Services

Physical Plant Services

Updated 04/22/2024

 

Physical Plant Operations

Engineering (Heating, Cooling and Ventilation)

The following staff ensure that HVAC equipment is well-maintained and running properly:

Tom Birmingham, Jeff Dhority, Robby Broyles, Patrick Loggins, Andrew Kurrus, Greg Spivey and Jon Malady

Campus heating and cooling equipment is controlled by a centralized computer based energy management system, which allows the Physical Plant to regulate and adjust temperatures remotely. This system also helps the college save money and reduce the environmental impact, since building temperature set points can be adjusted according to usage schedules.

Unlike houses or apartments, most buildings on campus are “two pipe systems” - this means that the building is either in heating (via hot water or steam) or cooling (chilled water) mode. The HVAC system is manually changed over from one mode to the other as the seasons change. Physical Plant works with Residence Life to determine the appropriate time to make the switch between heating and cooling for residence halls, based on consultation with Residence Life, occupant feedback, weather forecasts, and current temperature.

Special Events (Setups)

The Physical Plant will help plan and execute special events, including lectures, concerts, receptions, and parties.  With proper notice we can provide additional housekeeping or setup assistance outside of our regular business hours; please contact Tim Lucas at lucast@rhodes.edu for an overtime estimate or for additional information.

The earlier event planning begins will result in a successful event.  Special Services requires a minimum notice time of three (3) business days to provide setups of tables and chairs for events. More notice is required for larger or more complicated setups, especially in locations such as McCallum Ballroom, 051 Barret, Orgill Room, Hyde Hall, Rollow Hall, or outdoor setups.

At certain times of year such as Homecoming or Commencement, all of our available tables and chairs may be in use.  In these situations we recommend use of an off-campus vendor for rental, such as Classic Party Rentals, Hicks Convention and Special Events, or Party Concepts.

Please note that the Physical Plant cannot provide tables and chairs for the Greek organizations and other private properties and functions.

Trash is removed from buildings on a daily basis by Housekeeping staff members. For an additional trash removal, submit an online work request or contact the Physical Plant main office at (901) 843-3870.

Recycling stations are located in every building on campus. Rhodes currently recycles paper, gray board, rigid plastics, glass bottles, aluminum, steel, and corrugated cardboard at these recycling stations.  Large printer or copy cartridges should be returned to the vendor providing when purchasing a replacement cartridge.

Please make sure that bottles, cans, and jars are empty of any food product, so that bins do not attract pests.

Recycling stations are monitored by building occupants, and when a bin is 1/2 to 2/3 full, the recycling monitor submits a work order online. All recycling pickups are completed by student employees from over 100 locations.  Please note that due to the large number of stations, we do not check bins on a regular basis. We depend on building occupants to notify us when a bin is close to full.

Pest Control 

The college contracts with Terminix for pest treatment and prevention services.  Our service representative is on campus every Monday and Thursday morning; to request service or an inspection, please submit an online work request by Sunday and Wednesday at 4:00 p.m.

Some things you can do to prevent pests, especially in dorm rooms:

• Keep all open food packages tightly sealed. 
• Clean dirty dishes promptly, including glasses and cups. 
• Promptly hang wet towels and other wet clothing to dry. 
• Clean spills promptly. 
• Take out trash regularly, especially if it contains food waste. 
• Clean out sinks regularly. 
• Do not keep empty cardboard boxes and paper grocery sacks.

Campus Renovations 

The Physical Plant coordinates campus renovations both large and small. Summer is the usual season for construction on our campus, but projects take place year-round. Physical Plant staff can assist with obtaining estimates, developing a scope of work, creating work schedules, and other elements of project management. If your department has a proposed construction project, please contact Brian Foshee at (901) 843-3870 as early as possible to begin planning. Summer work schedules fill up quickly. 

Plumbing and Electrical 

Rhodes plumbing and electrical systems are maintained by the following staff members:

Mike Herbers, Master Plumber

Terry Addison, Electrician

Rob Davis, Plumber
Keith Jones, Assistant Superintendent of Maintenance
Jeff McClain, in addition to being Director of Physical Plant, also holds a Tennessee Electrical Contractor License for the College.

Greg Jones, in addition to being Superintendent of Maintenance, also manages Energy Management System campus-wide.

For an emergency, call the Physical Plant immediately at 901-843-3870, or Campus Safety at 901-843-3880.  For non-emergency plumbing or electrical issues, submit a work request through the Express Online Login and rhodes.topdesk.net

Housekeeping (General Cleaning) 

• Daily cleaning is provided by our Housekeeping staff in offices, common areas and high-traffic areas. 
• Common restrooms, showers and locker rooms are thoroughly cleaned and stocked with paper products. 
• Regular trash removal is performed by housekeeping staff. Removal of recycling is completed as needed and can be requested through the work order system.  Student employees are responsible removing recycle materials from our buildings.
• Hard surface floors are stripped and waxed annually by our staff, usually during the summer months.

Repairs and Maintenance 

Building Maintenance Technicians repair doors, locks, drywall and paint:

Tony Moore
Todd Livingston
Duane Parker

The Physical Plant can accommodate a limited number of summer repainting requests. Work is completed by our building maintenance technicians or by contract painters, depending on schedule.  Any requests must be received by April 15, and will be prioritized based on condition and scheduling. Building Maintenance does not assemble furniture.

Elevators 

Elevators are maintained by Otis Elevator Company. The following buildings have elevators:

• Barret Library
• Briggs Student Center
• Bryan Campus Life Center
• Buckman Hall
• Burrow Hall
• Burrow Refectory
• Clough Hall
• East Village (A, B, & C buildings)
• West Campus - main building(Music)
• Halliburton Tower
• Hassell Hall
• Kennedy Hall
• King Hall
• Ohlendorf Hall/Frazier-Jelke
• Southwestern Hall
• Rhodes Tower/Frazier-Jelke
• Rhodes Tower/Frazier-Jelke (exterior freight lift)
• Robertson Hall
• Robinson Hall
• West Village
• Williford Hall
• West Campus (Bookstore Lobby)

Elevator service requests should be called in immediately to Physical Plant at 901-843-3870 or after hours, weekends or holidays contact Campus Safety at 901-843-3880.

Keys, Fobs, and Campus Access 

Requests for building keys and fobs are submitted through the online work order system. Campus Safety approves and schedules all building room keys, fobs, or other access requests.  Once approved, Physical Plant makes the key or fob and delivered to Campus Safety, where it is checked for accuracy, logged, and taken to Rhodes Express for convenient pickup.

Residence Hall Laundry

Laundry self-service is included in the room and board rates. When a washer or dryer malfunctions, report it directly to our laundry vendor, Caldwell and Gregory, at 800-927-9274. You can also submit a work request online via the work order system.

Be kind to your fellow residents! Remove clothes promptly from washers and dryers.  Wipe up detergent spills. Empty lint filters. Leave washers, dryers, and laundry rooms the way you would hope to find them.  Please leave washing machine doors open when not in use.