Space on our campus is our greatest endowed resource. It is a finite resource, owned by the UC Regents, and is strategically allocated by the Chancellor to Vice Chancellors, Vice Provosts, Deans, and similar campus leadership positions. Although a division or department may utilize a campus space for several years, space is never “owned” by the division or department, and just as space needs may change over time, so do space assignments.
When you or your unit has a space-related need, it is recommended you review the following steps. There are multiple avenues to address space needs on campus.
The Office of Space Planning supports these changing needs, in part through the analysis of space requests and supporting the Space Assignments and Capital Improvements (SACI) Committee, which makes recommendations to the Chancellor on space allocations.
Step 1: Conduct a self-assessment of your existing space. Think critically about your space needs and how functions can be accommodated. Questions to ask yourself and colleagues include:
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Is there a solution that can be achieved through technology, infrastructure, furniture, or flexible work arrangements? Consider work practice innovations so that new systems, equipment, or procedures can enable a more efficient use of space.
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Can space be arranged as multifunctional, within your department or with partners to achieve the needs or goals?
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What, if any, current departmental spaces are underutilized?
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How can existing space be repurposed to meet these needs?
If a potential solution exists within your department’s existing space, but requires some level of redesign or renovation, consider the SUIP program to support funding these changes.
Step 2: If the new space need cannot be met within existing departmental space, engage your Dean, Vice Chancellor, Vice Provost, or divisional leadership to identify existing space within the division's space portfolio that could meet this need. This process typically does not require review by SACI.
Step 3: If the needs can be met with the allocation of an existing space outside of your division’s allocation, work with your leadership to engage the leadership that manages that space. Agreements may be documented with a MOU. The Space Planning team can assist in the communication and negotiation for a permanent or temporary reallocation of spaces.
Step 4: If no known existing space is available and suitable for your space needs, or if assistance from the Space Planning team is required, complete the Academic Space Request Form. This requires an endorsement from your Dean, Vice Chancellor, or Vice Provost.
Step 5: Upon submitting a request, staff from the Academic Space Planning team will contact you within 5 business days. Space planners will collaborate with you to identify possible solutions. Potential space solutions may need to be presented to SACI for recommendation and approval from the Chancellor.
If you have questions about these processes please contact us at spaceplanning@berkeley.edu