Best Practices E-Forum Suggestions
Thank you to all participants for your great suggestions! We will be posting some of your suggestions here as you continue to submit them. Due to the number of suggestions we have received, we cannot post them all. Check back soon to read more and see which suggestions are being implemented.
Sustainability
SUGGESTION: We received a number of suggestions regarding sustainability, recycling, and Northwestern's impact on the environment.
RESPONSE: Facilities Management, along with other centers on campus, tackles a variety of issues in its efforts toward creating a greener campus. They are also considering some suggestions for future implementation. Ron Nayler, Associate Vice President of Facilities Management, has provided an overview of current and future efforts. Click on the topics below to learn more about what is being done and how you can help (whether you need more recyling bins a or can point out a leaky faucet).
Google Maps
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SUGGESTION:
Recently we received a suggestion about utilizing Google maps on the University website. Their ease of use and capacity for "street view" would make finding one's way around campus much easier.
RESPONSE:
Since the suggestion was submitted, University Relations has already taken the first step toward using Google maps! They are now linked to the various offices and departments on campus in the new departmental directory. Take a look and expect more Google maps to come! |
Online Job Application System
SUGGESTION:
The online application system for Northwestern job postings is not always very user-friendly. Especially cumbersome is the system’s design to return to the first page after viewing a job, as opposed to the page last viewed, thus forcing the user to click back through to get to where they left off. Click-through time could be reduced greatly if there was slightly more information 'up top' for the user.
RESPONSE:
The Human Resource Information team has now adjusted the system so that when you drill down into a job opening, and then return to the listing of jobs, the system returns you to the page you just left. Experience the new capability at: http://www.northwestern.edu/hr/jobs/
Opening an Attachment Created in a Different Version of Microsoft Office
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SUGGESTION:
I am new to the University and have found that not all employees are using the same version of Microsoft Office and therefore not able to open attachments. |
RESPONSE:
While different departments may use different versions of Microsoft Office, there is an easily downloadable conversion software that allows any user of Microsoft Office to open attachments created in any version. Download the software here.
Recycling Labels
SUGGESTION:
My recycling bin does not have a label on it and I'm not sure what I can recycle. Can this be clarified across campus?
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RESPONSE:
Yes! You can request labels for recycling bins directly from Facilities Management on their website or at 7-1374. For more information on recycling at Northwestern click here.
Landscaping and Flowers on Campus
SUGGESTION:
I suggest more perennials be used on campus, especially in the planters in the library plaza, in the Arts Circle, in front of Fisk, and in various other places on campus. The perennials would survive for a few years and could potentially flower at different times of the year. You could also use native plants that hopefully would be more resistant to the weather.
This would help reduce costs and would also be better for the environment.
RESPONSE:
The planters at the library plaza are planted primarily with perennials. We add annuals for sustained summer color. There are a number of other areas on campus where we have perennials. At Fisk we also use ground cover and perennials with the annuals. All the bulbs planted in the fall are saved and replanted elsewhere on campus. We use only native or adaptive (non-native plants that thrive in the climate) plant material on both campuses.
Moreover, eliminating all annuals on the Evanston and Chicago campuses would not necessarily lead to a greener and more cost-efficient operation. Perennials, adaptive, and native plants also require maintenance and replacements for various reasons.
Additionally, we have 1.2 acres of a dry-mesic type prairie, grassland native to the Midwest region, surrounding the lagoon. However, even the native prairie involves some maintenance with controlling invasive species and other issues.
The beach area behind the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion and Aquatics Center has been maintained as a beach/dune plant community. There are also two bio-swales on northeast campus at the parking lots.
For new construction (we strive for the Leed silver credit at a minimum) we use adaptive plant material, harvest water for plants, and implement a number of other environmentally friendly measures.
Like other green initiatives at Northwestern, landscaping on both the Evanston and Chicago campuses strives for the highest level of sustainability, efficiency, and environmental soundness.
Read more and post your questions and comments on the Best Practices blog:
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