December 2014
FACILITIES CONNECTION
Facilities Services Department Update Newsletter
In this issue:
Message from
Management


Current Projects

Future Projects

Employee News

Other Updates
Message from Management
Yes, we survived 2014! In fact, we thrived because of your amazing hard work
and dedication. This past year was filled with many changes– whether it was
staff changes or projects– and with your help we were able to overcome many
obstacles and have a successful year. We are grateful to you for your
tremendous efforts, and we wish you a rewarding, joyous new year. We look
forward to our work together in 2015.
Thank you, Facilities Management
Current Project Updates
Old Science Building Demolition

Wright Brothers Construction is still planning to finish the parking lot and wall this winter. The
McFarland/McCarthy alley will remain closed until the project is completed. THANK YOU to
everyone who helped with this project– we wouldn’t have been able to do it without you.
Housing Updates

As usual there will be some repairs made to the residence halls over break. Small projects include:

Window replacement in two units at University Housing
 Ceiling repairs in Robertson
 Miscellaneous repairs that were left over from summer
Field House Improvements

The new exterior doors will be replaced the week of December 15th. New grid and ceiling tile
will be installed between the new doors.
Vangstad Renovation

This project continues to move forward at a slow pace. Asbestos removal will begin as soon as
the bid is accepted. Once the asbestos is removed the project will be able to move full steam
ahead. If you would like to know any specifics of the project, contact Ron or Pat.
President’s Office Remodel

In preparation for our new president, Dr. Tisa Mason, the President’s Office being remodeled.
New built-ins, wallpaper, and trim is being installed. We are working to give our new president a
“new” space while keeping the “old” feel of McFarland Hall.
Upcoming Projects
Stay tuned for updates on our upcoming projects….

NEW Boiler Plant

NEW Fine Arts Building

NEW Fitness and Wellness Center

McFarland Hall Stabilization (continuation of
progress down first floor hallway)
Employee News
NEW HIRES
We have had several new hires/position transitions in the last few months to fill the gaps within our department due to retirements
and other unforeseen vacancies.
Kevin Knight:
General Maintenance/Locksmith
Russell Marker:
Heat Plant Operator/Fireman
If you haven’t done so already, stop by and introduce yourself to the new members of our team!
OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS:

On an annual basis, Valley City State University employees are required to review and acknowledge receipt of selected policies,
procedures and information. Since you’ve already completed the Annual Notification of Policies, you are only required to view
the Theft and Fraud plus Code of Conduct Training this fall. The deadline to complete the training is December 31, 2014. (See
email sent by Human Resources.)

The State Board of Higher Education is beginning its search for the next Chancellor of the North Dakota University System. Dr.
Larry C. Skogen has been serving as interim chancellor and will return to his position as president of Bismarck State College
next summer. The Chancellor position is expected to be filled by July 1, 2015. - See more at: http://ndus.edu/news/detail.asp?
newsID=249#sthash.Z1V0cFnM.dpuf
Other Department Updates
Work Request and Project Guidelines
Starting in 2015, the Facilities Services Department will be streamlining work requests and project guidelines.
Watch your emails for information concerning these changes as it may affect how you handle work and project
requests.
FAMIS APP
We will be rolling out the FAMIS App to our first test group the week of December 15th. Once we have
thoroughly tested and worked out and remaining issues, the App will be rolled out to the remaining staff
who wish to participate. Watch your email for updates!