Guide to Services
The Basics
Service Requests
All members of the Western community can register to request service or report problems in the ReADY system. You must be on Western's network or using VPN to access the system. Once in the system, choose the most appropriate category to request a service or report a problem. Please note that department-funded requests must have budget approval before they can be assigned.
Customer Service Center
The Customer Service Center (CSC) is located in Physical Plant 224 and is open from 7:30 - 4:30, Monday through Friday, except holidays. The CSC team can answer questions about how to use the ReADY system, what information is required for different types of requests, and other general questions about FDO services.
The team also hands out new access control devices and processes the return of old ones, directs service requests, and alerts technicians to situations needing immediate attention.
Contact Information
(360) 650-3420
After Hours Service
To report a maintenance emergency, such as:
- Water leak or flooding
- Shattered window or malfunctioning exterior door
- Sewage spills, such as overflowing toilet or backed up drain
- Utility outage, including gas, water, or electricity
Please call the Customer Service Center at (360) 650-3420 and follow the prompts reporting an emergency.
For work that can wait until regular business hours, please make a ReADY request or leave a message, using the fixit@wwu.edu email or the Customer Service number above.
The Specifics
Access Control
New keys and electronic access devices are ordered through the ReADY portal.
If you are swapping room assignments in your department, you don’t need to order new keys. Just go to ReADY and select "Reassign an Existing Key" under "Access Request." Keys can also be temporarily assigned to the department while awaiting new personnel.
For repair of existing locks not needing a re-key, please use the "Issue Not Listed" tab and then choose the doors/locks option.
For more details, see our Keys and Electronic Access page.
Campus Moves
Preparing spaces for a move, whether it's the arrival of new faculty or staff, switching offices within a department, or moving an entire group, requires planning and coordination. Please read through the guidelines on our Planning Campus Moves page to help you plan what FDO services you will need. Service requests should be submitted through the ReADY portal.
Begin the planning process as soon as possible, especially if you need spaces prepared for the start of the Fall Quarter. Demand for services is strongest in the summer. We're happy to help at any stage of your project planning.
Design & Remodel Services
We provide architectural, engineering, and interior design services for the majority of construction projects on campus. Please note any project that will change current space capacity, function, or department assignment must be approved by Space Administration.
Design services for small projects are provided by the in-house design team or by subcontractors. For more information see our Request a Project page.
Directory Updates
To update building directories, gather needed updates from all departments in the building and send changes to FDO Communications. We will make the changes on the building master and send an updated PDF to the department.
Submit the PDF to the Print & Copy Center, using their Web Form. Once directory is printed, contact FDO Communications to arrange for installation.
Estimates
If you would like a preliminary cost range (PCR), start by making a Ready request for "Estimated / Planned Work". This option can also be used to request assistance in planning a complex project. Specify all needed services, such as painting, wall or floor repair, adding shelves, new keys or fobs, and cleaning, in the request. The various services can then be included in the estimate and coordinated among the shops. Preparing the PCR usually takes about one month. Please note any project that will change current space capacity, function, or department assignment must be approved by Space Administration.
Event Support
When planning an event that will expand typical use of an academic space, please make a Ready request under "Event Cleanup," provide event details, and choose what services you would like.
Hours changes
If the event will occur outside the normal operating schedule of the building, please fill out a separate request for building hour change in the "Access / Keys / Lock" section of Ready.
Please see our Event Planning page for more details on making both requests.
Fisher Fountain
Fisher Fountain operates seasonally. FDO shuts down the fountain for the cooler months to avoid freezing. Maintenance on the fountain is also performed during this time. Once freezing danger has passed in the spring, the fountain is turned on again unless more extensive maintenance work is required.
We know the fountain is a beloved feature of the Western campus and make every effort to ensure it's up and running for big events like commencement.
Space Changes
To request project that will change current space capacity, function, or department assignment, start with a Space Modification Request. Space Administration and Planning will ensure the project follows design specifications, receives appropriate approvals, and aligns with Western's space goals and standards.
Space Administration and Planning will help guide you through the design and approval processes. For more information, see our pages for Request a Project and Planning Campus Moves.
Surplus Property
We work to efficiently remove surplus equipment from buildings on campus and to be a responsible environmental steward for the university by finding reuse and recycling markets for surplus property. Please note that all university property that is no longer needed must go through the surplus process.
We operate on both sides of the process – pickup/collection and sale/redistribution. You can find more information about the process on the Surplus Property webpage.
Funded Services
Funded services are paid with university operating funds and provided without charge. Funded services include operation, maintenance, and custodial cleaning of academic facilities, utilities, and grounds and generally include any item that is permanently attached, plumbed and/or wired to an academic facility.
Chargeable Services
Chargeable services are supported by direct charges to the customer requesting services. Examples of chargeable services include departmental renovation of academic space, maintenance of University Residences, Viking Union, and repair or maintenance of moveable equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, any remodel requests and any projects requiring a building, electrical, or fire department permit will require architectural or engineering design services. Design services for small projects are provided by the in-house design team or by subcontractors.
Yes! You can request a preliminary cost range (PCR) through the service request. An FDO representative will contact you to help define the scope of what you want, and we will provide a ballpark estimate for your planning purposes. There is no charge for a PCR.
Our is made up of both billable trades people and administrative overhead that supports those trades. The hourly rate charged includes the cost of salaries and benefits of the actual laborer, plus an amount that covers labor costs of the shop supervisor, time keeping, the customer service desk, accounting, purchasing, and management. There is also an amount included to maintain, repair and replace general shop equipment including tools, computers, vehicles and non-billed materials.
In general, we clean public spaces, restrooms, classrooms and labs daily, and vacuum offices weekly. Occupants of private offices remove their own trash and recyclables to central locations in the building.
New keys and fobs are ordered through the online Ready Portal.
In the summer months and as we approach the end of a fiscal year and a biennium, we typically see increases in project requests. Please allow at least 5 months, preferably 6 - 12 months, from submitting project requests to best meet your desired completion dates. This includes 3 months for design, one month for estimating, and time for funding for large projects (like remodels of multiple offices). Of course, the time is shorter for smaller sized projects.
Example request submission dates for routine completion dates are:
End of Fiscal Year Deadline: February 1st
Start of Fall Quarter Deadline: May 1st
Winter Intersession: August 1st
Spring Break: November 1st