University Conducting Assessment of Custodial and Grounds Services

Photo Submitted

The University of Arkansas is currently assessing its custodial and grounds services to help ensure that the campus community receives high-quality services, as consistently and efficiently as possible.

Why Now?

The U of A frequently evaluates a range of campus services and functions, documenting strengths, any potential gaps in service, and areas where consistency and efficiency can potentially be improved.

Will Anything Change?

At the end of the university's assessment, several options will be considered including no changes, some level of internal process and/or management changes; or moving to partial or full external contracting of these services.

When Will Decisions be Announced?

No decisions have been made yet. Once the assessment is completed and decisions have been made, any potential changes would not be implemented until sometime next fiscal year.

Will Staff be Impacted?

Once a decision has been made and announced, any potential impacts would be discussed directly with employees and their supervisors ahead of implementation.

What If the Decision is Made to Move to External Contracting of These Services?

If the decision is made to move to external contracting of custodial and ground services, existing employees can expect a similar working environment to the one they are familiar with now including:

• No expected reduction in existing staff.
• No expected reduction in pay.
• Comparable benefits to the plan provided to employees currently.
• Continued university tuition discounts for existing staff members and/or their spouses and children who are already receiving these discounts.

How Will Decisions be Communicated?

Unit leaders have shared news of the assessment and the potential for changes with custodial and grounds staff through multiple group and individual meetings, and other direct communications. Unit leaders and supervisors will provide more information as it becomes available. All questions and concerns will be considered but until the assessment is complete and decisions have been made, specifics about any potential changes are not yet available.

Questions about the assessment can be sent to feedback@uark.edu.