University of Illinois Facilities and Services

Dear Colleagues,

Acting as caretakers for the learning and research spaces at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign requires thoughtful planning and further development of the physical environment on campus. The F&S Space Management Plan 2021–2030 provides the current space data for UIUC and offers a framework for numerous strategies related to active and functional space management practices.

F&S collaborates with the Office of the Provost and members of the campus community to optimize space utilization, such as putting underutilized rooms to better use, renewing or retiring areas that have outlived peak usefulness, and supporting accessibility and access through facility upgrades. By enacting thorough space management techniques, the university will remain focused on meeting programmatic space needs that foster sustained academic excellence.

Over the past decade, balancing campus growth and sustainability goals of no net increase in space policy has required an innovative approach to analyzing campus density and opportunities for greater square footage efficiency. In-depth planning and procedures have included renovating existing space, improving utilization of existing space, and increasing the ability to share space and resources between units and across campus. The modest change to the campus footprint in recent years, despite additional enrollment, demonstrates the value of these actions. The increasing need for transformative and impactful spaces that support modern research and instructional goals has also been properly balanced along with incorporating green building design standards and achieving aggressive energy conservation targets.

Because of the significant capital investments required to build, operate, and maintain campus buildings and infrastructure, space must be managed effectively to ensure the university’s ongoing educational and research success, financial health, and environmental stewardship. The space management plan aligns with the Operational Excellence initiative in the university's Strategic Plan “The Next 150,” the Integrated and Value-Centered Budgeting model, the Campus Master Plan, the Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP), and UIUC F&S Energy Management and Asset Management plans. The many projects and programs put forth because of these efforts will contribute to addressing emerging trends and challenges with space management in the years ahead.

With more than 57,000 students, faculty, and staff on campus, plus over 24 million gross square feet of facilities in over 750 owned and leased buildings, F&S is committed to maintaining accurate and detailed records of the university’s space inventory as an essential part of an efficient allocation process. This plan will guide space management activities throughout the next 10 years by tracking our progress on an annual basis and providing data-driven decision-making that will continue to allow the university to excel at its learning, discovery, engagement, and economic development mission.  

Cordially,