Custodial FAQs

Commonly Asked Questions

What is considered an emergency? How do I get emergency cleanup service after hours?

Emergencies can include but are not limited to:

• Bodily fluids in common areas.
• Broken glass from windows or doors.
• Large-scale water or liquid cleanups.
• Storm damage where the protective envelope of the space has been broken or penetrated.

If it is after hours (after 4:30 p.m. on Monday through Friday and all weekend), call 757-221-2270 and identify the problem. Facilities Operations staff working on campus will contact the duty supervisor on call.

What days and hours are custodial services provided?

Custodial service is provided to academic and administrative areas from 5 a.m. - 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Custodial service in residence halls is provided from 7 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

Some areas of campus are cleaned during the evening hours, although we have limited staff after 4 p.m. Evening shift custodial support takes place from 2 - 10:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Are custodial services provided on weekends and holidays?

Yes, but only by work order. You will be asked to provide a billing index for any custodial support request for a weekend or holiday.

Will I be charged for event support or additional services?

If you're hosting a special event in your building, please make sure you request custodial support.  Event support outside of normal business hours of 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, will be charged to your index. Clean-up following an event where custodial service was not scheduled is still considered event support.

If you are requesting cleaning services that exceed our normal level of service or outside normal business hours, you will be asked to provide a billing index at the time you submit your work request.

How do I schedule custodial services for a special event?

Call Work Control at 757-221-2270 and submit a work request. The request should include the name of the contact person, event date, time and other specific details pertinent to the event. All requests must be submitted at least five working days in advance so that all parties involved can be contacted to review the event and coordinate support. It is the customer's responsibility to secure the space needed for the function. If you need a cost estimate, please indicate so on the work request.

If I remove all personal and work-related items from my desk/counter/table will it be cleaned?

Yes.

How do I have an empty office cleaned?

Submit a work request through Work Control at 757-221-2270. Please let us know at least five working days in advance of the office being reoccupied to allow for a thorough cleaning.

Why does the custodian working in my area/building change so often?

Custodial staff are not permanently assigned to one building or area. In order to meet departmental needs, we must have a fluid, fully cross-trained staff capable of working anywhere on campus at any time. Additionally, short and long-term vacancies mean staff often work outside of their regular assignments.

Do you clean windows?

Exterior window cleaning is performed by an outside vendor on a three-year rotation.  Large or oversized windows typically found in lobbies and public areas can be scheduled on the same three-year cycle. More frequent window cleaning can be scheduled, but must be billed to your department.

What should I do about bugs and other pests?

During the summer and prior to the start of the academic year, residence halls are inspected and treated several times for common pest control issues. A certified pest control company contracted by the university is on campus weekly throughout the year. If you have a problem with bugs or other pests, contact Work Control at 757-221-2270. The exterminator will perform an inspection of your space and take appropriate action. You do not need to be present for the inspection, but it may be necessary for you to remove contents from cabinets or closets before treatment.