Frequently Asked Questions

Project Request Instructions

Thank you for visiting SMU’s Project Management Services - Project Request Page.

We want to connect you with the most efficient process to serve your needs. Please read the series of FAQ below to confirm that a Project Request is the right fit.

Is the work you are requesting more appropriate for a Project Request or a Work Order Request?

  • Project Requests are used for new construction projects and complex renovation of existing spaces.

For example:

  • Major finish (flooring, painting, wall covering, countertops, etc.) changes or upgrades
  • Space reconfiguration
  • Addition or removal of walls
  • Addition or removal of utilities (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, low voltage)
  • Projects that require Design Services
  • Projects requiring Permitting
  • Projects requiring detailed coordination with other SMU Departments
  • Work Order Requests are used for minor renovation of existing spaces and a number of Facilities Maintenance related items.

For example:

  • Carpentry request
  • Plumbing request
  • Electrical request
  • Painting request
  • Too hot/too cold temperature adjustment request
  • General maintenance request
    • Minor finish (flooring, painting, wall covering, countertops, etc.) changes or upgrades
    • Minor renovation, repair and maintenance of existing buildings and infrastructure (electrical, lighting, plumbing, HVAC, low voltage, etc.).
  • Key request
  • Locksmith (beyond a key request) request
  • Chemical fume hood (lab) maintenance request
  • Custodial request
  • Fire alarm and systems request
  • Indoor air quality request
  • Landscape request
  • Pest control request
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) request
  • Vehicle/fleet maintenance request
  • Furniture moves
  • Office location changes
  • Event and room requests

If a Work Order Requests is more appropriate for your need, please visit the work order page here: STABLE

If Project Request is appropriate, what are next steps?

  1. Day 1* – Project Requestor fills out the form below.
  2. Day 2-11* –The form will route for signatures to confirm departmental leadership approval of the project, the proposed funds and the funding source. This can take up to two weeks or longer dependent upon availability of signers and funding status.
  3. Day 12-13* – Once the form is completely approved, it will be sent to the SMU Project Management Services Department to assign a Project Manager.
    • If a Project Manager is available, one will be assigned within 2 working days (dependent on workload).
    • If project volume is higher than normal, the Project Requestor will be informed of their place in the queue to be assigned a Project Manager.
  4. Day 14-18* – Project Manager will make initial contact and schedule a site walk with Project Requestor to confirm the scope and start the pricing process. This can take up to a week or longer dependent upon the availability of the Project Requestor.
  5. Day 19-28* – Pricing can take up to 2 weeks or longer depending on the complexity of the scope of work and the number of vendors involved. Once complete, the Project Manager will send pricing and an estimated project duration/schedule to Project Requestor for approval.
  6. Day 29-33* – Once Project Requestor approves, Project Manager will submit a Funding Request within 5 working days (dependent on workload).
  7. Day 34-43* – Funding Request will route for approval. This can take up to two weeks or longer depending on signer and funding availability.
  8. Day 44-TBD* – Once the Funding Request is approved and funds are posted to the project, the Project manager can now write contracts and coordinate/schedule the work with the Project Requestor and all other parties involved.

*Estimated duration’s above are shown in working days excluding weekends and SMU holidays. These durations are dependent on the speed of decision making and the availability of the Project Requestor, Project Manager, funding and approvers.

We look forward to serving you and will always work to improve on the timelines noted above when possible. When all parties and funding are available, this process can move much faster.