Business Operations // Business Operations

Administrative Services Promotes Team Building

2011-02-11T11:04:00-05:00

A Division of Business Operations Sets Core Expectations

By: COLLEEN O’CONNOR FOR NDWORKS

In July of 2010, several departments within Administrative Services merged to form a new group called Warehouse, Delivery and Transportation, headed by Marty Ogren, Associate Director. At that time, four core expectations were developed to facilitate the consolidation of Central Receiving, General Services, Mail Distribution, Recycling, Surplus Property, Warehouse and Transportation. According to Ogren, “this has set the tone for how we work and how we relate to each other.” They are:

GET IT DONE!
(Let’s be clear, we are here to do a job!)

HOW CAN I HELP?
(We will create a culture of teamwork!)

RESPECT
(We will treat each other with respect!)

FUN
(We will have fun!)

At one of its first team meetings, the newly-formed group, pictured below, invited Coach Kelly to speak, and he graciously accepted the invitation.

The message has spread to other groups within Administrative Services, who have adopted this rallying cry as their own. In fact, interest has moved outside of Administrative Services, and for that matter, Business Operations. The popular expectations have been printed on wallet sized cards and distributed throughout the unit. Anyone wishing to obtain copies of the card may do so by contacting Gayle Wilson at gwilson1@nd.edu.

According to Amy Coughlin, Director of Administrative Services, “the partnership of teamwork and respect has proven integral to the success of all our departments, while the presence of fun enables us to tackle even the most challenging moment in a given day with patience and a smile”.

Landscape Services Department Handles the Challenges of Winter

2011-01-13T11:03:00-05:00

Enormous Responsibility Rests on the Shoulders of Few

BY: COLLEEN O’CONNOR FOR NDWORKS

Not many of us think about what is happening on campus at night when we are home resting. But at this time of year, the campus is likely to be buzzing with activity, as a crew of dedicated employees brave freezing temperatures and blowing snow to clear the roadways, lots and sidewalks for our safety and convenience.

Starting the Monday after Thanksgiving and continuing until the middle of March, the Landscape Services Department adopts a three-shift winter schedule instead of the normal day and evening shift followed in the summer. Three people start work at 2:00 a.m. The bulk of the crew starts at 7:00 a.m. and works until 3:30 p.m. Five crewmembers work from 3:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. This leaves only two and one-half hours, 11:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., out of 24 hours uncovered. These eight hour shifts expand to 12 hour shifts, i.e., 2:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. when snowfall dictates around-the-clock coverage.

According to Patrick McCauslin, Superintendent of Landscape Services, the threshold for snow removal is one inch. At one inch of snow, everything is cleared; sidewalks, lots and roadways. Interestingly, one of the factors taken into consideration is the diversity of the Notre Dame campus. With students and faculty from all over the world, many are not used to any snow whatsoever.

The fleet consists of five pick-up trucks which plow the parking circles and small lots; four one-ton trucks, one of which is equipped with a salt spreader, that plow the intermediate lots such as the one at the Bookstore; two 2.5 ton trucks which plow all large lots such as the library and JACC; and a 2.5 ton salt truck which plows and salts all roadways and salts the large parking lots. Additionally, one pick-up truck is designated to drop liquid ice melter on campus roads and all lots. Finally, there are two front-end loaders, one which assists with large parking lots, and the other in areas that are difficult for a truck to navigate.

Everyone in the department has an assigned route. Two people shovel stairs and ramps. Sidewalks are taken care of by 8 broom operators. Seven of them operate so-called “Toolcats”, which are outfitted with a hydraulic broom, a blade and a front-loading bucket, all three of which the operator can use at his discretion. The bed of the Toolcat carries a tank filled with liquid ice melter as well as a salt spreader which drops salt behind. The operator can use the liquid ice melter, salt, or a combination of both. The eighth broom operator uses a Toro broom to clear the sidewalks at Fischer Townhouses and other places that are too narrow for the Tool- cats. There is also one mechanic on staff.

“It is important to point out that the salt is an environmentally safe product, unlike road salt. It will not damage grass or plant life,” says McCauslin.

For over thirty years, the University has relied on Murray & Trettle, a weather forecasting service out of Northbrook, Illinois for weather predictions. Murray &Trettle provide Notre Dame with a daily forecast year-around. During the winter months, this is supplemented with continuous updates based on a two hour window. According to McCauslin, they are able to focus on predictions specific to the Notre Dame campus, unlike the local T.V. weather report, which forecasts for a general area.

McCauslin can’t say enough about the 31 people who make up his staff. “They are dedicated and loyal employees, skilled, trained and professional. Often, their jobs take them away from their own families, even on Christmas and New Years Day. They are always here when needed. They amaze me.”

If McCauslin has one request of the University community, it is to “give us enough room to do our work.” People complain about their cars being plowed in, but abandoned cars, or “snowbirds” as they are referred to, often become trapped due to circumstances beyond the crew’s control. “Pushing snow is like waves created by a boat on a lake,” says McCauslin. Once started, it can take on movement of its own.

Sorins At The Morris Inn Expands Lunch Service

2011-01-13T11:01:00-05:00

Carry-Out Lunches Aid Busy Faculty and Staff

By: COLLEEN O’CONNOR FOR NDWORKS

Looking for quality dining on the run? You can find it right here on campus. “Sorins To Go” was launched late last summer as a carry-out lunch program. “It all started with phone calls from a few people asking to pick up something for a working lunch,” said Carol McFarlane, Manager of Sorins.

After conducting test runs and local research on what ideas worked and what did not, a menu was put together that features both hot and cold food items, such as seasonal soups, chicken noodle soup, salads, deli sandwiches and dessert choices. “It is the same food you would get if seated in the restaurant, the same quality,” according to Executive Chef, Ross Olling.

The service is available year around, Monday through Friday only. Pick-up is during regular lunch hours of 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Special packaging is used to insure freshness and quality. Boxes are labeled as to contents and the requestor’s name is added, if known. It is recommended that orders are placed between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. by calling 631-2050. Cash and departmental FOAPAL numbers are accepted.

Right now, the carry-out service is available for lunch only. But according to Olling, it could eventually expand to include a dinner menu and perhaps evolve into a party tray/business lunch service.

For information regarding “Sorins To Go”, contact Carol McFarlane at 631-2029 or McFarlane.1@nd.edu.

Greenfields -- The Newest Campus Destination

2011-01-13T11:00:00-05:00

Total Repositioning of Café Offers Unique Dining Experience

By: Colleen O’Connor for NDWorks

Located in the Hesburgh Center for International Studies on Notre Dame Avenue, Greenfields has long been a comfortable and convenient place to meet with colleagues and enjoy a hot breakfast or lunch. But on Monday, the 17th of January, patrons will enter a whole new environment as a result of menu changes, aesthetic improvements, service upgrades, adoption of new, sustainable operating procedures and an updated marketing message, all culled from customer satisfaction surveys, focus groups, questionnaires and industry analyses.

The unique menu will offer items built around fresh seasonal and local ingredients, including those from the campus Community Garden. Sustainable seafood is a key component, featuring MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certified items. The MSC is the world’s leading certification and ecolabelling program for sustainable seafood. Created within the guidelines of the H and L menu icons, there will be options to suit each individual’s nutritional needs, goals and desires. Many of the healthy new salads will be prepared in the Food Service Support Facility, broadening the choices available. Low fat, low calorie and low sodium options will be featured and identified, as will healthy choices that include vitamins, nutrients and other positive health influences. These offerings promote the wellness initiatives of the University.

Breakfast will feature a hot cereal bar with toppings and condiments, eggs and omelets made to order, fresh fruits, freshly squeezed juices, and coffees and teas.

Highlights include:

• Shirred eggs in Tomato, Florentine
• Organic pancakes, plain or with fruit
• Steel cut oats or hearts of wheat hot porridges

Lunch will feature a soup bar with toppings and condiments, salads, sandwiches and plated entrees such as:

• Chickpea salad with horseradish-yogurt dressing
• Quinoa and couscous tossed with fresh salsa
• Mediterranean zucchini casserole
• Alaskan Pollock with sweet potato and cabbage
• Char-grilled skewers of pork, pineapple and jalapeno

Of these lunch offerings, four out of five salads will fit the “L” criteria, and four of the sandwiches also will be “L” items. One special sandwich will be the Tall Grass Grilled Hamburger, which is especially unique and healthy in that it is made from grass-fed beef. It is naturally low in fat, high in omega-3 fatty acids, and is antibiotic and hormone-free. Additionally, all of the entrée plates will fit into the “L” category.

A great feature of the day will include specialty beverages, utilizing fresh squeezed juices. These very nutritional offerings include:

• The Energetic Cocktail – a secret blend of carrots, oranges, apples, celery and lemon
• AppleBerry Delight – freshly juiced apples with a strawberry kick
• Greenfields Punch – pineapple, orange, strawberries and grapes freshly juiced

To better meet the needs of the University community, a quicker service approach will be in
place. Diners will see a combination of grab-n-go items as well as prepared to order items. Order tickets and pick up will be utilized to streamline the process.

In keeping with sustainability practices, china and glassware service will be utilized in the restaurant and all carry-out containers will be recyclable. New dining room chairs are made from 110 recycled coke bottles. The new cabinetry finish is highly sustainable Kirei board.

The new décor marks the facility as aesthetically different from any other food service location on campus. The color scheme features greens and browns, with glass tile, black granite and bamboo finishes, providing a relaxing ambiance.

Beyond the preparation and presentation of healthy, nutritious meals, the newly revamped Greenfields seeks to educate the campus community on nutrition and optimal food choices. Their registered dietician and executive chef will present brief educational sessions based on menu items or important health topics. Some upcoming lectures include: The Significance of Lowering Sodium in Your Diet; Why Grass-Fed Beef is Important, and Various Cooking Methods for Overall Health. Information about these and other sessions can be found at Greenfields and on the Greenfields web site. The facility will also serve as a clearinghouse for other campus wellness and sustainability drives.

ND Sustainability Grade Rises for 4th Straight Year

2010-11-18T10:59:00-05:00

Notre Dame received a B+ on this year’s College Sustainability Report Card, improving over last year’s B. The higher grade came in response to a continued reduction in the University’s carbon emissions and resource-saving programs spearheaded by a number of campus departments.

“This is a welcome recognition of the progress we have made and the direction in which we are headed,” said John Affleck-Graves, Notre Dame’s executive vice president. “This accomplishment would not be possible without the active participation of our students, faculty, and staff. The everyday choices they make to conserve, recycle, and purchase responsibly really do add up.”

Notre Dame’s carbon emissions declined 8% from 2008-09 to 2009-10, and a total of 16% since 2006-07. This improvement is due in large part to the Energy Conservation Measures program, the Temperature Set-Point Policy, and increased participation in sustainability education and outreach programs.

The Report Card cited several advances made this past year, including the LEED Gold certification of Geddes Hall and Ryan Hall and the introduction of the Zipcar car-sharing program. The University also received an A on Food and Recycling for the first time, owing to ongoing efforts by Food Services to expand local and organic food sourcing and recycling efforts.

Notre Dame received an A in Student Involvement for the third year in a row, a testament to the dedication of student leaders in GreeND and Students for Environmental Action. “Student involvement is critical to the progress any university makes toward sustainability. Notre Dame students truly understand the global impact of their actions and are passionate about making a difference,” said Heather Tonk, Notre Dame’s Director of Sustainability.

The Report Card is an independent sustainability evaluation of campus operations and endowment investments. Published by the Sustainable Endowments Institute, a special project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, it assesses 300 public and private colleges and universities with the largest endowments each year.

Cedar Grove Cemetery Plans Burial Expansion

2010-11-18T10:56:00-05:00

Two Additional Mausolea Approved by the University

By: Colleen O’Connor for NDWorks

Our Lady of Sorrows at Cedar Grove Cemetery mausolea complex opened in July, 2007 in response to the high demand from Notre Dame alumni to “return home”. Named for and dedicated to the patroness of the Congregation of the Holy Cross, the complex currently houses two open-air garden mausolea, Mary, Queen of Angels, and Mary, Queen of All Saints, as well as a small courtyard. With space in the existing complex 50% reserved, the University has approved pre-selling of space in two additional structures. Expected to meet the same funding requirements as all other new buildings on campus, construction of the new mausolea is optimistically projected for the spring of 2012.

The new mausolea will be named Mary, Holy Mother of God, and Mary, Holy Mother of the Church, in keeping with the Litany of Mary. They will exhibit the same palette of materials as the first two, utilizing Notre Dame brick, slate roofing, matching granite and limestone accents. However, the interior design will differ to accommodate burial preferences learned in the process of filling the original two mausolea. Mary, Queen of Angels and Mary, Queen of All Saints were designed so that 80 percent of the space is for cremated remains, offering single or companion niches. The remaining 20 percent is designed for full body burial in either single or companion crypts. At this time, all full body companion crypts are taken.

To respond to the demonstrated interest in full body interment in the mausolea, Mary, Holy Mother of God, and Mary, Holy Mother of the Church will have more crypt space, with a division of approximately 50/50 with niches for cremated remains. Additionally, two new types of crypts will be offered that will make more efficient use of space, thereby broadening the price range to make them more affordable.

In addition to adjustments in space configuration, the two new mausolea will be surrounded by a much larger courtyard, triple the size of the existing one. According to Leon Glon, manager of Cedar Grove, committal services at the mauselea are attracting a growing number of family and friends. Some services are small and solemn, while others are very ceremonial. “We have everything from immediate family only, to large groups including international family members and friends.” Some families bring their own recorded music, or make arrangements for live accompaniment, including bagpipers and Notre Dame band members. “Upon request, I will put them in touch with singers arranged through the Basilica of Sacred Heart. The additional courtyard space will accommodate large groups and allow families to have the kind of service they desire.”

Also in the plans is the construction of a vine-covered pergola which will offer shade and relief from the heat, as well as provide a buffer between Cedar Grove Cemetery and the Burke Golf Course. “We would also like to work a permanent altar into this area,” said Glon.

Even with the addition of two new mausolea and a large courtyard, Notre Dame’s 22-acre cemetery has room to grow. Future plans call for up to eleven mausolea in the Our Lady of Sorrows complex.

Along with Notre Dame alumni, their surviving spouse, parent or child and members of Sacred Heart Parish, above-ground burial in the mausolea is open to full-time Notre Dame faculty and staff as well as retirees with the requisite years of service. In-ground burial at Cedar Grove is reserved exclusively for full-time Notre Dame faculty, staff and retirees with the requisite years of service.

For more information, contact Karmin Meade, Services Coordinator, at 631-5660 or kmeade1@nd.edu. According to Meade, “Preplanning your burial is a gift to those you leave behind, assuring them peace of mind in knowing your wishes will be carried out exactly as you wanted, precisely where you wanted. With the burden of these decisions lifted, your loved ones’ healing can simply begin.”

Introductory Computer Skills Training Program Available to Staff

2010-11-18T10:50:00-05:00

Computer Skills are Life Skills

By: Colleen O’Connor for NDWorks

Business Operations, the largest non-academic unit on campus, is partnering with Human Resources and Graham Allen Partners to offer classes in introductory computer skills to all University employees. “With campus departments and outside agencies transitioning to paperless systems, computer skills have become life skills. In today’s society, it is critical that our staff feel comfortable using a computer, whether to read the news, order a prescription refill, or review their vacation balances. This program provides people with the skills they need to feel confident navigating the online world,” explains Amy Coughlin, director of administrative services for business operations and program sponsor.

The program was piloted this summer with an enthusiastic group of staff from a variety of campus departments. The first course series was designed and taught by Margot Jones, senior intern for business operations majoring in American Studies and Computer Applications. The group worked together to learn the fundamentals and spent extra time with Jones to craft a program that was fun and educational.

Classes meet during regular business hours on paid time. They are held three times a week for three weeks for a total of nine classes, two hours each. There is a maximum of ten students per class, and multi-departmental participation is encouraged so that no one department is left unmanned. Every effort is made to accommodate all three shifts.

The course focuses on logging onto the University computer system, searching the internet, using University e-mail, and accessing inside.nd.edu to locate payroll information, benefits, and parking registration, as well as Human Resource functions such as Open Enrollment and employment applications. An introduction to Microsoft Word and word processing skills are included in the course, including opening, printing and saving a document. Participants receive their own personal training manual and a quick reference guide book as part of the training materials. At completion, a certificate is awarded at a recognition luncheon held in their honor.

Mary Jo Ogren, consultant with Graham Allen Partners, is teaching the first training class, which
began November 2nd. A typical class day begins with a review of the prior lesson, followed by the modeling of a new skill. Participants are assigned hands-on activities in order to reinforce learning. Refreshments and prizes are included in the sessions in order to create a relaxed environment conducive to learning. “Although informative, we want participants to have fun with this”, said Ogren.

In addition to conducting classroom instruction, the department will be opening a computer lab in the near future. Located in the Maintenance Center, the lab will house six computers and one printer. All Business Operations employees are welcome to use the lab before or after their shift, and during lunch and break time. Based on need, the lab will be staffed during certain hours by Graham Allen Partners. According to Jones, “we are creating this employee training lab and more to come in order to encourage and facilitate computer training outside the classroom. “

Employees may sign up for the classes by contacting their manager, or filling out registration cards which are available in break rooms. For further information, contact Margot Jones at mjones10@nd.edu.

Construction administrators work behind the scenes Enormous impact on campus

2010-10-14T16:15:00-04:00

By Colleen O’Connor for NDWorks

They are not movie stars, but they have their own trailers on site. Their workweek is not 40 hours, but whatever time is needed to get the job done—and sometimes that means literally working around the clock and around the calendar, including Christmas.

They are Notre Dame’s construction administrators, Butch Layman, Ray Phillips and Chuck Hums, who together with their boss, Doug Schlagel, director of construction and quality assurance, all work out of the Office of the University Architect.

Together, they’re responsible for the timely and precise completion of all campus construction projects, including facilities, roads and sidewalks.

It’s difficult to find the right person for the job, said Schlagel. “It’s tough to find the right experience, the right temperament, and the willingness to do something a little differently, as the work of the construction administrator at Notre Dame is about managing a process and coordinating the efforts of several campus units as opposed to managing people. I could not be more pleased with my staff.” Between Layman, Phillips and Hums, they have 130 years of relevant job experience.

Typically, a project starts with design documents, which can take months to develop, and in some cases, be quite voluminous. For example, the design documents for the new ice arena are more than 400 pages in total.

All stakeholders of a project, for example, Athletics, OIT, Fire Safety, Food Services, etc., are asked to review the construction documents pertaining to their operation and sign off on them. The Office of the University Architect must convey up front what the project will look like at the end. “We can’t have someone say, ‘This is not what I expected,’” said Schlagel.

At the same time the drawings are created, a master schedule is prepared. According to Layman, “the schedule is very important at Notre Dame; many times, the academic schedule drives the construction schedule.”

“The end date controls the start date,” said Phillips. All campus projects MUST meet deadlines.

Once the documents have been fully approved by all concerned, and the Office of the University Architect is comfortable with every aspect, they are sent out to bid. “There are basically three forms of construction project delivery,” said Schlagel.

General Lump Sum Bid is the oldest form of contract delivery. Essentially, the owner (Notre Dame) separately manages an architectural firm and
a contractor. With Construction Management at Risk delivery, the owner hires an architectural firm and a construction manager who work together during the design phase to refine the project design and confirm the construction budget.

The construction manager assumes the risk, guaranteeing a price and budget before the project even begins. With the third form, Design/Build, the owner selects a single entity responsible for the architecture, engineering and construction. This
is the fastest method, as construction can begin before designing is complete. Notre Dame has utilized all three forms of delivery.

According to Schlagel, “the construction administrator is a traffic cop at an intersection with 10 roads.” He is a conduit between the contractor, the service providers and the user. It is about quality assurance, or as Schlagel says,“making sure we get what we paid for.”

Additionally, all four agree that safety throughout the process is a primary concern. “Nothing is worth a person’s life,” said Phillips.

The busiest, most compact time of the year is between the Monday after Commencement and Orientation day in August. There is not a minute to spare. Since May 17 this year, Layman, Phillips and Hums have individually overseen multiple student-related projects, such as the renovation of Stanford and Keenan residence halls. Crews are literally working 24 hours a day to complete interior bathroom renovation, new student room lighting as well as roofing repairs and window replacement.

Other summer projects include Lewis Hall interior work, Legends interior work, expansion of the Endowed Chair memorial, ground breaking for the new building for the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE), road milling and paving as well as stadium repairs.

According to Layman, “There has been a job in the stadium every year for the past 14 years that must be completed before opening the season.”

Additionally, they are overseeing the ongoing construction of the new ice arena; renovation of the old Joyce Center Ticket Office for the Student Athlete Welfare and Development Office; renovation of the Grace Hall Development Office; Geddes Hall fourth floor build-out; and Harper Hall Cancer Research Center in conjunction with I.U. Projects they completed this year include Stinson-Remick Hall, Purcell Pavilion, Biolchini Hall and Ryan Hall

ND explores electric vehicle technology

2010-10-14T16:13:00-04:00

By Rachel Novick, Office of Sustainability

Eaton Corporation is providing Notre Dame with state-of-the-art charging stations and Mitsubishi Motors North America is loaning the University an iMiev electric car for the next several months in order to test out the utility of incorporating electric vehicles into the campus fleet. The iMiev and demonstration charging stations were displayed on the Irish Green Friday and Saturday during the pep rally and tailgating for the Pitt game.

Representatives of the Eaton Corporation, pictured here with Executive Vice President John Affleck-Graves, at right, were on campus Oct. 9 to display an electric car that will be on loan to the University for several months. The University is testing out the feasibility of incorporating electric vehicles into the campus fleet.

“We are looking forward to demonstrating this new and innovative technology at Notre Dame,” said John Affleck-Graves, executive vice president of Notre Dame. “The project will help us to further understand the potential of electric vehicles as we strive to reduce our energy consumption and carbon footprint on campus.”

The iMiev, or Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle, is a four-seater that can travel up to 100 miles on a single charge. Its carbon footprint is 70 percent less than that of a gasoline- powered mini automobile. The iMiev is currently available for sale in Japan and will be available in Europe and North America in 2011.

“Eaton offers a complete line of electric vehicle chargers for residential and industrial application and has a presence in communities across North America. We are excited about collaborating with Notre Dame to deliver this clean technology within the campus environment,” said Jerry Whitaker, president of Eaton’s Electrical Sector, Americas Region. “Quick-charging stations like Eaton’s can maximize the utility of an electric vehicle by providing the capability to fully charge it in 30 minutes.”

Eaton and Mitsubishi representatives were present on the Irish Green to answer questions about the vehicle and capabilities of the charging stations.

Notre Dame To Celebrate “College Colors Day”

2010-08-24T10:49:00-04:00

Mark your calendars for Friday, September 3rd. College Colors Day, nationally celebrated since 2005, is making its first appearance at Notre Dame.

Organized by The Collegiate Licensing Company, Notre Dame’s licensing agent, and its client colleges and universities, College Colors Day promotes higher education in the United States through increased public awareness. Supported through the national media, this event celebrates the achievements of colleges and universities, recognizing their fundamental importance.

Coinciding with “back-to-school” and the kick-off of intercollegiate athletic programs, including football, College Colors Day celebrates the traditions and spirit that make one’s college experience so memorable and rewarding by encouraging fans, students and alumni to wear their school colors on the first Friday of September.

“No other institution has such rich tradition in both academics and athletics as Notre Dame,”
said Jim Lyphout, Vice President for Business Operations. “College Colors Day lets our supporters outwardly express their pride in that tradition by wearing Notre Dame colors and logos wherever they are on September 3rd.”

Promoted by Notre Dame’s licensing department, the event has the support of Mayor Luecke, who signed a proclamation officially declaring Friday, September 3, 2010 as College Colors Day in the City of South Bend. Additionally, several key local retailers, including J.C. Penney, Sports Authority, MC Sports, Lids, Kohl’s and Meijer’s will be displaying specific Notre Dame signage supporting College Colors Day.
“I am excited about Notre Dame participating in this fun celebration of college spirit,” says Tomi Gerhold of the licensing department. “It is a great opportunity to show our support for the Irish and generate excitement as we prepare for our football season opener”.

“There are hundreds of thousands of Irish fans across the globe that can unite on College Colors Day to show their spirit and pride for our teams and this great University simply by wearing our colors,” added Mike Low, Director of Licensing. “We hope everyone will participate.”

On campus, a contest will be set up via the Hammes Notre Dame Bookstore Facebook site for fans to submit photos showing their support for Notre Dame and College Colors Day. Winners will be selected to receive a prize. The bookstore is also running a College Colors Day banner at the top of their website, as well as a message at the bottom of all sales receipts leading up to September 3rd.

Special signage that includes a full-size cut-out of Coach Kelly will be displayed at the Hammes Notre Dame Bookstore, the Varsity Shop and the Eddy Street Commons bookstore location. Food Services will display College Colors Day signage in the dining halls, Huddle and other retail locations, and all residence hall assistants will be provided with College Colors Day posters to display.

“College Colors Day allows our students, faculty, staff, alumni and fans to be ambassadors for the mission and tradition of our great University by donning their Notre Dame apparel,” said David Harr, Associate Vice President for Auxiliary and Facility Operations. “Notre Dame supporters are loyal wearers of our brand anyway, so this is an easy way to back the University.”

Show your support for the Irish and join Notre Dame in celebrating its first College Colors Day by wearing your Notre Dame gear on Friday, September 3rd.

Sustainability report reveals 2.5 percent reduction in electricity usage

2010-02-18T15:23:00-05:00

Headline: Sustainability report reveals 2.5 percent reduction in electricity usage
Subhead: Significant achievements in program’s first year
BY RACHEL NOVICK, OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainability at Notre Dame 2008-2009, the first annual report summarizing University-wide achievements in sustainability, notes a 7.5 percent reduction in total carbon emissions from energy usage and a 2.5 percent reduction in total electricity usage—the first such reduction since the late 1970s.

“The report clearly demonstrates that a great deal of significant work was accomplished during our sustainability program’s first year and that forward momentum was generated to accomplish even more in future years,” said Vice President for Business Operations Jim Lyphout, vice president for Business Operations.

Campus sustainability initiatives included the $4 million Energy Conservation Measures program, construction of the first campus buildings expecting LEED certification, a campus-wide shift to recycled-content paper, and the initiation of a comprehensive Game Day Recycling program.

The energy metrics section illustrates Notre Dame’s performance in four key sustainability indicators: total carbon emissions from energy, energy intensity of campus buildings, carbon intensity of the power plant’s fuel mix, and total electricity usage. Reductions in all four indicators were achieved during 2008-09.

The report can be downloaded at the Office of Sustainability’s website, green.nd.edu. To request a paper copy, email sustainability@nd.edu.

Building security going digital

2010-02-18T15:21:00-05:00

Headline: Building security going digital
Subhead: Lock shop staffers handle more than just keys
BY COLLEEN O’CONNOR, FOR NDWORKS

When we think of campus security, we think of squad cars and foot patrols. But hidden in the depths of the Maintenance Building on the north edge of campus is a tiny office from which an important aspect of campus security is maintained.

Known as the “lock shop,” this department of four does a whole lot more than making keys. The office is also responsible for locks, access systems, door closers and panic bars, among other things.

Andy Tripp, manager of locksmith services, has been at his job for 32 years, starting in 1978.

In addition to answering calls for repair and maintenance, Tripp and his staff are responsible for the maintenance of records of all keys and master key systems on campus—allowing him to replace your lost key without having to come to your office.

“People are surprised that this is a full-time job,” says Tripp, although in 2009 the lock shop processed over 3,400 work orders.

After working solo for many years, Tripp now has three assistants: Marv Pruett, Rick Milliken and Dave Bierwagen, each assigned to a specific area of campus. He also works closely with the Office of the University Architect in reviewing hardware specifications for new and renovated buildings.

Now there’s a big change on the way: Building security is going digital.

For years, maintenance and custodial workers have had to go to Mason Services Center at the beginning and end of their shifts to check out and return building keys from a central key room.

With the new system, key boxes are being installed in each building, with access gained electronically and restricted to authorized personnel. The new system will provide an audit trail, identifying the last person to take out a key.

So far, 108 of the new electronic key boxes have been purchased. The advantages of this system are many. “Building security is enhanced because keys don’t go home with people,” according to Tripp.

Building Services staffers will also be able to use the boxes as a time clock, eliminating the need to clock in and out at Mason Services Center. Installation of the new boxes began last fall, and should be completed by fall 2011.

Terry Udstuen, supervisor of special projects, notes that the new system “will be a more secure system, with better accountability, and it will be easier for people to access the keys they need for work. It will also save a lot of staff time.”

Registration Opens for Third Annual Green Summit

2010-01-28T01:00:00-05:00

Registration Opens for Third Annual Green Summit
By Rachel Novick

Green Summit III: The Footprint of Food, sponsored by the Office of Sustainability in collaboration with ND Food Services, takes place Monday, Feb. 22 in the Joyce Center Monogram Room.

Each year the Summit brings together hundreds of faculty, staff and students to develop a shared vision for how to expand sustainability efforts at Notre Dame. This year, participants will rotate through tables on five topics: food and climate change, sustainable seafood, local food, food waste and bottled water. At each table there will be displays, discussion and delicious sustainable foods to taste.

“This year’s Green Summit addresses an issue that we can all easily relate to and which has a huge impact on our environment and our personal well being,” said Connor Kobeski ’10. “It promises to be both educational and a great opportunity for campus-wide collaboration.”

Green Summit III will open with welcoming remarks from Executive Vice President John Affleck-Graves, followed by a keynote address by Executive Chef Don Miller.

“After participating in the past two Green Summits, I am convinced it is one of the premier events on campus,” said Assistant Vice President for Development Micki Kidder. “The Summit provides an opportunity to engage with students, staff and faculty and always results in innovative yet practical suggestions.”

Registration and further details are available online at the Office of Sustainability Web site green.nd.edu; the registration deadline is Friday, February 12.

To get us to work on time, their day starts at 2 a.m.

2010-01-28T01:00:00-05:00

Landscape Services
To get us to work on time, their day starts at 2 a.m.
Keeping roads, sidewalks clear is a lot of work

A big thank you from all of us who work—and park—on campus to the dedicated Landscape Services staffers who labor to keep campus sidewalks, roads and parking lots cleared of snow and ice.

During the winter, the crews work three shifts, but a big snow means the whole crew gets called in at 2 a.m. “We have to start at 2 a.m. to get the major lots done by 7 a.m.,” says Pat McCauslin, superintendent of landscape services. “We try to get as much coverage as we can. Everyone has a route.”

The crew operates 2.5-ton trucks to plow big parking lots such as the library lot. A 1-ton truck does medium-sized lots like the bookstore and Stepan Center. A fleet of pickup trucks plows service drives and loading docks.

Toolcats with rotating brush brooms (they can also switch to snow blades or small buckets) manufactured by the Bobcat Company are used to keep sidewalks cleared, and can spread sidewalk melter or liquid ice melter at the same time.

In their line of work, McCauslin says, “We miss holidays and times at home. But they come in and put the University first. You can’t find better people.”

Game Day goes green

2009-11-16T08:53:00-05:00

Game Day goes green
Recycling comes to football weekends
BY LAURA MIDKIFF, FOR NDWORKS

Game day tailgaters and fans may have noticed something new in the parking lots around campus—55-gallon drums marked with a white recycling emblem.

The blue receptacles show that Notre Dame is serious about its role as a sustainability leader. The University hopes to improve upon last season’s record of 73 tons of waste diverted from landfills and send the message that even pre-game fun can go green.

In addition, the Office of Sustainability—in partnership with athletics, General Services and security—have introduced blue recycling bag self-dispensing units. The units are made from refurbished newspaper dispensers and have been attached to lightposts. Tailgaters can take as many recycling bags as they need and leave the full bags behind at their vehicles to be picked up during the game.

Rachel Novick, education and outreach coordinator in the Office of Sustainabilty, says she has received numerous emails from fans and alums congratulating the University on recycling initiatives. “They want to have fun out there tailgating, but this way they’re not creating so much trash,” says Novick.

Additional sustainability measures are in the works. Email your Game Day Green ideas to the Office of Sustainability at sustainability@nd.edu.

Office of the University Architect wins Team Irish award

2009-11-11T09:04:00-05:00

Office of the University Architect wins Team Irish award
NDWorks

The team in the Office of the University Architect is among the most successful and highest achieving teams on campus. Through their dedication to enhance and improve the aesthetic of Notre Dame, they have successfully managed the largest physical expansion of the University in its illustrious 167-year history. Between July 1, 2008, and December 31, 2009, this 19-person team, led by University Architect Doug Marsh, has planned, designed, constructed, and facilitated the move-in of 683,000 square feet of new buildings and 118,000 square feet of renovated facilities. Additionally, this team has led in the reroofing of 11 buildings on campus, covering 318,000 square feet. Lastly, it has led in the development of four major landscape improvement projects for the campus encompassing a total of 22 acres: the creation of the Irish Green; a new pedestrian-friendly West Quad; incorporation of the Longitude Dial into the lawn south of the Jordan Hall of Science; and the beautification of the Morris Inn parking lot.

These 32 projects range from the expansion and renovation of the Law School to the ongoing annual repairs to the original Notre Dame Stadium seating bowl. The scope of these projects are vast and require a wide range of expertise, including design, cost estimating, project management, interior design, accounting, and a wide variety of administrative skills. Six professionals on the Office of the University Architect staff have become LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accredited professionals while four others are currently preparing to achieve the same after an in-depth study of sustainable building practices and passing a rigorous examination.

We salute these dedicated professionals today by recognizing them with a Presidential Team Irish Award, which honors exemplary service, teamwork, and commitment. The award program has been designed to provide a special and unique opportunity to publicly recognize teams that exemplify the University’s core values.

Renewing the Campus: Sustainability and the Catholic University

2009-11-10T09:03:00-05:00

Renewing the Campus: Sustainability and the Catholic University
Conference draws participants from 45 universities to ND campus
BY LAURA MIDKIFF, FOR NDWORKS

Renewing the Campus, a national conference hosted by the University in mid October, was the first symposium dedicated to enhancing understanding, activism, and cooperation among Catholic universities in the area of sustainability.

The conference—which included faculty, administrators, and students from 45 universities across the country—was structured to encompass many approaches to environmental issues, including those of theologians, scientists, sustainability practitioners, student activists, and clergy.

The aim of the conference was to address the theological and ethical implications of climate change as viewed through the lens of Catholic social teaching—with a focus on the opportunities for Catholic universities to assume a leadership role on this issue within both the academic and Catholic communities.

President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., in his greeting to the conference participants, wrote that “sustainability has emerged in the context of public debate surrounding a host of issues from global climate change to dwindling natural resources to international energy security, but there is a dimension that has been all too often overlooked—a human dimension.” He added that Pope Benedict XVI observed in his latest encyclical Caritas in Veritate, “The environment is God’s gift to everyone, and in our use of it we have a responsibility towards the poor, towards future generations and towards humanity as a whole.”

Rachel Novick, education and outreach coordinator for the Office of Sustainability, said, “We were blessed to be able to host this and provide a context for faculty, administrators and students from all these universities to come together as a community. What a lot of people said about the weekend was that they felt we were becoming closer, getting to know one another and forming bonds that can help us all to become more sustainable going forward.” Novick indicated that the goal wasn’t just to have a conference but to build community—adding that what she hopes to do is to help participants remain connected to one another and to share resources.

Notre Dame student Colleen Kelly, an intern in the Office of Sustainability and president of GreeND, played a significant role in planning and participating in the conference. A member of the University’s Energy and Environmental Issues Committee, Kelly was involved in defining the conference and its goals. “I think it’s important to emphasize that this conference placed a human face on the environmental crisis. Often times, environmental discussions are relegated to science or politics. However, this conference had a distinct approach of social justice and solidarity,” said Kelly, taking into consideration the poor of the world in conjunction with climate change and environmental irresponsibility.

In the words of University of Scranton theologian Dr. Brian Benestad, “All Catholic social doctrine focuses on respect for life, the dignity of the human person, the practice of virtue, and the realization of the common good, or otherwise stated, what makes for sustainable human communities. Every subject Catholic social doctrine treats pertains in some way to understanding the requirements of a sustainable community.”

Innovation Park: from idea to marketplace

2009-11-10T09:01:00-05:00

Innovation Park: from idea to marketplace
A “greenhouse” in a green building
BY CAROL C. BRADLEY, NDWORKS

“We’re working with people to transform ideas into useful applications,” says Dave Brenner, president and CEO of Innovation Park, the University’s new research park.

Ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the new state-of-the-art $13 million facility, located on 12 acres adjacent to the southeast end of campus, were held in late October. The University, the City of South Bend and the U.S. Department of Energy all committed resources to develop the park.

A simple way to think about the function of Innovation Park is the term “research and development,” Brenner says. “Research is what happens on campus. Development goes on over here.”

What’s the relationship between the University and Innovation Park?

Innovation Park will bring together innovators, market expertise and access to early-stage capital, Hasting says—the key ingredients to successful commercialization of research.

The 55,000-square-foot building is the first of what could be four buildings. “It can expand if the demand is there,” Hastings says.

The façade of the park was chosen to echo the color and style of South Bend’s industrial buildings around the turn of the century. The building is mixed-use, including 30,000 square feet of leasable space, build-to-suit equipped office suites, wet and dry laboratories and high-tech conference and meeting rooms—as well as a 24-hour coffee lounge with a 47-inch LCD screen. The building is accessible 24 hours a day, with a biometric entry system that requires a fingerprint.

“All the spaces are reconfigurable,” Hastings says. “All the furniture is movable. There aren’t many load-bearing walls—the walls are modular, and can be expanded or retracted as needs change.”

A centerpiece of the facility is the Greenhouse, a space intended to foster innovation for early stage venture development. The Greenhouse provides space and technology for new ventures to brainstorm and collaborate with market experts.

“It’s really a space for very early-stage entrepreneurs and companies,” Hastings says. “The lease rates are very reasonable. They can see what it might entail to give a business idea a go.”

The Greenhouse will be open to faculty, staff and students who’ve incorporated a business, she adds, as well as outside entities.

While clients have priority on use of the common areas of the building, the boardroom and its third-floor patio overlooking campus, conference rooms and catering kitchen can be rented for an event.

Innovation Park is seeking LEED Silver Certification as a “green” building. All wood used in the building is certified, and 50 percent of the waste generated by construction was diverted from landfills. The building uses 30 percent less water than typical construction.

The Park also offers bicycle storage, showers and changing rooms for employees who choose to bike or walk to work.

The goal of the park is to sustain itself financially, says Hastings. “The profit will come from helping clients. We’ll provide them with the tools and resources to grow their business.”

For more information, visit innovationparknd.com. Click the “facility” link for a virtual tour of the building.

The Greening of the Irish

2009-11-10T08:55:00-05:00

The Greening of the Irish
Sustainability grade improves for third straight year
BY LAURA MIDKIFF, FOR NDWORKS

Notre Dame received a B on this year’s College Sustainability Report Card, an improvement over last year’s B-.

The Sustainable Endowments Institute, a special project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, produces the Report Card. Each year it assesses 300 public and private colleges and universities with the largest endowments.

This year’s higher grade came in response to a reduction in the University’s 7.5 percent decline in carbon emissions, and increased use of recycled paper—jumping from 10 percent to more than 80 percent of purchases.

The Office of Sustainability and the Energy and Environmental Issues Committee have promoted a number of energy-saving initiatives, including retrofitting lampposts with ultra-efficient LED lighting. Campus electricity demand has actually declined last year, for the first time since the late 1970s, says Paul Kempf, Notre Dame’s director of utilities. “That’s a major milestone.”

What can faculty, staff, and students could do to improve the University’s Sustainability Report Card grade?

Be conscious, says Rachel Novick, education and outreach coordinator for the Office of Sustainability. “Be conscious about saving energy. Be conscious about making sure your computer’s asleep when you’re not using it. Be conscious about printing. Save electricity—turn off lights. Unplug things you don’t use all the time.”

The University’s Green Loan Fund has monies available to invest in projects that will save Notre Dame energy—the fund can be used to retrofit lighting, add motion sensors or timers, or replace old departmental appliances with new energy-efficient ones.

The focus of future efforts, says Novick, will be to reduce the amount of energy we use. “Notre Dame is relatively energy intensive, so reducing our energy usage is the best way we can reduce our environmental impact. It’s also a really powerful way to save money.”

Fire Department celebrates 130 years

2009-10-14T15:51:00-04:00

Fire Department celebrates 130 years
NDFD is the oldest university fire department in the nation
BY CAROL C. BRADLEY, NDWORKS

On November 21, 1879—in the wake of a devastating fire that destroyed the Main Building—the Provincial Council of Holy Cross directed Rev. John Zahm, C.S.C., to form a fire department, staffed by brothers and students. Within 12 hours, it’s said, Father Zahm had organized two hand-drawn hose companies for the newly-established fire department.

Today—130 year later—Notre Dame is the oldest university fire department in the nation—and the only career fire department at a private university. A staff of 17 fields more than 1,300 calls a year, offering protection for three campuses and a population of around 15,000—a number that swells to over 100,000 on football weekends.

Notre Dame has it’s own fire department today as a direct result of the Main Building fire, and the geographic isolation of the campus at the time.

“In 1879, we were the school at the top of the hill,” Farhat notes. “The South Bend volunteer fire department was down the hill and across the river.” At the time of the Main Building fire, the beleaguered fire brigade had looked to South Bend for help. But by the time the horse-drawn steamer engine arrived—45 minutes later—the building was already gone.

There are records of a rudimentary fire department on campus as early as 1846, notes Farhat, who has done considerable research on the department’s history. At the time the department’s main duties were to procure buckets, axes and other tools in the event of a fire.

The 1879 fire department included a chief, assistant chief and fire marshal—all brothers or students. The campus bulletin for 1879-80 noted that, “The destruction of the old College has drawn special attention to the protection of the new building from all possible danger of fire.” The walls, it was noted, “are of solid brick and stone.” Fire escapes were added on every floor, “so that should fire ever again occur, which may God forbid, there will be ample means of escape from every story and every room of the building.”

The first central firehouse was built in 1896, about 300 feet northeast of the Main Building—that building was torn down after the current firehouse was built in 1945.

“We’re a small department of 17, but the fire department has a long and illustrious history at the University,” Farhat says. “It’s evolved from volunteers to brothers and students to professional firefighters. We have a proud history—and we look forward to it continuing.”