Mission, Vision, Values

Our Mission

Columbia University Facilities and Operations supports the core educational and research mission of the University by maintaining a safe, beautiful, and functional campus environment, and providing services and spaces for campus life and activity outside the classroom. Facilities and Operations is responsible for the safety, preservation, and maintenance of Columbia's real estate portfolio. It provides space planning; oversight of new building design and construction; renovation, repair, and restoration of existing spaces; operations and maintenance of buildings and grounds; and management of the University apartment housing inventory and campus public safety. Within campus, Facilities and Operations also serves the community through the operation of its residential and retail dining program, event catering and venue management, undergraduate residence halls, student center and bookstore, and sustainability engagement.

Our Vision

Facilities and Operations embraces and values our diverse community, and we strive to be an inclusive and equitable partner of the Columbia academic and campus community, as we:

  • provide high value and quality;
  • seek ways to continuously improve our operations;
  • grow with the changing needs of the community;
  • collaborate with our University colleagues;
  • deliver exceptional customer service; and
  • are respected stewards of Columbia's physical assets.

Our Values

As a valued partner of the Columbia community, we are committed to delivering exceptional customer service. Our organizational values of P.R.I.D.E. are the guiding standards for how we work and are essential to achieving the level of customer service excellence the University community deserves.

The Way We Work: P.R.I.D.E

Partner of the University Community

Respect for each other and our campus colleagues

Integrity in knowing and doing what is right

Drive change to continuously improve

Excellence in all we do; delivering what we promise and adding value beyond expectations

Value Proposition

University Knowledge

Facilities and Operations knows the campus inside and out. Whether you need a carpenter, an electrician, a locksmith, housing, lighting, painting, parking, plumbing, recycling, more space, or public safety services, or if you need to eat, plan an event, travel around campus, or mail and printing services—we’ve got you covered. We will make sure your need is resolved—quickly, efficiently, and most importantly, correctly.

Industry Leadership

With experts in urban planning, architecture, engineering, operations, energy, sustainability, real estate, hospitality, public safety, dining, and more, Facilities and Operations boasts some of the best professionals in their respective fields. When you work with us, you are working with award-winning industry leaders who are committed to the highest standards of quality and performance.

Customer Service

Facilities and Operations works around the clock to provide exceptional service that exceeds our customers’ expectations. Many of our operations are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure that our campus is safe, beautiful, and functional, and that the services and spaces we provide for activity outside the classroom make campus life better for each and every member of our campus community. Whenever or wherever you need us, Facilities and Operations is there to meet your needs.

Efficient Operations

Facilities and Operations is the largest administrative department at Columbia. From buying bulk materials through long-term contracts, to centralizing our service offerings, to integrating our project management process, we strategically leverage our size and scope to gain efficiencies in operations.