Page 70 - spaces4learning, Fall 2023

spaces4learning CAMPUS OPERATIONS
CAN OUTSOURCING SOLVE
HIGHER EDUCATION’S
OPERATIONAL
CHALLENGES?
Innovative solutions for a vibrant, efficient, and sustainable campus
By Matt Tillson
TODAY’S HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS are faced with a myriad of operational complexities in the pursuit of aca- demic excellence. Staffing, student well-being, maintenance, sus- tainability, and operations management challenges have only been amplified by the pandemic, decreasing enrollments, aging infra- structure, and funding constraints. The operating environment of educational facilities has undoubtably become more stressful.
Amid such challenges, there is good news!
Companies that specialize in the higher education operating environment can offer inventive, at-the-ready solutions. These providers can support virtually every aspect of the educational facility environment — whether it’s supplying skilled person- nel, setting up a resilient and efficient operational ecosystem, enhancing campus aesthetics, or improving infrastructure.
The key is finding the right provider that fully understands the multifaceted needs of higher educational environments while offering the vision, innovation, and resources required to maintain a modern, efficient, and attractive campus.
Staff Recruitment and Retention
One of the most pressing issues for higher education institutions is the recruitment and retention of skilled staff. Long hiring processes, fewer applications, low pay, burnout, and limited ca- reer growth all add to the problem.
To tackle these issues, outsourcing with a specialized hiring team can offer the flexibility and resources needed to attract qualified candidates, streamline the hiring process, and quickly onboard. This is particularly critical for smaller schools that do not have a dedicated HR team. These types of specialists can also ensure competitive health and welfare benefits, retirement savings options, workers’ compensation coverage, and paid time off to create incentive to stay with the institution.
Retention strategies are also a critical part of the overall ap- proach to staffing. A qualified provider can help determine ca- reer development paths with a set and transparent framework, while creating proactive engagement programs, community service, and volunteer opportunities to further bolster retention.
Higher Quality Facilities
Facilities continue to be an important consideration in the col- lege selection process — with nearly two-thirds of students factoring campus facilities at least somewhat into their college
decision. Operating a high-quality campus can help combat declining enrollment. Unfortunately, many campuses lack the resources to develop a strategy to lower costs or plan for future upgrades because they are drowning in a backlog of deferred maintenance which has surpassed $112 billion nationwide.
This is where a qualified facility maintenance provider can help. They have the resources and expertise to take a proactive stance towards infrastructure upkeep and enhancements.
A key to finding the right partner is ensuring that facility services are centralized under a single entity. This single-source accountability creates a system of seamless communication and continuous improvement, provides an environment for swift issue resolution, and establishes a process for more proactive maintenance. An experienced provider can also offer national purchasing power for further cost savings.
Involving custodial and maintenance specialists from the outset of new facility undertakings, such as upgrades or new ar- chitectural ventures, can be highly efficient and yield important cost savings that free-up capital for other needs.
A Better Student Experience
Positive mental and physical health are critical for academic suc- cess. Light, air, and facility quality have real effects on student success. A recent national study found that 88% of students reported that the lack of cleanliness becomes a distraction.
Installing sound insulation panels in walls, sound-reducing windows, high-quality seals, and gaskets on doorways ensures that areas such as libraries, study rooms, and conference rooms are as quiet as possible. Proper lighting is also vital to maintain safety standards and an environment for students and faculty to
70 FALL 2023 | spaces4learning.com