The University of Michigan School of Information (UMSI) is committed to a safe, accessible, and inclusive environment for all. This policy is guided by the University of Michigan’s Standard Practice Guide, Environmental Health & Safety policies, and values of inclusivity.
Please observe the following policies regarding the customization of personal workspaces. Note that this policy addresses all spaces in which UMSI has offices (Leinweber as well as central campus spaces).
General principle
Personalization of offices and desks is encouraged, provided it does not interfere with the needs, comfort, or safety of other occupants or visitors. All modifications must comply with the university’s accessibility, safety, and inclusivity standards.
Please help us to support the things that we value as a community: compliance with federal and local laws, safety, accessibility, and inclusivity. Acting without consultation can create additional burden on Facilities staff and may result in non-compliance with university, state, or federal regulations.
Furniture and decorations
Standard issue: what was there when you moved in
UMSI has assigned offices and workstations with a standard issue furniture set that is assigned for your role (e.g., desk, chair). These standard issue items (found when you arrived in your office for the first time) may not be replaced, removed, or significantly moved from their original placement without the consultation of UMSI Facilities. You can do so by submitting a Jira ticket to request this. UMSI adheres to University of Michigan Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) requirements and standards set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). All offices will be inspected for compliance on a regular basis in line with these policies
Treadmills and other large non-standard equipment
The offices at Leinweber were inspected and found not large enough to accommodate a treadmill and still be compliant with our accessibility standards. Thus, offices can not have treadmills.
Area rugs, additional seating and tables
Area rugs are not permitted as they pose significant trip hazards in violation of ADA and U-M standards. Offices cannot have rugs.
Additional seating, tables, and furniture can be requested or brought in from home if you have submitted a Jira ticket and received approval. You can submit the ticket to request help in locating appropriate additional furniture or to request inspection of furniture you have brought in. For example, if you intend to bring seating (e.g. a recliner or beanbag) from home, please submit so that we can have it checked against our fire and safety standards.
Personal decorations
Personal decorations are permitted, provided they do not block entrances/exits, or otherwise inconvenience others.
If you wish to have something hung, we ask that you submit a Jira ticket. For wall hangings, use non-damaging solutions such as 3M Command hooks (up to 5 lbs). Heavier items are not considered DIY and require approval. A good rule of thumb is “if you need a tool, drill/hammer etc., to do the work, submit a Jira ticket.”
Electrical devices
Devices such as extension cords and space heaters must comply with U-M’s Electrical Safety Policy. Only equipment provided or approved by UMSI Facilities is permitted.
Prohibited items
The following electronic devices are prohibited in offices as they pose a fire hazard.
- Extension cords that were not provided by UMSI
- Space heaters that were not provided by UMSI
- Cooking devices (including microwaves, hot plates, coffee and tea makers, popcorn makers, kettles or tea makers)
Permitted, with approval
Requests for personal refrigerators due to medical or child-care needs will be reviewed per U-M’s Reasonable Accommodation policy. Please submit a Jira ticket to request approval and note that you do not need to provide the reason for the request on the Jira ticket, simply ask to get approved and UMSI facilities will reach out to you).
Permitted, no approval necessary
You may bring these items in your office with no prior approval
- Small fans
- Desk lamps
- Phone chargers, and similar low-energy devices
- Non-living plants are discouraged due to fire hazards, but they are not prohibited
Ergonomic and accessibility needs
For ergonomic or disability-related needs that require workplace modifications, please submit a Jira ticket.
UMSI is dedicated to fostering a safe, healthy, and accessible work environment in accordance with University of Michigan policies, including compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The university provides reasonable accommodations for employees with medical, ergonomic, or functional needs that affect their workspaces.
Requests for ergonomic or accessibility accommodations:
- If you have ergonomic concerns or require accessible equipment or furniture due to a disability, injury, or medical condition, you are encouraged to submit a Jira ticket or contact UMSI Human Resources to initiate a confidential request.
- Examples of accommodations include, but are not limited to, adjustable chairs, standing desks, keyboard trays, monitor risers, alternative lighting, or accessibility aids.
- No documentation needs to be submitted with your initial request; UMSI HR or Facilities will follow up privately if further information is necessary to determine appropriate accommodations.
- UMSI will work in partnership with University Human Resources and ECRT to review requests and implement approved accommodations in accordance with university policy.
- Approved accommodations will not impact your privacy, and every effort will be made to maintain confidentiality throughout the process.
If you are uncertain about what might be considered an accommodation, or are unsure how to proceed, please feel free to contact UMSI HR or the Facilities team for guidance or a confidential consultation.
Animals
Only service animals as defined by the ADA and U-M policy are allowed in UMSI buildings. Emotional support animals or pets are not permitted per university guidelines.