University Policy
Title
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Policy on Assigning University Spaces
Introduction
Purpose
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ("UNC-Chapel Hill" or "University") is entrusted with a substantial portfolio of space comprised of numerous buildings and land, encompassing approximately 10 million square feet and spanning over 4,295 acres.
The purpose of this policy is to establish a clear and structured approach to how the University allocates and manages the University’s physical spaces. The goal is a data-informed, equitable, and transparent process that empowers the University to achieve its strategic objectives.
This policy explains:
- Who owns University spaces,
- Who is authorized to assign University spaces,
- What priorities and criteria are considered when assigning University spaces, and
- That space assignments are periodically reevaluated.
This policy is intended to complement the University’s Facilities Use Policy and Standard, which explain the rules for using University spaces.
Scope
This policy applies to all University spaces, including leased space.
Policy
Policy Statement
The University considers space to be a valuable and finite resource. The University periodically evaluates and reevaluates space assignments as needed. No space allocation is considered permanent.
Establishment of the Space Management Committee
UNC-Chapel Hill created the Space Management Committee to evaluate, prioritize, and make recommendations for accommodating space assignment requests. The Space Management Committee shares its recommendations with the Provost and the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations for approval or feedback.
The Space Management Committee's membership is listed on the University’s Facilities Services website.
Space Allocation Authority
The Provost and the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations are responsible for jointly making the final decision on space assignment requests. The Provost and Vice Chancellor consider the Space Management Committee's recommendations before deciding on space assignment requests. In the event the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations are unable to make a joint decision, the Chancellor will make the final decision.
Space Allocation Priorities
The Space Management Committee, Provost, and Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations evaluate and assign space based on the following criteria, listed in decreasing order of importance:
- Best advances Carolina’s priorities and aligns with the University’s Mission, Strategic Plan, the Campus Master Plan, and goals set by the Chancellor and the Chancellor’s cabinet.
- For functions that serve or directly involve students, faculty, and staff. When there are competing needs instructional spaces, student-facing spaces, research spaces, and patient care areas will generally take precedence over other spaces.
- Based on evaluation of space analytics to consider how location and other placement variables could impact a unit’s ability to effectively carry out its mission.
- Assignments that offer financial efficiencies, enhance revenue, create operational efficiencies, or encourage interdisciplinary interactions.
Process for Assigning Space at UNC-Chapel Hill
Please see the University’s Procedure for Assigning University Spaces, which explains the following:
- How University units can request space assignments;
- How the Space Management Committee, Provost, and Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations evaluate space assignment requests; and
- How the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations communicate their space assignment decisions to the University units affected by those decisions.
Exceptions
None.
Related Requirements
University Policies, Standards, and Procedures
Contact Information
Primary Contact
Name: Wendy Halsey
Email: wendy.halsey@unc.edu
Other Contacts
Name: Evan Yassky
Email: evan.yassky@facilities.unc.edu