FP&M Helps Smooth Out the Road to Commencement
Starting Friday, more than 55,000 people will stream into campus to celebrate the graduation and accomplishments of more than 6,900 students. But before the first graduate is called onto the Commencement stage, hundreds of hours of preparations have been spent ensuring that the pathways to the ceremony venue are clear of snags for graduates and their families.
Monthly inspections by Facilities Planning & Management (FP&M), which have been held since the start of the spring semester, have focused on eliminating tripping hazards and other potential issues in and around the University Quad. FP&M’s landscape, maintenance and custodial departments, as well as the Commencement team, University Police, parking and transportation services, and risk management have been heavily involved in the process.
“A successful Commencement relies on the efforts and talents of many people from many departments,” said Matthew Whinery, senior associate vice president of FP&M. “We want to make this a day to remember for our graduates and their loved ones.”
On the first Thursday of each month, group members inspected the main paths leading to the graduation venue and meticulously noted and photographed areas that may be challenging for people with mobility issues. Maintenance shop staff members patched cracked concrete, filled in divots, and smoothed out uneven sidewalks.
A tree hazard specialist contracted by FP&M also assessed the hundreds of trees that line the pathways, from the parking lots and in The Quad. Landscape Services trimmed dangling limbs and eliminated other potential hazards.
Other preparation efforts included:
- The maintenance shop constructed the Commencement stage and set up lighting and speakers.
- The electrical shop brought in generators to power the amplifiers and other equipment.
- The paint shop marked off seating areas to prepare for the delivery of chairs for graduates and attendees.
- Landscape services mowed the grass and spruced up greenery.
During the ceremonies, the team’s tasks include:
- Between ceremonies, crews will empty trash cans and keep the venue in pristine condition.
- Custodial staff members will maintain and clean the restrooms in surrounding buildings.
- The HVAC shop will maintain temperatures in buildings adjacent to the venue that serve as staging areas for faculty and staff members.
- The plumbing shop will be on call in the event of any problems involving water.
- FP&M managers will be on site to handle any infrastructure issues that arise.
“Without all these groups working together seamlessly, we wouldn’t be able to stage such a memorable event for graduates, their families and friends,” said Helen Yniguez, director of special events. “We want to give our best to those celebrating lifetime achievements.”
Visit the commencement website to find the schedule and information for graduates, guests and visitors. Read more stories about the class of 2024.