As part of the DISCOVER phase of the master plan, the project team collaborated closely with campus planning experts to undertake a comprehensive space utilization study. The primary objective of this study was to discern instances of overutilization and underutilization of spaces across the campus. To achieve this, we conducted interviews with staff, faculty, and students, in addition to conducting an in-depth analysis of registrar class schedules overlaid with class sizes and assigned classrooms. Through this study, our team identified whether additional spaces are required or if schedule adjustments could mitigate perceived space limitations. Below are the major takeaways from the study.

Space Utilization Major Takeaways:

• Studies show there is no need to add classroom spaces in the near future, but there is a need for more variety in scale and typology of classrooms, which can be achieved through renovation of existing classroom inventory
• Increasing class sections offered in early afternoon hours or late afternoon / evening hours to better optimize existing classroom spaces can also help accommodate future growth.
• Some classrooms see less utilization, possibly due to the status of Interior conditions (dated and worn finishes, lacking updated technology)
• Generally, there is little space on campus that is underutilized
• Accurate staff location information is limited (48% not identified)
• Several Academic programs are growing and needing additional space (HSHP + Business); Multiple Academic programs expressed cramped /shared offices.
• Theatre Arts support spaces are heavily overutilized and cause life safety concerns
• Student Common space in Library and Cannon Student center could be rethought for better utilization
• Athletic programs are growing and needing additional space (Coaches’ offices, Athletic training, Football, Weight rooms, Locker rooms, etc.)
• There are some underutilized Athletic spaces that could be repurposed (auxiliary gym, racquet ball courts, etc.)