Pomona College, established in 1887, holds the distinction of being the founding member of the esteemed Claremont Consortium. Over the span of more than a century, the college has significantly expanded its infrastructure and academic offerings, cultivating an environment spread across a sprawling 150 acres encompassing more than 80 buildings. Embracing a residential college model, the institution is home to around 1500 students, fostering a vibrant community.
The school offers several student services, including tutoring, a women's center, placement services, and health services. Campus safety and security services like 24-hour foot and vehicle patrols, late night transport/escort service, 24-hour emergency telephones, lighted pathways/sidewalks, student patrols, and controlled dormitory access are part of everyday life at Pomona.
Classes are small, the weather is great, and there’s a supportive campus culture.
Robert Robertson, the Assistant Vice President of Facilities & Campus Services at Pomona College, stressed the importance of efficient communication and technology integration within the campus landscape. Acknowledging the criticality of promptly addressing maintenance issues, Robertson highlighted the need for seamless communication between staff members and students. The integration of technology into daily operations is considered fundamental, enabling maintenance and housekeeping personnel to access facility information in real-time using mobile devices.
John Michaels, Director of Campus Operations, recalls the struggles of managing paper-based documentation scattered across various locations. Locating specific drawings or equipment information was a daunting task, impacting both operational efficiency and campus services.
“During an emergency, it’s very important to know where everything is at,” he said.
Kevin Austin, the Director of Facilities, lauded the technological advancements that empower personnel to locate shut-offs and operational details independently. Such autonomy reduces reliance of institutional memory, allowing newer staff members to access critical information swiftly, expediting problem resolution.
“I’ve been here a couple of years, so it’s very helpful that I can go into the system and find our shut-offs,” said Kevin Austin, the Director of Facilities. “I don’t have to rely on people who’ve been here 25 or 30 years.”
The implementation of technology, as echoed by Robertson, has significantly reduced time wastage previously incurred in searching for physical documents or drawings. Equipping staff members with tablets and mobile devices allows them to have all pertinent information at their fingertips, facilitating a seamless operational workflow.
“Now our technicians can easily access drawing, operating sequences, and other information. No more losing time by going back into the shop searching for documentation,” he said.
Pomona College has successfully integrated technology and efficient operational practices within an academic environment. Through the utilization of advanced systems and mobile technology, the college ensures that its staff members are equipped with the necessary tools to address maintenance issues promptly and efficiently, fostering a conducive and safe environment for its student body and community.
Pomona College
Being a residential college, facilities need to be operating smoothly throughout the campus. Maintenance and housekeeping staff need instant access to building information. For more than a century, Pomona College has served Californians - expanding to include about 150 acres, more than 80 buildings, with capacity for 1500 students living on campus. The college facilities team is using technology in the field to respond quickly to equipment maintenance issues for students and eliminate the need to rely on folks who’ve been there more than 25 years to help find shut-offs and other critical equipment. Using tablets and the ARC Facilities platform, the Pomona facilities team can also respond faster to emergencies with building and equipment info easily accessible.