Resources

Haverford College supports the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and uses the ADA Accessibility Guidelines to adapt campus buildings, walkways, and facilities to these specifications. Address questions concerning the accessibility of campus facilities or ADA requirements to the Facilities Management Director at (610)896-1100.

The Haverford College campus is designated as a historical Arboretum. In 2005, Haverford College Arboretum was established as the oldest college arboretum in the United States. Shortly after the founding of Haverford College in 1833, William Carvill, an English gardener, developed a landscape design for the new campus which featured a diverse collection of fine trees. Learn more>

Bicycle racks are located throughout the campus for the convenience of bike owners and are used at the owner's risk. Owners are strongly encouraged to lock their bicycles to the bicycle racks. Parking or storage of bicycles inside buildings (including entrance/exit ways) is against the fire code and is prohibited. Bikes should not be locked to sign posts, railings, lamp posts, or any structures other than the bicycle racks. All bikes should be registered with Security.

Carpeting of spaces such as faculty and administrative offices is not normally done unless it is more cost effective than refinishing or repairing the existing flooring.

The Facilities Management Department adheres to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Fire and Panic Regulations as well as all other appropriate Federal, State and Local building codes. Direct inquiries about code requirements to the Facilities Management Director at (610)896-1100.

Area contractors are used for specialized work. All work done by local contractors is administered and inspected by the Facilities Management Department personnel. Departments other than Facilities Management are not authorized to engage contractors to work on campus facilities. If a department believes that there is a need for an outside contractor, the Facilities Management Department should be contacted to execute and administer the contract. The department concerned will be charged for the cost of the construction contracts.

The conservation of water, electricity, and heat is one of the more important responsibilities of the College community. Over the past few years, a concerted effort has been made to modify equipment and procedures to take advantage of energy saving techniques. Members of the College community can help conserve energy by following basic conservation practices, such as closing doors and windows when air conditioning or heating services are in use. Close windows at the end of the work day, turn off lights in unoccupied areas, and reporting leaking faucets and pipes to the Service Coordinator at (610)896-1096. The closing of windows is particularly important before semester and holiday breaks during the winter season to help prevent waterline freeze-ups.

When a department is contemplating the purchase of new equipment for an office or laboratory, Facilities Management should be consulted to determine if the source of power, equipment phase, voltage, and amperage required are available. The Facilities Management Department must approve and install all new equipment connected to the campus utility systems.

In the selection of equipment, the following principles of electrical characteristics should be observed:

1. All must be 60 cycle and have Underwriters Laboratory (UL) seal of approval. All standard 120 volt, single phase circuits are limited to 20 amp current capacity.
2. On items of equipment requiring more than 20 amps, such equipment must be single phase or three phase 208 volt or 480 volts (where 480 volt service is available).
3. On the selection of equipment requiring less than 20 amps at 120 volts, where the choice of voltage may be optional, the highest available voltage in the area should be used.
4. In selecting any electrical equipment, high operating efficiency must be considered.

The Facilities Management Department should be requested to connect any new or replacement equipment (that requires connection other than merely plugging into a convenient outlet) to ensure safety and compatibility. Failure to do so could result in serious operational and maintenance problems, not only for the department concerned but also for other departments and the Facilities Management Department. Individuals who violate this policy may be held personally liable for any resulting damage.

Elevators are inspected by the Facilities Management Department under contract for Safety Code Compliance. Please report any malfunctions or problems to the Service Coordinator at (610)896-1096.

During normal working hours, call the Maintenance Service Coordinator at (610)896-1096 for all emergencies requiring Facilities Management Department services. During all other hours, call the Safety & Security Office at (610)896-1111.

Fire Extinguishers The purchase and maintenance of fire extinguishers are the responsibility of the Safety & Security Department. Please report any malfunctions or problems to the Security Office at (610)896-1111.

In case of fire, pull a fire alarm, advise others of the fire, and vacate the building. THEN call Security on an emergency phone or at (610)896-1111.   Be prepared: know the locations of the nearest fire alarm, emergency phone, or regular phone.

Classroom and office furniture is maintained by the Facilities Management Department and requests for repairs may be directed to the Service coordinator at (610)896-1096. Each department, not the Physical Plant, is responsible for replacing office furniture that cannot be economically repaired.

The Housekeeping Division (contact 610 896-1098) can assist departments in routine furniture moving. However, departments are asked to be flexible in scheduling moves, as the custodians who move furniture are assigned primarily to other tasks. Heavy or special lifts, e.g. pianos or lab equipment, normally will be done by professional movers. For these moves, each department should make their own arrangements.

The Facilities Management Department maintains the Haverford College Apartments (HCA). Deficiencies in these areas should be reported to the Maintenance Service Coordinator at (610)896-1096 during work hours and to Security (610)896-1111.     

 Heating: There is no precisely defined heating season; this is dependent on actual outside temperatures. However, the season generally runs from October 15 to April 15. During this period, interior temperatures in administrative and classroom facilities are maintained in the range of 65-70 degrees F. during normal working hours. The temperatures are normally set back to the 58-62 degree range at night and on weekends and holidays.      

Temperatures in the dormitories are raised to 68-70 degrees F. beginning at 5:30 a.m. and remain in this range until midnight, when the temperatures are set back to 63-65 degrees F. This is the cycle seven days a week during the heating season. Unfortunately, the heating systems in most of our buildings are very old and not well-controlled, and it is not easy to maintain a consistent temperature throughout many buildings. There may be times when temperatures vary widely within a building, sometimes even from room to room. We will do our best to keep the temperatures satisfactory throughout the heating system.  The assistance of the entire College community is solicited in reporting any overheating or underheating situations to the Maintenance Service Coordinator at (610)896-1096 as promptly as possible.

Cooling: Founders, Chase Hall, Magill Library, Stokes Hall, KINSC, the Dining Center, Union Hall, Marshall Fine Arts Center, Sharpless Hall, and Hall Building are the only buildings with central air conditioning. Other buildings may have areas within them that have area air conditioning systems. There is no defined air conditioning season. We air condition the areas as necessary to maintain temperatures in the 76-80 degree range from approximately mid-April to the end of September. Many faculty and administrative offices on campus are provided with window air conditioning units. While they have been installed to provide comfort for the occupants of the spaces, they are one of the biggest energy wasters on the campus. These air conditioning units should be set to a reasonable temperature, and not merely turned on to the coldest setting and highest speed. Furthermore, the occupants should turn the units off when the area is unoccupied for an extended period. This is especially important at night, on weekends, and during holidays.

Labor, materials, and/or equipment cannot be used for private or personal benefit on or off campus. Materials and equipment cannot be loaned to faculty, employees, or students.

The College locksmith is the only person allowed to cut and issue keys for College buildings. Duplication of keys by an outside locksmith is strictly prohibited.  All buildings are set up on a master key system. Therefore, it is incumbent upon those who hold master or sub-master building keys to ensure that the security of buildings is not compromised by losing these keys or allowing unauthorized personnel to access them. Lost keys must be reported immediately to the Director of Safety & Security (610 896-1111). In the event that a master key is lost, it may be necessary for the department concerned to be charged for the cost of rekeying or replacing locks in the building(s) affected. Requests for keys received by the Facilities Management before noon will normally ready by 2:00 p.m. the same day. Key requests received after noon will normally be ready by 9:00 a.m. the following work day. Office and building keys may be picked up at the Service Coordinator's office in the Maintenance Shop of the Facilities Management Complex.      

Administration Offices: Requests for lock changes and key changes, or requests for additional or replacement keys, must come from the head of the department concerned. Requests should be sent to the Director of Safety & Security, who will then endorse or deny the request. It then will be sent to the Facilities Management Department.

Faculty Housing: One key per adult occupant is issued by the Facilities Management Department. Requests for additional or replacement keys should be directed to the Facilities Management Department. Occupants may be charged for lost or replacement keys.

Dormitories: Every student living in College housing is expected to accept and carry a College-issued room key for his or her room. Students may pick up the assigned key from the Facilities Management Department at registration of the Facilities Management administration office for late arrivals. This one key provides access to a student's building and room. If a key is lost, there is a charge to change the lock (See the Student Guide for the current fee). All dorm keys must be returned to the Facilities Management Department at the end of each academic year.

The Facilities Management Department will attempt to provide vehicular support to College departments when requested. No one outside the Facilities Management Department is permitted to operate Facilities Management Department vehicles or equipment without prior authorization of the director. Therefore, when vehicular support is required, the Facilities Management Department will provide a driver with a vehicle. The department concerned must provide someone to accompany the driver and vehicle to do the pick up and delivery. The Facilities driver will be available to assist.  College vehicles are not available for personal use, e.g., for moving personal furniture or appliances.

Private Vehicles: All students, faculty, administration, and staff members must register their vehicles with the Safety & Security Office. Drivers should observe the parking restrictions and speed limits on the campus, and park only in paved or designated parking areas. Drivers are requested to refrain from operating any vehicles on campus walks and lawns without prior approval from the Facilities Management Department. Individuals driving on areas other than roads may be personally liable for any damage to grounds, plants, trees, etc. Vehicles parked in violation of parking regulations are subject to being ticketed or ticketed and towed at the owner's expense.

Occupants of all administrative, academic, and residential buildings are responsible for turning out lights, closing windows, locking doors, turning off window air conditioning units, and monitoring the general security condition of the area. Everyone must share the responsibility for energy conservation and security against theft, fire, and vandalism.  

If you find you have a problem with pests, be it ants, roaches, bugs or perhaps squirrels in the attic, call the Assistant Director of Facilities Management - Housekeeping Services at (610)896-1098. A work order will be given to the Housekeeping Department who supervises the professional pest control company employed by the College to handle these problems. The technician is only on the campus two days a week, but will respond to emergencies immediately, as needed.

The posting of notices, signs, announcements, and similar material should be confined to bulletin boards or other areas designated for posting. Items should not be posted on painted surfaces, doors, windows, or trees. Items posted in violation of these guidelines will be removed. Departments are requested to monitor bulletin boards and remove unauthorized or outdated notices.

Custodians collect items to be recycled (mixed office paper, cardboard, aluminum cans, glass, plastic, and newspaper) from designated containers in all academic buildings, dormitories, the Dining Center, and the Campus Center. The recycling program is also assisted by students who work independently emptying containers throughout the weekend. Students also provide help to our staff in collecting the recycled materials from HCA. The Arboretum continues collecting leaf waste as required by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, composting it, then placing it on the shrubs and plants around the campus. Any questions or concerns regarding the recycling program at Haverford College should be directed to the Assistant Director of Facilities Management - Housekeeping Services at (610)896-1098.  

The pick-up of campus refuse is administered by the Housekeeping Division. Normal trash and refuse should be placed in the open disposal containers located throughout the campus. Departments with special needs should contact the Assistant Director of Facilities Management - Housekeeping Services at (610)896-1098.

Hazardous Waste: Hazardous waste materials should not be placed in the disposal containers provided for for normal day-to-day refuse. Examples of hazardous waste include: flammable and combustible liquids, waste and unused chemicals, toxic chemicals, pesticides and agricultural chemicals, carcinogens and biological wastes.  Disposal of hazardous wastes is the responsibility of the department concerned, in coordination with the Director of Safety and Security. For additional or specific information on the disposal of hazardous waste materials, contact the Director of Safety and Security at (610)896-1111.

For those living in college housing, your trash/recycling is picked up by Allied Waste Management if the property is located in Lower Merion Township. If your house is located in Haverford Township, then Haverford Township picks up the trash and recycling. Please call the Assistant Director FM- Housekeeping Services at (610)896-1098 if you have any questions concerning where to place your containers, or what day trash or recycling is picked up, or if you have some large items which the trash truck may not handle.

Personnel may not go on the roof of any building without the prior approval of the Facilities Management Department. All roofs installed on college buildings since 1984 are covered by warranties and/or bonds against leaking for a minimum of ten years. Damage caused by unauthorized activities on the roof will void these warranties and result in undue expenditures of college funds for repairs.  Departments that need access to or to mount equipment on the roofs should contact the Maintenance Service Coordinator at 610 896-1096 to coordinate access and/or installation and to ensure the protection of the roofing materials.

Standards have been developed for location, wording, and lettering style on signs for faculty and administrative offices. The Facilities Management Department has embarked on a program to install these office signs throughout the campus. Temporary signs can be provided for special events. Direct your written requests for permanent or temporary office signs to the Service Coordinator at (610)896-1096.

The purchase and maintenance of smoke detectors are the responsibility of the Safety & Security Department. Please report any problems to the Security Office at (610)896-1111.

The Housekeeping Division removes snow and ice from the steps of college buildings. The Arboretum/Grounds Division removes snow and ice from walks, paths, roadways, and parking lots. Hazardous conditions should be reported immediately to either the Assistant Director of Facilities Management - Housekeeping at (610)896-1098 or the Assistant Director of Facilities Management - Arboretum at (610)896-1105, as appropriate. All students willing to volunteer to assist with snow removal should contact the Grounds Manager extension 1105.

As most of the electrical circuits in campus buildings are only adequate for normal service, the use of electric space heaters in offices is discouraged. Further, as they constitute a safety hazard, their use is prohibited in dormitories. The use of kerosene heaters is similarly prohibited in all campus buildings. Individuals who use any type of space heater that results in damage to any person or facility may be held personally liable for such damage.  Occupants of campus buildings who are not getting adequate heat during the winter months should contact the Maintenance Service Coordinator at (610)896-1096 during normal working hours. After working hours, contact Security at (610)896-1111.

Requests for modifications or alterations to spaces in campus buildings must be submitted in writing by the department head to the Director of Facilities Management, with accompanying sketches and justification. As budget amounts for such work are severely limited, the department requesting alterations may be required to fund the work.

During the Academic Year. The Facilities Management Department supports many campus special events. Requests for support are coordinated by one of three campus offices. When events are to be staged in the Union Music Building or Marshall Auditorium, requests for Physical Plant support should be directed to the Music Department at (610)896-1011 or mgeorge@haverford.edu. Athletic events are scheduled with either Colin Bathory at (610)896-1125 (indoor events) or Colleen Fink at (610)795-7013(outdoor events).

When any other campus facility is involved, requests for support should be directed to the Director of Non-Academic Scheduling at (610)896-4923, or preferably by email: rmreserv@haverford.edu. Requests for space and support should be submitted at least two calendar weeks prior to the event and include space requested, number to attend, begin and end time of event (including setup and breakdown time), and all setup/breakdown and equipment requests. If there are unusual requests for service, an even longer lead time may be required.

During the Summer (between Commencement and the first day of the Fall Semester), requests for all spaces and Facility Management support should be directed to the Director of Conference Services at (610)896-4923. Support provided during normal working hours generally will be provided at no charge. However, sponsoring departments or groups must pay for all overtime associated with support provided outside normal working hours.  

No equipment or materials may be stored in stairways or corridors, or placed so as to block fire exits. These conditions constitute hazards and violate the fire code. Equipment and materials placed in violation of fire department codes will be removed and discarded without advance notice. The College will not accept any liability for equipment or materials so discarded. Equipment and materials may not be stored in mechanical rooms, janitorial closets, or other facility space.

The administration of telephones is handled by the Business Office. If you have any questions about your telephone or complaints about the service, call (610)896-1243.

Main Campus Buildings: Steam is produced at the Central Heating Plant and distributed in pipes through underground utility tunnels to the main buildings on the central campus. Electrical power is purchased from the Philadelphia Electric Company (PECO) and distributed from the main transformer and circuit breakers at the Central Heating Plant through underground conduits, utility tunnels, and direct buried cables.

Other Buildings: Utility service to buildings other than those in the central campus area are provided directly by the appropriate utility company. These buildings also are provided with their own furnaces which are fueled either by natural gas or heating oil.

All utility services, whether provided through the college distribution system or directly to buildings, are managed by the Facilities Management. Malfunctions, outages, or any other problems associated with these systems and services should be reported to the Maintenance Service Coordinator at (610)896-1096.

It is college policy that only the Facilities Management Department is authorized to connect any equipment to the college utility systems. Any individual who violates this policy may be held personally liable for any resulting costs associated with, but not limited to, disconnecting said equipment or damage to individuals, facilities, or other equipment.

Routine washing of the insides and outsides of the windows of administrative and classroom buildings takes place once a year, normally in April or October. Notices will be inserted in Founders Bell advising all of the dates of service. Comments or concerns should be directed to the Assistant Director of Facilities Management - Housekeeping Services at (610)896-1098.  

Any of the several plants of the Sunflower family, having colorful composite flowers.  If you have any questions regarding the care and feeding of zinnias or any other plants or flowers, contact the Horticultural Office at (610)896-4213.