Physical Plant

d e p a r t m e n t

The mission of the Physical Plant is to promote opportunities for learning & growth through the planning, building, operation, repair, and maintenance of campus facilities & grounds.

Frequently
Asked Questions

Below are some common questions we've been asked and the answers. Have a question? Send it to us at PhysicalPlantHelp@CofC.edu.

1. How is a work order request placed?
   Work order requests are placed using Maintenance Direct.
   
        – About Maintenance Direct
        – Go to Maintenance Direct site
    
2. How much notice is necessary for an event set-up?
   It is important that requests for special events and moving are submitted at least one week prior to the date that the service is needed with the understanding that some events may require more than one week’s notice to allow time for coordination, equipment rental, or contracting of services when required.
    
3. If the minimum notice is not provided for an event, is there an extra charge for the service?
   Yes. A late charge will be applied in most cases to cover extra personnel and overtime costs.
    
4. What do I do if my office is too hot or too cold?
   Place a work order in Maintenance Direct so the problem can be addressed.
    
5. Does Physical Plant have to be involved in all building alterations?
   Yes, Physical Plant must be involved in all building alterations. Physical Plant can often do the work requested or provide advice and estimates from outside contractors when necessary.
    
6. Can I contact a contractor to do work if I am paying for it from my department budget?
   No. Departments should not contact contractors themselves. Physical Plant is responsible for providing advice and estimates from outside contractors.
    
7. How do I get the furniture in my office moved by Physical Plant?
   Send an Intra Department Transfer (IDT) to Physical Plant completed with department accounting information. Make sure the IDT is signed by an authorized fund administrator.
    
8. How do I get the recycling picked up?
   Place a work order request in Maintenance Direct.
    
9. My office needs painting. What do I do?
   Place a work order request in Maintenance Direct for the work to be done. If the painting is determined to be necessary maintenance, the Physical Plant will absorb the cost of repainting the office.
   
   If the painting is not determined to be necessary maintenance, an Intra Department Transfer (IDT) must be submitted to Physical Plant completed with department accounting information. Make sure the IDT is signed by an authorized fund administrator.
    
10. How do I request an estimate for a shelf to be built & installed in my office?
    Send an Intra Department Transfer (IDT) to Physical Plant, completed with department accounting information, requesting an estimate. Make sure the IDT is signed by an authorized fund administrator.
     
11. When will my work order be completed?
    The completion time for each work order request varies due to many factors. If a work order has not been completed in a reasonable amount of time, please call the Physical Plant Maintenance Support Center at 953-5550 to check on the status of your request.
     
12. The elevator in my building does not work. What do I do?
    Call the Physical Plant Maintenance Support Center at 953-5550 to report the elevator problem or use Maintenance Direct to place a work order.
     
13. How do I get into Maintenance Direct to place a work request/work order?
    Read about using Maintenance Direct to place a work order.
     
14. The power went off in my office. What should I do?
    Call the Physical Plant Maintenance Support Center at 953-5550 to report the power failure.
     
15. My ceiling is leaking. What should I do?
    Call the Physical Plant Maintenance Support Center at 953-5550.
     
16. How do I arrange to have someone shampoo my carpet?
    Place a work order request in Maintenance Direct for the work to be done. If the carpet cleaning is determined to be necessary maintenance, the Physical Plant will absorb the cost of shampooing the carpet.
    
    If the carpet cleaning is not determined to be necessary maintenance, an Intra Department Transfer (IDT) must be submitted to Physical Plant, completed with department accounting information. Make sure the IDT is signed by an authorized fund administrator.
     
17. I need an office key for a new temporary employee. How do I get another key?
    Upon request of an authorized supervisor, temporary employees are issued keys to offices but not to buildings. Keys can be obtained by sending an Intra Department Transfer (IDT) to Physical Plant with department accounting information and the name of the employee receiving the key.
    
    Physical Plant will enter the work order in Maintenance Direct when the IDT is received.
     
18. I need to have a desk assembled. How do I arrange for this?
    Send an Intra Department Transfer (IDT) to Physical Plant, completed with department accounting information. Make sure the IDT is signed by an authorized fund administrator.
     
19. When do I use Maintenance Direct and when do I submit an Intra Department Transfer (IDT)?
    Intra Department Transfers (IDTs) are to be used for chargeable services (non-routine maintenance tasks). Maintenance Direct is to be used for non-chargeable services (routine maintenance requests).