University Space Governance Committee | Planning, Architecture and Real Estate

The University Space Governance Committee (USGC) is chaired by the university’s Director of Facility Planning, Chris Potts, and is supported by members across the institution. The committee’s main goal is to ensure efficient, equitable, and strategic use of space to support the university’s academic, research, student life and administrative needs. The focus is assigned indoor space.

USGC will consider the unique needs of university units, colleges and departments while making decisions related to space requests and or recommendations to the Integrated Capital Planning Group (ICPG) regarding space allocation and utilization. In addition, the committee will serve as the stewards of the university’s space guidelines and develop supplemental standards for how space is utilized across the university including how office space is assigned within the hybrid work environment.

The Space Governance Committee has the authority to review and approve space assignments and, when needed, make recommendations to ICPG regarding changes to, space standards, space utilization, space allocation, and space efficiency, for all university spaces including academic buildings, offices, research centers and common spaces. This does not include the Wexner Medical Center, College of Medicine or regional campuses.

The USGC does not replace the space request process, which is overseen by Planning, Architecture and Real Estate (PARE). PARE and Facilities Information Technology Services (FITS) remain responsible for tracking and assigning all interior university space to colleges, departments and support units. All requests for action must be submitted though the college or unit by completing the space request form.

Committee Responsibilities

Create, update and maintain guidelines and standards for space utilization that focuses on efficient use of space resulting in cost savings and/or cost avoidance.
Determine the most effective use of interior university space (e.g., new space, temporary use of space, and repurposed space).
Review and approve requests that involve significant alterations, major re-assignments, or functional changes of interior space.
Review and approve unique or challenging (non-routine) requests in alignment with space guidelines and university priorities.
Improve or enhance the university space request process.
Track existing space needs and future growth opportunities across the university in alignment with building investment/divestment strategies (e.g., Heritage buildings, demo list).

Committee Membership

The committee is made up of a diverse set of key stakeholders from across the university. Members include:

• Director of Facility Planning (Chair)

• Planning, Architecture and Real Estate (PARE) Senior Planners

• Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge (ERIK) representative

• Dean or his/her designee from the College of Engineering

• Dean or his/her designee from the College Arts and Sciences

• Wexner Medical Center/College of Medicine Planning representative

• Dean or his/her designee from the College of Food Agriculture Environmental Sciences

• FITS Director or his/her designee

• Office of Academic Affairs representative

• Office of Student Life representative

• Associate Vice President for Administration and Planning