by Brianna Crandall — April 29, 2015—As more colleges and universities face budget restrictions, many educational facilities managers and other procurement specialists are now looking for solutions to help stretch their already tight budgets. A recent survey conducted by University Business magazine and CORT, a Berkshire Hathaway Company, revealed that, while budget restrictions is the biggest challenge facing institutions, there is still a desire and expectation for quality furnishings.
According to the survey results:
- 87% of respondents stated that budget and personnel restrictions are the biggest challenges facing their institution.
- 95% said the appearance and condition of their furnishings is important or very important to the maintaining the college’s image and integrity.
- However, 37% described their furnishings as “outdated” and almost 20% said it is “showing its age.”
- Only 14.3% are outsourcing their furnishing services.
To help meet this demand for affordable, yet high-quality furniture solutions, CORT’s leasing program offers furniture delivery service and ongoing maintenance, allowing universities and colleges to streamline their operational costs.
“Furniture leasing is a simple and affordable solution, especially as many colleges and universities are trying to meet increasing expectations with less available resources,” said Mark Koepsell, executive vice president for CORT’s Higher Education division. “Through furniture leasing , institutions can save time and money that would be spent maintaining and replacing furniture so they can focus on what’s most important — academics.”
CORT, a Berkshire Hathaway Company, is a leading provider of transition services, including furniture rental for home and office, event furnishings, destination services, apartment locating, touring and other services. With more than 100 offices, showrooms and clearance centers across the United States, operations in the United Kingdom and partners in more than 70 countries, CORT offers a breadth of services and companywide commitment to providing excellent customer service.
For more FM-specific information, see CORT’s FMLink ad.
