Author: Lucy Roller
Lucy is a student employee with Technology Services.
While much of the work of Tech Services happens behind a screen, none of it would be possible without the physical efforts of several organizations. Today, we’d like to highlight the hard work of one of those groups: the Communications Installation and Maintenance Service, or CIMS. For over twenty years, CIMS has done the hands-on work to keep our campus connected.
What does CIMS do?
The CIMS team is incredibly dynamic, installing and maintaining all communications cables and equipment on campus, as well as all security cameras, wireless access points, and emergency phones. They usually work in groups of two to four technicians on each project. Whether an assignment takes a few hours or a few months to complete, the CIMS team works with tireless dedication to keep our campus up to date.
At any given time, CIMS is working on over 150 unique projects, which can range from installing a single cable, to aiding in the construction of an entirely new building. Their largest recent projects include complete upgrades of Beckman Institute, the Campus Instructional Facility, Seibel Design Center, Ubben Practice Facility, and Vet Med Oncology, as well as the new construction of Wymer Hall.
Recent renovations
CIMS recently had the opportunity to improve and expand their office space, as the organization they shared a space with moved out. The team has been in the same building since 1996, so expansion was both due and welcome. The office space was expanded from 1200 square feet to 3000 square feet, allowing each team member to now have their own private, climate-controlled workspace.
The renovation was a large, but worthwhile effort. Associate Director of Enterprise Managed Systems & Service, Heidi Gharst, generously donated furniture to the project, which, along with new paint and a new floor, improved the quality of the office. As CIMS manager Scot Pruitt shared, “Although it took a while and there were many inconveniences that happened during the remodel, the end result is actually more than we expected.”
Thank you, CIMS!
Next time you connect to campus Wi-Fi, or see an emergency phone, remember CIMS and all the hard work they do to keep our campus plugged in. The CIMS team wants to emphasize that they are here for the students, faculty, and staff of the university. Thank you, CIMS, for keeping our community connected.