The University of Notre Dame’s Building Services department has been awarded the Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) certification with honors, the pre-eminent accreditation in the custodial services industry. Attainment of the CIMS certification signifies the University’s commitment to improving service delivery, responsiveness to customer expectations and operational efficiency.
According to Sarah Misener, associate vice president of Campus Services, maintaining a safe and healthy building environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors was the impetus for Building Services’ engagement in the CIMS certification offered by ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association.
“Certification not only recognizes the high levels of cleanliness to which the University ascribes, but also speaks to an organizational commitment to industry best practices, professional development, resource stewardship, customer-oriented communications and continuous improvement of services,” Misener said.
Preparations for the certification, including a two-day external audit, extended 18 months and required the participation of all levels of the department’s more than 250 employees. The certification audit was composed of an evaluation of five major areas including quality systems, service delivery, human resources, health, safety and environmental stewardship, and management commitment.
According to Jeff Edgerly, assistant director of Building Services, “The certification helps reassure Notre Dame community members and visitors that we are operating an effective and efficient department with the knowledge to maintain a healthy environment.”
The CIMS certification is valid for two years.