UpDate - Vol. 13, No. 26, Page 3
April 7, 1994
Custodians seek national certification

     This year, 71 housing and residence life custodians, who maintain the
63 residence halls on campus, are back in school, moving toward national
certification as custodial technicians in a program, developed by the
Cleaning Management Institute (CMI).
     Catherine Skelley, assistant director who teaches the class and has
responsibility for human resource management in housing and residence life,
said next year, a course leading to a higher certification will be offered.
     Initiated by associate director of housing and residence life, Ralph
Johns, the program builds on the skills employees already have and teaches
them new ways of carrying out tasks. The topics include the chemistry of
cleaning, soil control, handling of hazardous and infectious waste, basic
cleaning of floor surfaces and cleaning of showers and bathrooms.
     Vicki Paisley, assistant director with responsibility for custodial
services, said cleaning schedules and methods of cleaning have been
reorganized as well, resulting in greater consistency and efficiency across
campus. For example, bathrooms are now cleaned on a specific schedule that
is posted on the doors so students know when the facilities will be closed.
     Two advisory committees also have been formed. The labor management
group, composed of shop stewards and housing and life directors, discusses
labor/ management issues. An employee advisory committee is made up of
custodians and their input is sought in different areas, such as testing
and selecting products to be used at the University and purchasing new
uniforms, according to Paisley.
     The Housing Newsletter, edited by Skelley and published quarterly, is
another means of communication for the custodial staff. It contains safety
information, professional hints and special features, as well as listing
birthdays, retirements and other happenings.
     There are special events held during the year for employee
appreciation and employee development. A picnic was held this fall, and an
awards dinner is held each December. The residence halls also hold
custodian appreciation days when students show their appreciation to the
caretakers of their campus home through posters, cards, gifts and flowers.
     For the second year, a Housing Employee Enrichment Day, entitled
"Continuous Improvement," was held April 4. The emphasis was on personal
wellness, career development, stress reduction, communication skills and
family concerns, Skelley said.
                                                  -Sue Swyers Moncure