Space Governance Overview

Appalachian State University manages space and real property decisions through a structured, multi-committee process designed to ensure transparency, consistency, and alignment with institutional priorities and UNC System policies. The University assigns space to colleges and divisions. Space requests progress through three coordinated committees based on scope, cost, and complexity. 

How are decisions made? 

Space Management Guiding Principles: 

  • Prioritize Existing Space: Exhaust all options to share, repurpose, and measure current space before requesting funds for buying, renovating, renting, or building.
  • Adhere to UNC System Policy: All space planning and requests must align with the UNC space utilization metrics.  For current data, visit the Space Management dashboard on the IRAP website.
  • Evidence-based Decisions: Make all space requests based on measured usage rather than predicted, assumed, or historical usage.
  • Standard Allocation:  Standard office space is calculated by multiplying the Adjusted Headcount (AHC), which accounts for remote, hybrid, and part-time status.
  • Justification for Under-Utilization: Departments performing below utilization goals must provide a robust, data-backed defense to justify any requests for additional space. Underutilized space can be reassigned or repurposed.
  • Strategic Placement: Priority support may be given to units with ongoing in-person or public-facing mandates or roles.
  • Promote Shared Space: Committees actively support and prioritize the implementation of shared office environments
  • Space Ownership: All interior and exterior space belongs to the University. Space is assigned to support University functions and operational needs. Space is not owned or permanently assigned to individuals, departments or organizational units of the University.
  • Vacant Space: No individual, department, or unit retains a continuing claim to vacant or vacated space.

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