Summer 2023 updates to university classrooms

This message is intended for all Facilities Management Custodial Services directors, managers, and supervisors. 

Classroom Scheduling is making some exciting changes to the university classrooms this summer and we are reaching out to give you some updates and approximate timelines on what we are doing so that you aren’t met with any surprises. Please share this information with your staff as necessary.

Scope of project

Approximately 30 university classrooms will receive a full furniture refresh of either tablet arm chairs or tables and chairs. Approximately 150 tablet arm university classrooms will have a height adjustable table and chair added to them for priority seating (please note that the room capacity will not be changing, we will be removing one tablet arm chair from each UCR). We will also be replacing the instructor tables and chairs in any UCRs that still have older models present.

Full furniture replacement. The following classrooms will have new furniture installed:

Table and chair additions. Buildings with classrooms that will have single tablet arm chairs removed and a table/chair installed are: ABW, AJB, CB, CPHB, EPB, FH, JH, LIB, MH, MLH, NH, PBSB, PH, SC, SH, SHC, SL, TH, UCC, VAB, and VAN.

Student chairs replaced. The following rooms will have all 4 leg student chairs replaced:

205 NH
C121 PBB
S181 PBB

Timeline

This timeline is only approximate and may be subject to change based on unforeseen circumstances that may arise.

Removal of old furniture. Hawkeye Moving Company will be removing the furniture from the above classrooms in stages as the schedule of classes and events allows.

July 26: LC, BCSB
July 28: VAN
August 7: PH, NH
August 8: PH, NH

Single tablet arm chairs and old instructor tables and chairs will also be removed on these dates.

Installation of new furniture. Duet Resource Group will be installing the new furniture in stages based on priority of room use needs. The furniture will be installed between August 10–18.

Assistance needed from custodial staff

There are a few things we need a little help with from you and your staff: 

Chair booties. If you would like to retain the booties currently on the chairs, please remove them from the chairs prior to the July 26 removal date. The new tablet arm chairs and classroom chairs will be on casters, so the booties will not be needed for the new furniture.

Floor waxing. Please do not wax the floors of any of the above rooms during the furniture install period noted above. We are on a very tight schedule to get everything installed and in place before On Iowa and other events begin. If you plan on waxing any UCR floors this summer, please reach out to Classroom Scheduling and we will be happy to work with you to find a good time period to do so.

Chalkboards. If your schedule allows, we would be very appreciative if the chalkboards in any of the classrooms listed above could be cleaned the week of August 14. We will be taking new classroom pictures after the new furniture is in place and clean chalkboards help make the pictures look amazing.

Tablet arm storage. If you would like to keep some replacement tablet arm chairs on hand in the building, please let us know and we can work together to coordinate the quantity and location for storage.

ADA table and chair

For your reference, below is an image of the new height adjustable table - a KI Ruckus - that will be installed in the tablet arm chair UCRs. The chairs included will match the furniture that is currently in the room. As we did with instructor chairs, these new ADA tables and chairs will be labeled with the room number they belong in. 

Questions

We are working hard to make sure that this project goes smoothly, but if you have any questions or comments, please reach out to us via Caroline Jens. Thank you so much for all you do to make our jobs easier.