Assignment and Use of Space

The purpose of this module is to provide an understanding of how space is managed and the process for adding, modifying or repurposing space on WSSU’s campus. After completing this module, one should understand WSSU’s ownership structure, who controls space in university facilities, understand the role of the University Space Committee (USC), gain an understanding of space planning principals, understand how approvals/denials are determined, and be able to communicate effectively the USC.

Who owns or controls space Winston-Salem State University?

• All Winston-Salem State University buildings and land belong to the University as a whole and are subject to reassignment under the authority of the University Space Committee.
• The University Space Committee (USC) is chaired by the Provost and Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities, which makes decisions concerning the use and renovation of all university space and off-campus rental space, allocation of existing space, and planning for future allocation needs. Specific space allocations within Blair Hall, the University's administration building are approved by the Chancellor. 
   

Communicating with the University Space Committee (USC)

• Have a clear and concise outline of what is desired
• Align your request with the Strategic Plan and provide a strong justification
• If funding is available, describe the source and the amount available. If additional funding is required, state how these funds will be used in the space modification, reallocation or expansion.
• Complete a space request form and acquire the appropriate signatures

For more information and access to the required forms please visit the Space Committee and Space Planning page on the university web site. Once there, you will find the Operating Guidelines, Space request Process and Space Request Form. 
 

Space Planning Principals

Overall space allocation is determined based on space planning principles:

• Space use should support the overall mission (development of the students through excellence in teaching, scholarship and service)
• Each division’s strategic plan should include long range space planning
• Prior to starting projects (new space, reallocate, change use), a space request form will be submitted for approval by the USC
• Wherever feasible, use and assignment of space should be maximized for different functions.
   

Assessing Space Requests

• Highest priority: Safe and accessible teaching space.
• Safe, accessible space to support the transformative student experience through student activities
• Safe, accessible space to support university operations
• Co-location of programmatically related activities will have a higher priority than co-location of non-programmatically related activities.
• Priority consideration will be given to space requests attached to approved funding.
• Each full-time faculty member should have a private office; privacy versus size of office space
• A department head/supervisor should have proximity to supervised staff.