Welcome New Members Next Meeting or Event Gold Circle Members Professional Development
Education
The Facility Manager's Field Guide Published

Book fills gap for FMs at small- to mid-size companies

 

Here is the PDF for this document:  PDF icon

 

Milwaukee, WI, June 23, 2011: Mark Sekula and Cornel Rosario have published The Facility Manager’s Field Guide, a comprehensive yet user-friendly guide for facility managers in small- to medium- sized companies, and for those whose responsibilities include facilities management but who may not have professional FM experience. “Most professional FM books are highly technical and are aimed at professional FM practitioners with advanced training and years of experience,” notes Sekula. The Field Guide, on the other hand, “provides an invaluable resource for the rest of us.”

 

Cornel Rosario (CFM) and Mark Sekula (CFM, LEED-AP) have a combined 60-plus years of experience in facilities management. Their experience includes facilities responsibilities ranging from small and midsize companies through multinational corporations, from education and insurance to healthcare and technology concerns. “In terms of the practice of comprehensive facilities management,” says Rosario, “there isn’t much that Mark and I haven’t been exposed to and responsible for.”

 

Over the past several years, Rosario and Sekula have noted a growing number of instances where non-FM professionals (for example, office managers or human resources professionals) are expected to handle FM responsibilities, as well. “This is just one example where the Guide will become an invaluable resource,” says Sekula. “Our Guide doesn’t presume intimate or extensive knowledge of FM practices on the reader’s part.”
Topic chapters are presented alphabetically for ease of reference, from ADA and Cabling to Purchasing and Voice over IP. As helpful as the Guide will be as a standalone reference, Rosario and Sekula have created additional resources on their web site, www.CorMarkPublishing.com. Readers will find helpful appendices, outlines, forms and templates to assist them in nearly every aspect of their FM responsibilities.

 

Cornel Rosario and Mark Sekula are both longtime members of the Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) and have served in key leadership positions for the Association. Rosario is presently the principal of Facilities Consulting Partners in Hartford, WI; Sekula is president of Facilities Futures, Inc., in Milwaukee, WI.

 

The Facility Manager’s Field Guide is available on www.Amazon.com.
 
Important IFMA Education Update 2/15/12

February 15, 2012

 

Dear IFMA Member:

 

I would like to bring you up to date on a number of exciting initiatives geared toward meeting the growing needs of facility professionals worldwide.

 

As you are aware, an aggressive strategic plan was put into place to update IFMA’s credential programs. The plan called for a revamp of the Facility Management Professional (FMP®) program, the development of the new Sustainability Facility Professional™ (SFP™) credential program and an update of the CFM® Exam and supporting material.

 

The new CFM Exam is expected to launch in late spring of 2013; however, it is critical that we begin informing people now about the forthcoming changes and projected timeline to ensure a smooth transition. Starting this April, individuals who fill out a CFM application will be informed that the exam will change in approximately 12 months. New and existing applicants will receive ongoing notices until the new exam is released.

 

The CFM Exam will be developed in accordance with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accreditation program, adhering to the global standard for excellence set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and under the guidance of the International Credentials Commission (ICC), which is responsible for the independent oversight, development and operation of IFMA’s credential programs.

 

Supervised by IFMA’s education department, a project is underway to complete the association’s comprehensive FM Body of Knowledge (BOK), which covers all competency areas identified by the global job task analysis. Prior to the launch of the new CFM Exam, the BOK will be available for those who wish to obtain high-quality reference material on all 11 competencies. These materials will also come with a series of reinforcement activities, including a comprehensive glossary, practice quizzes, flashcards, case studies and much more.

 

The CFM Exam Review course will be replaced with a one-day workshop on how to prepare to take a competency-based exam. This one-day program can be offered as a stand-alone workshop or chapters may elect to offer a more comprehensive preparation program that would incorporate the FM Body of Knowledge material mentioned above. A variety of delivery models could be considered and adopted at a local level. Additional information about these models, pricing and so forth will be available later this year.

 

If your chapter currently offers the CFM Exam Review course, please keep the estimated 12-to-15 month timeline in mind as you prepare your schedules and material needs. The education department will work closely with IFMA chapters during the transition process. If you have any questions or concerns, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 281-974-5630.

 

The education department would also like to make you aware of several other projects of interest to our chapter members:

 

·         At Facility Fusion 2012 (April 11-13 in Chicago, Ill.), the IFMA credentialing team will demonstrate a new software program called CAMP (Credentials Application/Maintenance Program). Some CAMP features include: streamlined application process for all credentials; application progress checks; online maintenance point management for CFMs; ability to print out continuing education transcripts and receipts; credential verification option for employers; and automated reminders for CFM renewals. The demonstration will be held on Wednesday, April 11, at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers. Come learn more about this exciting new program! Read about the session here:  http://ifma.confex.com/ifma/ff2012/webprogram/Session2328.html.

 

·         The Facility Management Knowledge Center is expected to launch this month. The center will offer a variety of education resources such as white papers, webinars, webcasts, On Demand recordings and online courses. Access and customer support will be available 24/7. Additional information on this new center will be on the IFMA website and in the WIRE in a few weeks.

 

·         Call for Volunteers! The International Credentials Commission (ICC) will be seeking volunteers interested in serving on committees and on the CFM Exam development team. If anyone in your chapter is interested in these opportunities, please ask them to email Rhonda Hager at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Melissa Reyes at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by March 31, 2012.

 

We would also like to alert chapter leaders to a letter that will be sent out shortly, from the ICC to current Lifetime CFMs. Over the past two years the ICC has extensively reviewed a number of issues related to accreditation for each credential. The ICC has identified several significant areas that must be addressed in order to move forward with ANSI/ISO certification of our credential programs—one being the replacement of the Lifetime CFM category with a Retired category. The letter will explain the rationale behind the decision and outline available options. All chapter leaders will receive a copy of the letter prior to distribution to assist in preparing for any questions you may receive.

 

In closing, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to the chapters for your continued support over the past 12 months. We look forward to working with you as we proceed in our efforts to advance the FM profession through our prestigious credentials and continuing education programs. We are available to answer any questions you may have about IFMA education. Please contact your chapter liaison to schedule a conference call, if desired. We thank you for your time.

 

Best Regards,

 

Cathy Pavick

Vice President, Education

 
 
Earn FMP Credentials from Villanova, Spring, 2012
International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Facility Management Professional Credential (FMP®)

Build your career on a solid foundation. Earn the FMP® Credential!

If you are an early to mid-career facility management practitioner, transitioning into the profession, or a supplier to the industry, the Facility Management credential can help you earn the knowledge and respect you need to succeed.


Villanova University, in partnership with the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), offers the four-course IFMA FMP® Credential Program ™ starting on March 2, 2012. The four courses are presented in a convenient, adult-friendly format over an eight-week time frame which consists of six Friday evenings and all-day Saturday classes. Classes are scheduled on a two weeks on, one week off basis. All course materials, and appropriate meals are included in the tuition cost.

Villanova will teach you the knowledge and skills demanded by today’s employers and help you earn the FMP® credential. By attending our four FMP® courses, you will:

  • Increase your knowledge and skills in:
    • Operations and Maintenance
    • Project Management
    • Finance and Business Essentials
    • Leadership and Strategy Essentials
  • Network with peers and discuss difficult topics with an expert instructor
  • Attend classes close to home and on evenings and weekends
  • Access the FMP final assessments and earn the FMP credential
Register Course Dates

Friday Evenings
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Saturdays
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

March 2012
2-3; 9-10; 23-24; 30-31

April 2012
13-14; 20-21

 Location

Villanova University
Main Campus
800 Lancaster Avenue
Villanova, PA 19085


Directions

International Facility Management Association (IFMA)
Sustainability Facility Professional Credential (SFP™)

 

Facilities Management Goes Green!

Introducing the Sustainability Facility Professional (SFP™) Credential!

Villanova University, in partnership with the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), will offer the IFMA SFP™ Credential Program starting on March 3, 2012. The three focus areas are presented in a convenient, adult-friendly format over a six-week time frame which consists of six all-day Saturday classes. Classes are scheduled on a two-weeks on; one-week off basis. All course materials and meals are included in the tuition cost.

What is the SFP Credential?


IFMA’s SFP credential is unlike any other credential program. Sustainability is broader and more significant than complying with a building rating system; it is a commitment to improving the facility’s impact on the environment and people—not just at one point in time, but continually. This program reflects Villanova’s commitment to sustainability in certifying professionals around the Delaware Valley.

Register Course Dates

6 Saturdays


March:  3, 10, 24, 31, 2012  
April:    14, 21, 2012

Time: 8:30am to 4:30pm

 Location

Villanova University
Main Campus
800 Lancaster Avenue
Villanova, PA 19085


Directions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
Interview with Professor Arthur Wolf

Professor Arthur Wolf is the coordinator for the FM program at the Community College of Philadelphia and expects the program to continue to grow.

 

Read more about Professor Wolf's interview.
 
Scholarships

Scholarships

 

Our yearly Golf Outing supports the IFMA Foundation and awards two scholarships each year.

 

Overview of the Philadelphia Chpater of IFMA Scholarships:

  • The IFMA Foundation is in contact with colleges and universities to notify them of the availability of the scholarships
  • All universties that have FM programs are aware of the scholarships and encourage their students to take advantage of them
  • Scolarship applicants must be a junior in an undergraduate program with a minimum of 3.2 cum or a minimum of 3.5 at the graduate level
  • The scholarship appliation is available online through the IFMA Foundation website and the applications other than transcripts and letter of recommendation is completed electronically
  • All scholarship are merit- not needs-based
  • The applicants are divided into two categories:  undergraduate and graduate students
  • Winners are selected based on responses to questions on the scholarship application, resume, letter of professional intent, transcript, involvement in FM and a recommendation letter
  • Each applicant is judged by a panel, which is comprised of individuals representing the scholarship providers
  • The scores are compiled by the IFMA Foundation and each applicant's average score is listed
  • A conference call is held with all of the judges and the winners are selected based on their ranking against the other applicants
  • The Philadelphia Chapter Scholarship Agreement with the IFMA Foundation has a restriction that any applicant from the 11 county (PA and NJ) Philadelphia area would be the Philadelphia Chapter's selection(s)

 

 

[ Our Scholarship Winners ]

 
 


Gold Circle Plus Sponsors