05/15/2014

Update #4:

This note serves as the bi-weekly update on the discussions and recommendations associated with the move of IPS offices to the new building at 1610 University Avenue, in Knoxville. The full notes are captured in the SharePoint site at
https://utworks.tennessee.edu/ips/1610/SitePages/Home.aspx .

The closing on the building is scheduled for May 16. We have requested keys and alarm codes as soon as possible after closing, and are making plans for staff visits to the facility. The teams have continued their discussions as we wait for greater access to the building. I summarize some of the discussions taking place in the committees below, and refer you to the SharePoint site for more detail with these discussions:

Planning Team. The planning team has been considering a number of options for the layout of offices and cubicles. One of the issues that we needed to resolve included whether the library shelves from MTAS could go on the second floor. The conclusion from the architects is that at 55,000 lbs. these cannot be placed on the second floor without greater structural support, so the library shelves will be on the first floor.

IT Team. The IT team is tasked with a number of technology issues, including the use of landlines and wireless telephone and data ports. Justin O’Hara is travelling, but Scott Gordy met this afternoon with OIT staff involved in the project to continue the discussion on high speed internet and other issues. Gail White is also helping us to resolve monthly and activation charges with the Knoxville campus.

The members of the project planning teams include the following, and please do contact me or the members of the teams if you have questions or need further information:

	Team Lead	Central Office	MTAS	Team Assignments
Planning	Rick Whitehead	Susan Robertson	Stephanie Allen	Renovations/space assignment
		Steve Thompson	Macel Ely	Painting/carpet
		Beth Phillips	Doug Brown	Furniture
		Jill Marling
Logistics	Judie Martin	Gary Peevely	Nancy Gibson	Parking/signage
		Walter Idol	P. J. Snodgrass	Mail/ID cards
		Jane Davis	Brett Ward	Packing/Moving
Business office	Gail White	Thaddeus Grace	Sherri Brown	Files
		Pat Frost	Dale Wolfe
IT	Scott Gordy	N/A	Justin O'Hara	IT, telephones, equipment, security
Library	Frances Adams-O'Brien	N/A	Becky Smeltzer

I appreciate the on-going work of the planning teams, and look forward to a successful move.


Thank you,

Steve

Steven T. Thompson
Assistant Vice President
UT Institute for Public Service
105 Student Services Bldg.
Knoxville, TN 37996-0213
865-974-9609 Telephone
865-974-1528 Fax

www.ips.tennessee.edu