Facilities Services

Cleaning and Custodial

The Custodial Department is responsible for regularly cleaning all corridors, public spaces, classrooms, offices, restrooms, elevators and stairwells. Trash is collected daily, and spaces are vacuumed and dusted weekly. In the event of a staffing shortage, these areas are monitored.

An outside contractor completes annual cleaning of exterior windows. Floor waxing/stripping and carpet cleaning are completed by request over term breaks.

Mechanical and Operating Systems

University mechanical equipment and systems -- including heating, ventilation, air conditioning, building automation controls and electronics, elevators, fire protection, and emergency power -- are serviced and maintained on a 24-hour schedule.  Service for special equipment, such as laboratory equipment, is provided on a case-by-case basis, or may be referred to a qualified contractor.

To request service, submit a work request. Charges may apply depending upon the nature of the request.

Maintenance Services

Drexel's full-service maintenance department consists of individual shops that specialize in all aspects of building maintenance. Maintenance shops and managerial offices are located in the General Services Building at 34th and Market Streets.

Each shop specializes in individual areas of expertise:

• Carpenter Shop: performs basic building interior repair to major renovation projects, including, ceiling and floor tile installation, mounting pictures and nameplates, custom wood working.
• Electric Shop: provides building electrical system support (changing bulbs and new light fixtures) for routine building maintenance, renovation projects and electric equipment installation.
• Lock Shop: offers complete lock service from cutting keys to installing lock systems.
• Metal Shop: performs all types of metal fabrication, including steel door unit, welding and handrail repairs.
• Paint/Plaster Shop: provides interior and exterior painting and renovation projects, as well as furniture and frame refinishing.
• Plumbing Shop: performs drain cleaning, roof and area drain repairs, installing and maintaining safety shower and eyewash systems, identifying and addressing domestic water system cross connection and backflow issues, and installing and maintaining plumbing systems, lavatory and laboratory fixtures.

Grounds Maintenance

The Grounds Department is responsible for maintaining the University City Campus, including all campus turf, courtyards, landscape beds, outdoor hard-surfaces, seasonal flower displays, and trees, as well as the daily outdoor collection of trash and recycling. Drexel's Grounds Department has twice been recognized by the Professional Grounds Management Society for excellence in grounds maintenance, commitment to sustainability and green practices.

• Read the Award-winning Submission [PDF]

Landscaping operations include:

• planting and caring for trees, shrubs and seasonal flowers;
• renovating lawns;
• designing and installing new landscapes; and
• working closely with Planning, Design & Construction to align projects with the Campus Plan and ensure sustainable and native choices for new installations.

Leaves, lawn clippings and landscape debris are composted and recycled back into the campus turf and planting beds, which helps to reduce the amount of waste sent offsite and adding valuable organic nutrients back into the planting media, reducing the need for additional fertilizers.

Vidas Athletic Complex Maintenance

To maintain a safe playing surface for Drexel's athletic teams, the Grounds Department preserves the integrity of both the natural and synthetic fields at the Vidas Athletic Complex. The Grounds Department works closely with Drexel Athletics to ensure that all current NCAA rules and regulations are met, the field house is cleaned and properly maintained, and the management of contracted vendors is effective and efficient.

Snow Removal

The director of the Grounds Department also acts as the Snow Control Director. As conditions dictate, an approved priority plan is followed to ensure the safe and timely clearing of designated walkways, steps, ramps, building entrances and fire exits. The Grounds Department is responsible for all snow and ice management to keep the campus open and as safe as possible.

Call 215.895.1700 during normal business hours, or the Public Safety Communications Center at 215.895.2222 after hours, to report areas where snow or ice pose a problem and need immediate attention.