As Grand Valley State University approaches the end of its school year, the maintenance department is just starting summer improvement projects on campus.

James Moyer, assistant vice president for Facilities Planning, said the department does various projects in GVSU’s facilities including replacing carpet, updating technology and repairing sidewalks and doorways.

“Most of these projects address immediate needs to maintain the functionality and appearance of university facilities,” Moyer said.

He added that the department starts planning and preparing for the projects in February and March, but must complete them between the end of the winter semester and Aug. 15.

Helen Klein, chair of the Faculty Facilities Planning Advisory Committee, said GVSU budgeted more than $500,000 to improve facilities this summer, a fee slightly greater than the $470,000 spent in 2011.

Freshman Lindsey VanNoord said the traditional-style dorms need the most work on campus and adding air conditioning to all the dorms would be beneficial.

“There are some buildings that are in great shape, but others could use some renovations,” VanNoord said.

Klein said the Faculty Faculties Planning Advisory Committee opened up a Blackboard survey asking faculty members which places on campus need the most improving.

Klein said some classroom improvements, such as replacing carpet and desks, can be addressed quickly. However, projects to restore heating, cooling and electrical problems are more costly and difficult to repair, so the maintenance staff may have to wait to make major building renovations.

VanNoord said that the appearance of buildings on campus is important for students thinking about coming to GVSU.

“Many students come here because of the beautiful campus,” she said.

Moyer said GVSU hires about 20 contractors to complete various projects on campus, adding that about 200 people could be involved altogether.

“The overall goal for improving the facilities on campus is to assure that the buildings support the university academic mission,” Moyer said, meaning that the university prevents major maintenance problems from getting bad enough to impair academic spaces. “At GVSU, we have worked very diligently to control the level of deferred maintenance.”

To request maintenance for living areas, students can request a work order online at tma.plant.gvsu.edu.

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