SERVICES

Utility usage consumes a significant portion of Physical Plant's annual budget each year. Smith College spends an average of $3.20 per minute to purchase electricity, and the amount of fuel consumed by the boiler plant during one cold winter's day would heat the average home for approximately 12 years.

The service department is open weekdays, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. In addition to maintenance, repair and alterations, the department provides assistance in coordinating various activities and major events on campus, including commencement, reunions and the numerous concerts and parties that occur during both the academic year and summer.

Primary contact with the Physical Plant Department is through the Customer Service Center. Because the Customer Service Center receives and processes so many work requests annually, it is important that routine requests be reported via building or department liaisons, or on the work request form on the head resident's door, which is checked daily by Building Services staff and forwarded to the Customer Service Center, from which staff is dispatched. Whenever possible, work will be completed within a few days. Other requests requiring the services of tradesmen or contractors may take longer, depending on the availability of personnel and the urgency of the request. Any questions concerning the status of a work request or work order should be directed to the Customer Service Center by the liaisons or head residents.

All maintenance and improvement work must be performed by Physical Plant. Under no circumstances should students attempt to effect repairs or make improvements.

Physical Plant provides building and grounds maintenance services, as well as planning and coordination of alterations, major renovations and new construction.