Space Management Policy

Share your feedback as the Space Management Policy undergoes an update.

The Space Management Policy defines university space and outlines responsibilities for space management and administration at the University of Alberta. It is a Board of Governors approved policy, originally approved in 2008 with the most recent updates completed in 2019.

The introduction of the One University model and college structure necessitates an update to the policy to bring it into alignment with the current operating model and institutional strategic initiatives. The model creates the opportunity for greater consistency and improved financial and environmental sustainability of how we allocate and use infrastructure resources across the institution.

Key items that will be addressed in the revised policy include:

  • Space management and administration authority, roles and responsibilities
  • Space management principles
  • Scope and application of the policy
  • Acquisition and disposition of space
  • Modifications to space
  • Use of space

An updated Space Management Policy will prepare the university for projected growth while considering how to best optimize space in support of One University and the university's strategic plan Shape.

While this initiative is focused on the Space Management Policy review, it will also inform future work to update or develop additional policies and procedures as appropriate.

Space Management Policy (2019)


POLICY DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

The need for a revised space management policy was recognized in response to the introduction of the One University operating model and to enable us to support the growth objectives outlined in Shape: A Strategic Plan of Impact.

1

JANUARY–APRIL 2024

State the intention to revise the policy

A Space Management Policy briefing note was sent through the Governance process.

2

APRIL–MAY 2024

State the intention to revise the policy

A Space Management Policy briefing note was sent through the Governance process.

3

SEPTEMBER–NOVEMBER 2024

Consult with the community to gain valuable insight

This includes the Space Management Policy working group, town halls, roundtables, councils, governance and subject matter experts.

4

SEPTEMBER 2024–JANUARY 2025

Review consultation feedback and draft the revised policy and What We Heard report

A What We Heard report will be developed to accompany the draft policy through the review process and will be shared with the community.

5

JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2025

Review of the draft policy by the office of accountability

The Space Management Policy will be reviewed by the Office of the Vice-President (University Services, Operations and Finance).

6

MARCH–JUNE 2025

Submit the draft policy to Governance for review

7

SUMMER 2025

Revise the draft policy as required

8

FALL 2025

Submit the policy to Governance for approvals

Once approved by the University of Alberta Board of Governors and made accessible on UAPPOL, the revised Space Management Policy will be in effect.

Share your feedback

Town Halls

Town halls were held in September 2024 as part of the review consultation process. Each provided an overview of the Space Management Policy, described what is under review and addressed how changes may impact space management and distribution across the university. (The same information was presented at both events, followed by a Q&A discussion.)


Roundtables

Roundtables were hosted during October and November 2024 on the topics of student experience, administrative oversight, modifications to space, and teaching and learning spaces. Attendance included faculty and staff representing portfolios across the university community.


Additional Engagement

We engaged with several committees in November 2024 to gather input from the university community. These committees focused on the following topics:

  • Connection to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan
    (EDI Leads Network)
  • Connection to Braiding Past, Present, and Future
    (Indigenous Advisory Council)
  • Research Labs
    (University Research and Innovation Advisory Committee)

Questions + Feedback

We want to hear from you! Any thoughts or feedback you may have regarding the policy revision can be shared by sending an email to sipp@ualberta.ca.

What we heard

Feedback collected throughout the consultation process and used to inform the revised Space Management Policy draft was summarized in a What We Heard report.

Read the report here.

RELATED LINKS


Space Management Policy Working Group

The Space Management Policy Working Group will help direct the review and revision of the Space Management Policy by providing guidance, recommendations, and input. The Working Group is comprised of members from various administrative and academic areas across the university to ensure a comprehensive approach is taken.

Ashley Bhatia (Chair)
Associate Vice President, Infrastructure Planning Development and Partnerships


Alexis Anderson
Campus General Manager, Augustana


Kelly Anderson
Manager, Faculty Infrastructure, Faculty of Engineering


Nadine Badry
Business Services Officer, Alberta School of Business


John Benson
Director, Facility Services


Joanne Bortnick
Director, Strategic Infrastructure Planning and Partnerships


Marc Dumouchel
General Manager, University of Alberta Students’ Union


Darren Fast
Associate Vice President, Innovation and Knowledge Mobilization


Sara Horseman
Faculty General Manager, Faculty of Native Studies


Anna Hughes
Office of the Registrar

Tracy Johnson
Manager, Space Planning and Stewardship


Julie Keyser
Senior Partner, Communications & Marketing


Christine Ma
College General Manager, College of Health Sciences


Annette MacPherson
Senior HR Service Partner, HRHSE Partnerships


Jacqueline McLeod
Head, Strategic Infrastructure Planning


Lewie Moodley
Executive Director, Graduate Students' Association


Spencer Murray
Chief of Staff, External Relations


Jax Oltean
Associate General Counsel, Office of General Counsel


Lucia Secchia
Portfolio Initiatives and Administration Officer


Katherine Zwicker
Manager, Student Affairs, Student Services