​Chapter

Hawaii

Facilities Management

University of Hawai`i - West Oahu
PROGRAM INFORMATION

Facilities management (FM) is an evolving field that encompasses comprehensive disciplines. Buildings and facilities of all types have become much larger and more complicated, often relying on computerized and electronic systems. Computerized systems, networks and devices have significantly increased the need for expertise in facilities management. Professionals need a solid foundation in current building operations best practices in order to build and maintain modern energy-efficient facilities and systems.

The facilities management concentration in the Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) program at the University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu combines technical training with the liberal arts to focus on professional and management competencies to meet the demand for leadership of technical and operational professionals in the workplace. This academic pathway is designed to prepare students and working professionals for positions in the building and facilities management fields. They will be exposed to topics such as building operations, personnel management, customer service resources, and specialized areas of study. Courses at UH West Oʻahu are offered in-class and through distance learning instruction.

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS

With the BAS degree program or as a stand-alone option for existing professionals, students will be able to achieve the following professional certifications:

Building Operator Certificate (BOC®) level I (one) which is a nationally recognized, competency-based training and certification program that offers facilities personnel the improved job skills and knowledge to transform workplaces to be more comfortable, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. The certification is offered in conjunction with the Northwest Energy Efficiency Council (NEEC).
International Facility Management Association’s (IFMA) Facility Management Professional® (FMP) designation is a knowledge-based credential for facilities management professionals and industry suppliers looking to increase their understanding of core facilities management topics deemed critical: operations and maintenance, project management, finance and business, leadership and strategy.
IFMA’s Sustainable Facility Management Professional® (SFP) designation recognizes expertise in sustainable facilities management practices while impacting the organization's economic, environmental and social bottom lines with these focus areas: strategy and alignment for sustainable facility management, managing sustainable facilities and operating sustainable facilities.
Preparation for IFMA’s Certified Facility Manager (CFM) designation, which assesses competency in the field through work experience, education and the ability to pass a comprehensive exam.

CAREERS AND EARNING POTENTIAL

Facilities Planning and Maintenance, Building Manager, Director of Operations pay averages $38.98 hourly or $81,080 annually with future growth estimated in the range of 10-19% (2010-2020) based on national 2012 median pay.

FEATURED COURSES

ENGR 213: Introduction to Engineering Design 
This course introduces students to the design process and graphical communications tools used by engineers. Students will create a portfolio as documentation of design from freehand sketching and engineering drawings through advanced 3-D rendering using Computer-aided design software. Students will engage in basic descriptive geometry and become familiar with using AutoCAD 7 and SolidWorks as design tools. Students will gain experience in communication, presentation development and delivery, professional ethics, social responsibility, engineering economics, and quality control. Teamwork and individual conceptual design projects will be presented in class.

ENGR 221: Electrical Systems for Facilities 
Through practical exercises, interactive discussions, and modeling with computer databases and management software, students will learn basic electrical theory, safety procedures, power distribution, and energy conservation to develop a practical understanding of electricity and its use in commercial facilities.

ENGR 231: Mechanical and Plumbing Systems for Facilities 
Through practical exercises, interactive discussions, and a modeling with computer databases and management software, students will learn about the causes of indoor environmental quality problems and the relationships between cause, control, occupant sensitivity, and ventilation in order to develop a reliable method of diagnosis and remediation.

ENGR 330: Environmental Engineering 
This course introduces students to environmental engineering including parameters and indices of environmental quality; materials balances; chemical kinetics; ideal reactor models; water and air pollution control; solid and hazardous waste management; emphasis on instruction in writing lab reports.

FMGT 301: Finance, Business, and Project Management for Facilities 
This course introduces students to the basic business aspects of proper facilities management, including accounting, procurement, and contracting. It prepares students for the Finance and Business assessment and the Project Management assessment for IFMA certification as Facility Management Professionals.

FMGT 302: Operations, Leadership, and Strategy for Facilities 
Students will learn to manage and maintain the physical infrastructure and the human relationships necessary for proper facilities management. This course also prepares students for the Operations Maintenance assessment and the Leadership and Strategy assessment for IFMA certification as Facility Management Professionals.

FMGT 330: Sustainability in Facilities Management 
Students in Sustainability in Facilities Management will learn the eight major categories of sustainability (energy, water, materials and resources, workplace management, indoor environment, services, waste, and site impact), as well as sustainable business management practices. This course also prepares students for IFMA certification as Sustainable Facilities Professionals.

PARTNERSHIPS

The facilities management program is offered in partnership with sponsors including the IFMA Hawaii Chapter, Hawaii Energy, and the Office of Naval Research. These and other industry partners serve on an advisory board to ensure specialized areas of study remain relevant and appropriate for Hawaiʻi’s workforce needs.

FACULTY CONTACT

Dr. Keith Sakuda, Assistant Professor
(808) 689-2335
ksakuda@hawaii.edu