Space management principles

Introduction

Space is a valuable institutional resource that needs to be managed appropriately, and allocated strategically, to support teaching, research, service and support activities critical to the mission of the university. The university defines space as any owned, leased, or other space where university business activities are conducted. The space needs are great and vary across the university; however, within the diversity of needs for space, there exist several overarching space management principles. Application of these principles will establish a collegial governance framework to effectively and efficiently use existing space, renovate space, or proactively seek support for the creation of new space.

Principles

• As an institutional asset, all space belongs to the university, with the university having ultimate responsibility for the overall equitable and optimum allocation of space.
• Space is allocated by the university. These space assignments are dynamic and may be adjusted over time to meet strategic priorities and the mission of the university.
• Accountability for space management begins locally. To this end, faculties and units will review their space allocations annually within the context of the multi-year plan to ensure the best possible use of allocated space.
• To ensure transparency and accountability, the university shall provide an annual report of all allocated space to faculties and units.
• To ensure equitable and optimum allocation of space, all space-related changes or requirements will be managed through the integrated space management process. The process will evaluate space needs based on strategic priorities and the mission of the university.