Top Stories
F/CM Hosts Excellence Awards Luncheon for Staff
Facilities/Construction Management (F/CM) recently hosted its annual Excellence Awards
Luncheon for staff. The theme was “Hawaiian Fiesta” with Mexican cuisine and Hawaiian
décor. In addition to savoring the meal, attendees had the opportunity to wear leis
and take photos in a photo booth.
July 02, 2026
Maintaining Excellence: New Dumpsters Coming to Campus
Facilities/Construction Management recently undertook the task of replacing all campus
dumpsters. DeAnthony Thomas, assistant director of Campus Services, answered some
questions about the Solid Waste unit’s ambitious project. The conversation ranged
from the project details to what items these dumpsters can accept. Plus, how to keep
the University of Houston’s trash trucks safe from fires and other dangers.
July 02, 2026
Hiring for Excellence: F/CM and Human Resources Host New Training for Managers
Senior Recruiters Lysette Juarez, Cristian Garcia, and Alan Ortiz led the training,
which was offered twice in May. “The ‘Hiring Excellence’ training reinforced best
practices throughout each stage of the hiring process, from contacting candidates
to confirm their interest, to conducting interviews, and managing the steps that follow
once a hiring manager selects a candidate,” said Erica Vazquez, attendee and assistant
director of Facilities Customer Relations & Communications.
July 02, 2026
“This Has Been My Goal for Years”: Sally Al Amili Gains PMP Certification
Facilities/Construction Management is proud to announce that Sally Al Amili, project
manager with Facilities Services, has acquired PMP certification.
July 02, 2026
F/CM Transformation: New Unit, New Lobby, Renewed Commitment
We are pleased to announce a significant development within Facilities/Construction
Management (F/CM). As part of our ongoing commitment to service excellence, F/CM has
undergone a strategic restructuring that includes the creation of a new unit: Facilities
Customer Relations & Communications (FCRC).
August 19, 2025
Facilities/Construction Management Restructuring Announcement
Facilities/Construction Management has undergone a slight restructuring that includes
the creation of a new unit: Facilities Customer Relations & Communications (FCRC).
FCRC will be comprised of two dedicated teams
August 19, 2025
Facilities Forum Educates Attendees, Builds Camaraderie
Approximately 70 facilities employees from the University of Houston, University of
Houston-Clear Lake, and University of Houston-Downtown gathered for the 8th Annual
Facilities Forum, held at the MD Anderson Library’s Elizabeth Rockwell Pavilion.
October 15, 2025
Facilities Leaders Share Expertise and Gain Insights at 2025 TAPPA Conference
University of Houston staff members from the Facilities/Construction Management department
attended the 2025 TAPPA Annual Educational Conference and Business Partner Fair in
Galveston, Texas from April 15-17. One of the key missions of TAPPA is to provide
valuable educational programs and networking opportunities to its members and business
partners.
May 27, 2025
Facilities/Construction Management Engages in Career Day for Kids
Facilities/Construction Management engaged with over 120 students at Black Elementary
in Aldine Independent School District for their Career Day event. Assistant Director
of Campus Services DeAnthony Thomas, Refuse Collector/Driver Justin Luera and Facilities
Communications Manager Erica Vazquez spoke about the various career opportunities
within F/CM at the University of Houston. Read more about how F/CM engaged at Career
Day.
December 05, 2024
F/CM Engages in Career Day for Kids
In November, Assistant Director of Campus Services DeAnthony Thomas, Refuse Collector/Driver
Justin Luera and Facilities Communications Manager Erica Vazquez had the opportunity
to engage with over 120 students at Black Elementary in Aldine Independent School
District on the various career opportunities within Facilities/Construction Management
at University of Houston.
Facilities/Construction Management Engages at TCUF Conference
Staff members from the Facilities/Construction department attended the 2024 Texas
College & University Facilities Professionals Conference (TCUF) from September 25
– September 27. This year’s theme was Live, Learn and Play. Attendees engaged in various
workshops that included topics related to how facilities and staff in higher education
can balance wellness, knowledge and growth.
Facilities/Construction Management Hosts 7th UHS Facilities Forum
Since 2018, Facilities/Construction Management has held an annual University of Houston
System Facilities Forum that invites facilities departments from within the UH System to congregate, collaborate, and exchange ideas to better serve their universities.
Facilities/Construction Management Annual Employee Awards and Celebration
On May 23, Facilities/Construction Management hosted their annual department lunch
and awards celebration. Over 300 guests attended the celebration at the Student Center
South Houston Room including F/CM staff, campus partners and building coordinators.
FIXIT Software Generates Meaningful Key Performance Indicators, Receives Award
The FIXIT Service Request system received a major upgrade two years ago to a new CMMS
software from AssetWorks and in that short time, the UH Facilities/Construction Management department has become experts in managing the
software data and how it can be used.
Facilities Engages at TAPPA Conference
University of Houston staff members from the Facilities/Construction Management department
attended the 2024 TAPPA Educational Conference and Business Partner Fair in San Marcos,
Texas from April 7 – April 9.
A New Addition to the F/CM Department Employee Recognitions: Building Futures, Maintaining Excellence Team Coins
In September 2023, an exciting new recognition program was implemented to recognize
Facilities/Construction Management teams working together to achieve the strategic
mission of both the University of Houston and Facilities/Construction Management.
Sustainable Tips for the Holiday Season
This December, University of Houston faculty and staff will close their office doors
and head home to spend time with loved ones. However, while we are all recharging,
there may be energy wasted in our campus buildings. Remember to power-down before
leaving for the holiday break!
UHS Facilities Forum 2023
UH System Facilities leaders and business partners gathered to collaborate, network
and gain knowledge at the 2023 UHS Facilities Forum. This year’s theme was “Breaking
Barriers with Dream Teams.” The two-day event was attended by members of staff across
University of Houston System.
Facilities Strategic Plan
Facilities/Construction Management’s Strategic Plan is now available. The F/CM Strategic
Goals were developed from team members representing all areas of the department.
Keep the Power Flowing
Under the sprawling 600-plus acres of the University of Houston campus – beneath the
trees, buildings, fountains and our feet — three miles of tunnels exist unseen and
yet essential to University operations.
New Campus Buildings Receive LEED Gold and LEED Silver Certification
The University of Houston’s John M. O’Quinn Law Building and the College of Medicine
Building received national recognition this spring by being awarded Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification at the Silver and Gold levels.
F/CM Recognizes Employee Contributions with Excellence Awards
On May 25, F/CM hosted their annual department lunch. During this time together, appreciation
was given for the hard work accomplished throughout the fiscal year. Recognition was
given to the team members who participated in the Leadership Education and Development
Program in 2022, team members who successfully completed the CPR/First Aid course
since it began in April, and the 2023 Strategic Teams were also announced.
TAPPA Conference Recognizes James Norcom, III
University of Houston staff members from the Facilities/Construction Management department
attended the 2023 TAPPA Educational Conference and Business Partner Fair in Denton,
Texas. TAPPA is a non-profit organization that promotes common interest, proficiency,
and professionalism in college and university facilities operations.
Annual Magazine: Spring/Fall 2022
Our latest issue of the ‘Facilities in Review’ magazine is now available. This publication
is presented from the department of Facilities/Construction Management (F/CM) and
is produced by Facilities Communications.
Meet the Cougar Access Control Services team
A new team, the Cougar Access Control Services, was formed at the beginning of 2023
to create a one-stop shop for anything and everything related to access where keys
or cards are required.
UH CONCISE Program Kicks Off Partnership Engagement
Facilities/Construction Management, Parking and Transportation, the University of
Houston Police Department, UH Athletics, Fire & Life Safety, and other UH departments invited Houston-area community partners to campus in February to launch
a new program aimed at helping the university facilitate better partnership collaboration
from a logistics standpoint.
Bicycle Rack Spring Cleaning
The University of Houston Facilities/Construction Management and the University of
Houston Police Department continue to clean up the bicycle racks to maintain an adequate
number of bicycle parking spaces on campus and maintain the overall aesthetics of
our campus.
Leadership Highlights for Facilities Services
Facilities Services is one of four units within Facilities/Construction Management.
Although the main way to contact FIXIT is always through the 4 Ways to FIXIT
Sustainable Tips for the Holiday Season
This December, University of Houston faculty and staff will close their office doors
and head home to spend time with loved ones. However, while we are all recharging,
there may be energy wasted in our campus buildings. Remember to power-down before
leaving for the holiday break!
UH Facilities Ride-Out Team 2022
Each year, Facilities Services organizes a Ride-Out Team. These dedicated indivdiuals
are responsible for staying on campus when there is an emergency weather situation.
Facilities Builds Pathways Forward
Facilities/Construction Management continues to create an environment of accessibility
by ensuring appropriate standards for new construction with regards to the Texas Accessibility
Standards (TAS).
FIXIT Service Requests
In August, the FIXIT Service Request system received a major upgrade. Facilities/Construction
Management changed from the software that was over a decade old to a new software.
Custodial Appreciation Week September 11-17
University of Houston Facilities/Construction Management has over 125 in-house custodians
and close to the same number of contract custodians. This is the largest team within
the department and is led by Senior Director Liliana Simmonds.