Operations Division FY20 Annual Report

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TO OUR
PARTNERS
Sean childers, associate
vice president for
operations Division
The school year 2020, if anything, can be defined as one of the biggest
challenges of our generation. The fall semester started as normal with
academics, athletics and other regular activities. The campus was busy,
projects were underway and the day-to-day activities seemed to be
hustling along like any other fall semester. It was the spring semester
that provided an opportunity for the Operations Division (OD) to pull
together and step up in a way that shows the true professionalism and
devotion of each and every person on our team! As I look through notes
and think back over the activities that occurred from March through
August; the accolades, appreciation and above and beyond service by all
involved cannot be complimented enough! When the decision was made
to close the campus due to COVID 19, the Operations Division was still at
work. Grounds still had to maintain the campus to include the hosting
of a virtual Arbor Day; Custodial still had to clean buildings in the midst
of relearning and retooling to accommodate COVID guidelines and best
practices; BMC walked and maintained buildings to include the clean
up of a water leak within the Animal and Food Science building; ODPA
worked with the registrar’s office on classroom capacities for the summer
and fall semesters along with a System Building renovation that included
multiple office moves; Engineering Services still managed several projects
around campus while mitigating COVID related delays and closures;
Business Services still processed payments and receivables, began
sourcing PPE for the campus and maintained the continuous receipt and
distribution of mail and packages for the campus; Transportation and
Parking Services continued renewing passes while keeping the buildings
secure and taking the lead in meeting with the building safety officers
to coordinate and implement the signage and notification roll out;
and the CHACP plants monitored building conditions as research and
online teaching instructional spaces had to be maintained all the while
producing steam and chilled water for both campuses. It was almost like
we never really closed, even with the TTU community gone, facilities and
campus support had to go on.
With all of that said, everything was taken care of to the best of anyone’s
ability. In May, the Operations Division shifted gears and had to learn and
implement the process of how to safely prepare and open back up the
campus. Although a daunting task in regard to the health requirements
associated with COVID, it was an opportunity that was overcome. As a
University, we had to adapt to and learn how to function in the midst of
changing CDC and governmental regulations and protocols. The question
at hand was, how do we keep our team safe and how does our team
provide a safe environment for the Staff, Faculty and Students as they
migrate back the “new” normal of day to day operations? In the midst
of everything, the appropriate safety measures were taken to screen and
track employees, continually sanitize and disinfect work areas and the
campus, properly social distance and wear masks along with other safety
protocols that were implemented so that the campus was made ready
for everyone’s return. In addition to new staff protocols, facilities were
readied to include air handlers being serviced, air filters being changed,
wellness stations and hand sanitizer dispensers distributed, plexi glass
dividers provided, water fountains shut down, paper towel dispensers
installed in all restrooms, over 30,000 signs installed and disinfectant
wipes made available for all, including those placed in every classroom.
These steps are just a small part of what occurred and were in addition
to the regular upkeep of the campus that had to be maintained. All in all
I think under the very dedicated leadership of each of the Directors and
their teams, the campus reopened and opened as safely as it could given
the circumstances. It was only possible due to the great team members
we have within the Division that took to heart and carried through with
the “Tech Commitment” campus safety pledge. Thank you again for each
and everyone of you and your diligent efforts to sustain during these
times. Your efforts are recognized and appreciated!
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