New Year Brings Additional Custodial Service Changes

Beginning January 20, 2026, UC Davis Facilities Management’s Custodial Services will adjust the frequency of services in conference rooms (from daily to weekly) and research labs (from daily to twice weekly).

"We know these changes require adjustments, and we appreciate the flexibility our campus community has already shown," said Clint Lord, associate vice chancellor, Facilities Management.

Earlier in the year, Custodial Services ended trash and recycling collection in offices, shifting to a self-service model that now saves the university $2.7 million annually. The upcoming adjustments represent the next step in meeting an additional $1.6 million budget reduction. With 86% of the unit’s $20 million budget dedicated to staff compensation, reductions can only come from modifying service schedules.

"Importantly, we hope these changes will not require additional action from building occupants," Lord added. "However, we do ask the campus community to be aware of the adjusted service schedule and to report issues when service does not occur as planned or when health, safety, or compliance concerns arise."

Decision Framework

These adjustments align service levels with what the university’s current staffing and resources can sustainably support and reflect similar changes taking place across the UC system and higher education in general. In evaluating service levels, Facilities Management considered both how different types of spaces are used and the scope of custodial work performed in each.

"As we make these next adjustments, we want people to understand that our decisions aren’t arbitrary," said Lauren Bautista, director, Facilities Management Custodial Services. "We use industry established guidelines to determine where daily service is essential and where reduced frequency is still appropriate."

Across campus, data show that the majority of conference rooms are not used daily, making them appropriate for reduced service frequency.

Research labs were evaluated based on the limited custodial services provided in these spaces, which focus on waste removal and occasional spot mopping or vacuuming rather than cleaning research lab benches or equipment. The shift to twice-weekly service reflects the limited scope while maintaining essential services.

Facilities Management recognizes that some conference rooms and research labs experience higher use and has maintained options for departments to request additional service where needed (see below).

Change Overview

Conference rooms 

Conference rooms will move to a weekly cleaning schedule that includes trash and large debris removal, spot mopping or vacuuming, and basic furniture reset including returning chairs to tables to their original positions. Departments with high-use conference rooms that require additional cleaning beyond the weekly service may submit a work order through AggieFacilities or contact Facilities Management’s Customer Experience Center at 530-752-1655.

Research labs

Research labs will move from daily to twice-weekly service. Currently, custodial tasks in labs are limited to trash removal and spot mopping or vacuuming; under the new schedule, these services will continue but less frequently. 

What Is Staying the Same

Classrooms, teaching labs, restrooms and common areas will continue receiving daily service due to high use and health and safety requirements. Deep cleaning, carpet care, window washing, and other specialty services remain available on a recharge basis.

How to Get Help or Ask Questions

Facilities Management encourages building occupants and facility managers to report concerns by first creating a service request in AggieFacilities. For urgent requests contact the Customer Experience Center at 530-752-1655. You may also email [email protected], however this shared inbox is not monitored outside normal business hours.