OP 61.32: Donated and Used Furnishings and Interior Finish Materials - Design and Code Review

 

[Minor revision–posted 9/24/26 (replaces 10/7/22 edition)]

 

Operating Policy and Procedure

OP 61.32: Donated and Used Furnishings and Interior Finish Materials - Design and Code Review

DATE: September 24, 2026

PURPOSE: The purpose of this Operating Policy/Procedure (OP) is to establish the review process for donated and used furnishings, draperies, carpet, and all other interior finish materials. The intent of this OP is to ensure that donated and used furnishings, draperies, carpets, and other interior furnishing materials comply with the university's design and construction standards, including fire and life safety, building, and accessibility codes, and all university administrative procedures required by the Board of Regents of Texas Tech University and the State of Texas. This OP applies to all university departments that receive donated and used furnishings, draperies, carpets, and other interior furnishing materials. Facilities & Campus Services shall review and approve all donated and used furnishings, draperies, carpets, and other interior furnishing materials prior to installation. Any installed interior furnishings that do not comply with this OP shall be removed at the receiving department’s expense.

REVIEW: This OP will be reviewed in September of each year by the Senior Associate Managing Director of Engineering & Construction, Facilities & Campus Services, in consultation with the Senior Managing Director of Space & Resource Management, Senior Managing Director of Planning & Design, and Assistant Vice President for Campus Services. The Senior Associate Vice President for Facilities & Campus Services shall approve minimal revisions. All substantive revisions shall be subject to review and approval by the Senior Vice President for Administration & Finance and Chief Financial Officer.

POLICY/PROCEDURE

1.  Definition

Donated and used furnishings, draperies, carpets, and all other interior furnishing materials refer to pre-owned interior furnishings given as charitable contributions to a department in the university.

2.  Examples of Typical Donated and Used Interior Furnishings

a.    Furniture: office chairs, desks, and cabinets;

b.    Window treatment: curtains, blinds, and shades;

c.    Carpets: rugs, area carpets, or wall-to-wall remnants; and

d.    Wall decor: framed artwork.

3.  All donated and used items must be in good, usable, and functional condition.

4.  General Policy

To provide the highest standards of excellence in higher education, foster intellectual and personal development, and stimulate meaningful research and service to humankind, the university maintains the highest standards of health and safety in all buildings and facilities. All departments in the university are required to comply with university standards when accepting donated and used furnishings, draperies, carpets, and all other interior furnishing materials to be used in university buildings and facilities. Departments that do not adhere to this university policy are in violation, and such materials will be removed at the department’s expense, including the cost of disposing of the materials.

5.  Submission, Review, Approval, and Disapproval

a.    Submission

When a department anticipates accepting donated and used furnishings, such department shall submit a work request to Facilities & Campus Services with detailed product information about the donated and used materials:

(1)    Fabric samples;

(2)    Building, floor, and suite number when material will be installed; and

(3)    Manufacturer’s specification sheet with the following data:

(a)    Fire and smoke resistance rating;

(b)    Accessibility and ergonomics: heights and reach ranges, stable and slip resistance, visual and tactile;

(c)    Structural integrity: load-bearing capacity, anchorage, and material durability;

(d)    Electrical safety and compliance: wiring and outlets; and

(e)    Environmental compliance: indoor quality and lifecycle.

b.    Review

Facilities & Campus Services Engineering & Construction team will review the submittal to ensure compliance with fire and life safety, building, and accessibility codes and TTU’s standards.

c.    Approval

If it is determined that the donated and used furnishing materials meet all compliance requirements for fire and life safety, building, and accessibility codes and TTU’s standards, Facilities & Campus Services shall issue an approval notice to the respective department.

d.    Disapproval

If it is determined that the donated and used furnishing materials do not meet all compliance requirements for fire and life safety, building, and accessibility codes, and TTU’s standards, Facilities & Campus Services shall issue a disapproval notice to the respective department. The department shall not accept or bring into any university building or facilities donated and used furnishings that have not been reviewed and approved. Departments that do not adhere to this university policy are in violation, and such materials shall be removed at the department’s expense, including the cost of disposing of the materials.

6.  Inspections

The university inspection team conducts periodic assessments in buildings and facilities to ensure compliance with fire and life safety, building, and accessibility codes and environmental safety. Donated and used furnishings that are not on the university-approved list shall be removed at the department’s expense, including the cost of disposing of the materials.

7.  References

8.  Adherence

The Senior Managing Director of Planning & Design, Facilities & Campus Services holds the responsibility of ensuring that all parties adhere to this policy.

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