BU’s Hidden Backbone

Keeping BU Safe, Clean, and Vibrant

by William White

As you walk down Commonwealth Ave, stroll through BU Beach, or even relax on COM lawn, do you ever wonder how campus stays so clean? Thanks to BU’s Campus Planning & Operations team, the look and feel of campus is always a priority, one of the many things that makes BU such a great place to be.

With over 900 employees, CPO’s team spans from carpenters, custodians, architects, painters, plumbers and more—supporting departments across Facilities Management & Operations, Planning, Design & Construction, Real Estate and the Office of the Vice President.

Although CPO’s work is rooted in shaping the physical environment of campus, its work is driven by core values that shape how campus is experienced. With commitments to safety, excellence, collaboration, sustainability, innovation, and inclusion, the workplace is not only welcoming but truly rewarding for all employees and students alike.

From fall to winter and back to spring, the crews work hard to make sure BU’s grounds are kept clear, clean and visually appealing. Responsible for 1.8 miles along Comm Ave, as well as areas from the Charles River south into Brookline, the Fenway Campus and the Medical Campus, their efforts—from snow and ice removal to leaf cleanup, mulching, planting and general maintenance—are swift and thorough. 

In addition to keeping BU’s campus safe and clean, CPO oversees many projects that shape student life and engagement. Some featured projects include the Warren Towers renovation, the Duan Family Center for Computing & Data Sciences, the Team-Based Learning Center, the LGBTQIA+ Student Resource Center and the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies.

Beyond building maintenance, CPO is also responsible for supporting many of BU’s events. They set up chairs, stages and more for commencement as well as other campus events, and help plan celebrations like Bean’s (BU’s resource dog) birthday parties, Orientation, Matriculation, Alumni Week, Parents Weekend, Splash and many more!

Before and after every project or long workday on Comm Ave, crews and employees report back to 120 Ashford Street, the home of CPO. From the carpentry shops—where wood is cut, furniture and fixtures are built, and repairs are made across campus—to the communications cubes and offices spread throughout the building, CPO functions not just as a workplace, but as a close-knit community and family.

So the next time you’re passing through West Campus or see crews planting grass, fixing sidewalks, or working on a building, give a friendly nod or wave to a CPO employee—you’ll make their day!