About

Mission Statement

The fundamental mission of the Physical Facilities Department is to serve the University’s Strategic mission and its various constituents in a proactive, responsible, and accountable manner. Integral to this mission, Physical Facilities shall maintain, operate, and protect the University facilities and environs in such a way as to provide an atmosphere conducive to learning, safe for the University community, attractive for University visitors and prospective students while preserving the University’s physical heritage for future generations.

Background

The Binghamton campus is spread over 890 acres including a 190-acre nature preserve and wetland area with a six-acre pond. In addition to caring for these grounds, Physical Facilities provides maintenance, renovation and a wide array of other services to nearly 115 buildings.

Repair and maintenance of a building’s infrastructure is generally not chargeable to the requesting state supported department.

Remodeling, changes, alterations, upgrades, additions to building infrastructure, special painting, and repair of departmental equipment and furnishings are generally chargeable to the requesting department. Also, modifications to utility systems to accommodate new or relocated equipment is chargeable.

Rules and Regulations

All modifications to Binghamton University facilities, regardless of complexity, must meet Title 9, "Official Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of New York (NYCRR)"- the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. Any modification, alteration or addition to Binghamton University physical facilities, environs or grounds (regardless of funding source), must be performed by the Physical Facilities department, under its direct supervision or with review and approval of Physical Facilities if performed by a licensed contractor (who must pay prevailing wage). Inspection by the campus building inspector will be required depending on the scope of the project.

Physical Facilities Organization

Physical Facilities has more than 400 full time and part-time staff. The department consists of the following sub-units: Operations, Design, Construction, Long Term Planning, Business Affairs and Administration.

Operations

Operations is responsible for the day-to-day functioning and routine maintenance of buildings, building systems, grounds and utilities.

The Operations team consists of the following:

• Custodians including Event Support and Expediting
• Trades (carpentry, electrical, masonry, plumbing, and painting)
• Grounds and Mechanical Services
• Engineering Services (Zone HVAC/Refrigeration)
• Customer Service Center including Central Receiving/Warehouse
• Lock Shop
• Sign Shop
• Upholstery Shop

Design

The Design team is responsible for the designing projects that are are funded by the Campus, Research Foundation, State of New York and residential resources. Campus maps and drawings are maintained and updated by the Design group.  Staff includes: 

• Architects/Designers
• CAD Operators
• Administrative Support staff

Construction

The Construction entity is primarily responsible for in-house projects funded by campus departments and the Research Foundation. This allows Physical Facilities to respond more quickly to University strategic plan needs such as providing facilities for new faculty and research start-ups.

Our Construction department includes a director, two construction managers and 26 skilled trades people including carpenters, electricians, masons and painters. Projects will be handled on two shifts so that work can be done with minimal impact to campus customers.

Physical Facilities Finance and Resources

Manages budget procurement, Physical Facilities human resources, long term planning and finance, chargeback/project reconciliation, utility and energy conservation including the Central Heating Plant, environmental resource management and Campus Mail Services.

Business Affairs also facilitates interface with the campus Business Office and campus wide business system (Oracle).

Administration

Physical Facilities Information Technology, Communications and Administrative Support are all a part of Administrative Services.

Individuals support the department by coordinating and managing the following:

• Information Technology (IT) provides support for computer hardware and software as well as data management for a wide range of departmental needs. IT also maintains the Physical Facilities server and addresses technology problems as they arise.
• Communications Specialist coordinates information and announcements regarding departmental and Capital construction activities through a variety of communication tools including a listserv, Inside, Dateline, B-line and Binghamton University and Physical Facilities website. The Communications Specialist manages media requests regarding the department, produces a quarterly departmental newsletter, oversees content of departmental website and assists in the development of documents describing department operations and capital planning efforts.
• Administrative Support includes administrative assistants, secretaries and keyboard specialists who play a vital role in scheduling meetings, maintaining filing systems, managing office supplies as well as supporting key departmental events.

There is perhaps no other department at Binghamton University that plays such a comprehensive role in the life of the University. The current Capital Plan, growth in enrollment and research continues to provide a challenging and quickly changing work environment for the more than 400 Physical Facilities employees. Physical Facilities endeavors to meet these challenges with creativity, professionalism and excellence.

Physical Facilities strives to be proactive in sharing information about all the construction and renovation now under way and planned. If you have a question about the department or about any of the construction and renovation activity, please call 777-2692.