to downtown Post Office
• Pick-up and delivery of surplus furniture and equipment to and from the Belle Chasse bunkers

The Operations & Maintenance (O&M) team at Tulane University is a dynamic group of general maintenance workers equipped to handle a wide range of building service and maintenance tasks. Their expertise covers a broad spectrum of essential functions, from routine activities like changing light bulbs and upkeeping common areas to more specific concerns such as door issues, plumbing repair, and broken toilets. 

General maintenance workers are assigned to specific zones across the campuses, ensuring that every building has adequate support. Our O&M team members take on responsibilities such as hanging banners, swiftly responding to emergencies within their designated buildings, investigating issues like natural gas smells, water leaks, clogged drains, and fixing malfunctions in elevators. 

Collaboration is fundamental for the O&M team, which works closely with Grounds to coordinate both indoor and outdoor pest control efforts. Whether ensuring a well-lit and functional space or promptly responding to unexpected challenges, the O&M team plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall functionality and appearance of Tulane University's facilities.

The Paint Shop at Tulane University collaborates with local paint suppliers, university designers, and interior decorators to enhance and beautify various campus spaces. The team is staffed with skilled painters and finishers capable of taping, floating, sanding and painting any sheetrock wall or ceiling. Their capacities also include the installation of certain floor coverings like carpets. 

The Paint Shop's impact is not only confined to indoor spaces: workers also enhance the aesthetic of the campus grounds. From trim and building exteriors to lawn furniture, light poles, and signs, their work contributes to creating a vibrant and well-maintained university environment.

The Plumbing Shop at Tulane University is committed to ensuring a reliable water supply for various campus facilities, including restrooms, water fountains, showers, washing machines, and dining spaces. Working closely with other skilled trades, the shop's licensed plumbers offer a broad array of services including drain cleaning, water leak detection, monitoring, and repairs. Staff also conduct regular maintenance on the university's commercial plumbing systems, and promptly respond to service calls around the clock. 

The Plumbing Shop also oversees scheduled water line and equipment shutdowns, and provides water softener, filter, and conditioning services. The shop is licensed by the state, so its employees are equipped to handle renovations ranging in scope from a single fixture installation to retrofitting entire bath and restroom projects. Their comprehensive approach ensures the efficient operation and longevity of the university's plumbing infrastructure.

The plant operations department is responsible for the operations of a combined heat and power plant that provides electric power and steam heat. The power plant has a peak load of 7 MW and a power generating capacity of 5 MW. The plant operations department has 5 centrifugal chillers with a total combined capacity of 11,000 tons, two gas fired boilers and one-heat recovery boiler, used to generate the steam that is required to heat the campus buildings, and research centers. These boilers have a total steam generating capacity of 102,500 lbs. per hour.

The utilities section of plant operations is responsible for providing utilities for the university 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Safety, reliability, and efficiency are the main goals. Services provided include maintenance and operation of the equipment in the power plant and buildings. Its staff keeps all power plant operating systems in good repair to make the campus a comfortable, safe and an attractive place. Our expertise includes but is not limited to rotation equipment operation and maintenance, utilities management, energy conservation, and maintenance. 

The power plant's responsibilities include the following services: HVAC, temperature control, energy management, elevator, fire, sprinkler, emergency generator, autoclaves, water treatment, equipment, and much more. Additionally, this group is also responsible for the 24/7 operations of the Central Cooling/Heating Plant, which provides cooling and heating for about 85% of our buildings on campus. Plant operations also serves as the after-hours call center for all campus emergency maintenance issues. A campus as large and complex as Tulane University can face facilities-related issues that must be addressed promptly. The engineer on duty in the power plant dispatches trade-specialized personnel who are on site and on-call to address these emergencies. 

Utility services we provide at no cost: 

• Maintenance and repair of mechanical systems in all campus buildings. Window units, direct expansion (DX or package) systems, water coolers, refrigeration equipment, chilled water units and the central plant system serving academic buildings and residence halls. Maintenance and repair of controls for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in all campus buildings. 
• Unscheduled/emergency repairs and regular preventive maintenance for: 
  • Steam lines, steam traps, chilled water lines 
  • Air handlers 
  • Chilled water pumps, heating hot water pumps, outside sump pumps, fire pumps, condensate pumps 
  • Boilers 
  • Chillers 
  • Cooling towers 

The power plant operates and maintains the central plant, which generates steam and chilled water for heating and cooling of most campus buildings. It also responds to certain service calls:

• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) operating costs for all academic buildings 
• Heating and cooling systems 
• Routine, preventive, and unscheduled/emergency maintenance of air conditioners (window units and DX units) in academic buildings and residence halls 
• Maintenance of built-in drinking fountains 
• Thermostat calibration 
• Air handler controls 
• Pneumatic, electronic, and digital control 

Utility services we provide for an additional charge:

An Interdepartmental Order (IT) must be completed to initiate your request. All refrigerators and freezers must have refrigerant evacuated before disposal.

• Renovation or new construction of above systems 
• HVAC costs for residence halls, faculty houses, and auxiliary services, including food services and athletics (billed annually by Interdepartmental Transfer, IT) 
• Renovation or replacement of HVAC systems 
• Refrigerators (portable and laboratory) 
• Freezers and walk-in coolers Fans (portable or pedestal) 
• Ice makers 
• Water bottle filling stations
• Refrigerant removal 

Refuse services at our campus are managed through a dedicated third-party vendor. Dumpsters are strategically positioned around campus for convenient and centralized refuse collection. Collection schedules vary based on location to ensure timely and effective waste removal. It's important to note that certain items fall under prohibited categories for disposal. This includes, but is not limited to, biohazard waste, chemical waste, and oversized items such as furniture, refrigerators, and old lab equipment. Adhering to these guidelines helps maintain a safe and efficient waste disposal system while preserving the integrity of our campus environment. 

For more information or to request a temporary dumpster be placed near your office or department, please contact us. 

Please provide ample time for these requests to be processed due to coordination with other university service providers.

The Support Services team works hand-in-hand with the Recycling and Grounds teams to take charge of refuse collection and custodial services, ensuring a welcoming and tidy environment for the university community.

As the go-to for various support services, our team provides crucial assistance for the setup and breakdown of events. We also help departments with basic office moving and assembling furniture. Whether it's lending a hand with labor-intensive tasks or preparing spaces for various activities, we are committed to contributing to the overall efficiency and positive atmosphere of Tulane's campuses.