Effective November 15, 2023

General 

  1. The purpose of this policy is to enable effective and efficient utilization of College space resources resulting in: 
    1. A quality learning and working environment for students, faculty and staff
    2. Effective management of space to meet the strategic vision and mission of the College 
    3. Cost effective utilization of space 
  2. This policy provides: 
    1. a framework for the regular review of the College’s space needs and use of its physical assets, and 
    2. established procedures to be followed regarding the assignment of space and the relocation of staff
  3. This policy applies to all College spaces.

Ownership of Space

All space at Amherst College is institutionally owned. The College will allocate and reassign space to best support and further the College’s academic mission and priorities.

Space Utilization Principles

  1. In many cases, allocation of space is based on historic assignments and may not perfectly reflect current need; there are inequities in terms of quality of space allocated to different users. The configuration of our historic buildings creates constraints on our ability to address this comprehensively.
  2. Space will be assigned in a manner that: 
    1. Best advances the mission and priorities of the College; 
    2. Facilitates functional interdependencies; 
    3. Ensures space is utilized in the most productive and appropriate manner;
    4. Best meets all code and legal expectations and norms.

Guidelines for assignment of space including: size and number of office spaces, meeting rooms/training spaces/gathering spaces and teaching labs.

Criteria for determining whether projects require Space Committee approval

  1. Projects that do NOT require Space Committee Approval: 
    1. Minor Space Allocation/Modification — is a request to use or modify a space that has little impact outside of the requesting department and minimal budget impact within existing department budget, and has the following characteristics:
      1. Involves individual movement within a specific site; and 
      2. No change to the function of rooms; and 
      3. Involves only an individual or a small number of persons or rooms; and 
      4. Involves space within custody of a Department Head; and 
      5. Involves no, or only minor, associated building alterations or refurbishments. 
        1. Any proposed work is contingent on the ability of the supporting departments (facilities/IT/operations etc)  to do the work and must go through the appropriate work request processes
    2. Process: Any minor space allocation/modification requests need to be submitted to Facilities for informational purposes and documentation. 
      1. The decision may be made to bring a project to the Space Committee for review if it is determined to be more significant than initially anticipated.
  2. Projects that Require Space Committee Review: 
    1. Major Space Allocation/Modification — any physical change to space impacting others, or any request for additional space that has one or more of the following characteristics: 
      1. Involves more than an individual movement within a specific site; 
      2. May change the function of rooms; 
      3. Involves more than an individual or a small number of persons or rooms;
      4. Could involve any college space not currently assigned to department making request;  
      5. Involves significant building alterations or refurbishments. 
    2. Process: The Space Committee will review all major space allocation/modification requests. To submit a request, please complete the Space Request Form.