|
In Spring 2023, two Business Affairs departments — Planning and Construction (P&C) and Facilities Management (FM) — joined forces to tackle a long-standing issue in classrooms: mismatched, outdated, and missing chairs. Because let’s face it, when it comes to learning, everyone deserves a seat at the table. This collective effort is the start of an initiative to introduce standardized chairs across campus, with the first batch of chairs making its debut in Wright Hall this semester.
“Every semester, our team faces the challenge of finding chairs to replace those that are lost, damaged, or simply moved from one room to another,” said Doug McLean, assistant director of custodial services for FM. It was a logistical puzzle we’ve come to call the ‘chair rodeo’.”
FM is responsible for rounding up enough of the same chairs in each classroom to meet student needs. The team also keeps spare chairs and parts available in case any are found to be unstable.
McLean said this new initiative is a game-changer. “Having a consistent, campus-wide chair design ensures that our classrooms look uniform and professional. This consistency benefits everyone—our staff, our students, and the overall image of UNLV as a modern, forward-thinking institution.”
P&C focused on finding a reliable source of chairs that could be continuously ordered over time. The goal was to choose chairs with the same style to create a consistent look across campus classrooms and ensure compatibility.
The P&C team emphasized that standardizing the look helps elevate UNLV’s campus identity, creating a sense of unity. Beyond aesthetics, the departments prioritized long-term functionality and durability.
“A project like this went beyond just picking a chair that looked good,” said Ron Singer, senior project manager from P&C. “It was about creating a unified experience for everyone who walks into these classrooms. We needed a seating solution that could enhance the visual consistency of our learning spaces and stand up to the day-to-day demands of a growing campus. By choosing a reliable supplier, we ensured that our choices would continue to serve the university in the years ahead.”
Introducing a campus-wide standard for classroom seating is a long-term solution to prevent future mismatches and missing chairs. As older chairs are gradually replaced, classrooms will become more uniform, fostering an environment that's not only visually cohesive but also more comfortable for students and faculty alike.
| 
