Final Findings From the Campus Space Use Study to Be Presented Jan. 22

Russell A. Cothren

Final findings from the year-long Campus Space Use Study will be presented to campus Jan. 22. SmithGroup, a consultant specializing in space and design planning, will present a final summary of the study and provide recommendations for the university to consider.

"SmithGroup's final findings and recommendations will help us optimize the space we have, look at our ongoing construction projects and see what our space needs may be as the university continues to grow," said Colleen Briney, vice provost for planning. "The study has been vital to the university as we plan for the future."

After SmithGroup's visit, the campus will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the final presentation and findings. SmithGroup will incorporate this feedback into a final report that they will deliver to the university at the end of February. SmithGroup will also provide a dashboard with data from the study for university leadership.

Since January, SmithGroup has been working with U of A Facilities Management (FAMA), the Office of the Provost, building executives and other campus partners to analyze how instructional, administrative and research spaces are used by faculty, staff and students. More than 100 buildings were included in the study, and feedback was collected from faculty, staff and students through surveys and virtual stakeholder meetings. In addition, SmithGroup conducted a benchmark analysis comparing the U of A's space use practices and policies against its peer institutions.

"This has been a tremendous collaborative effort between our campus partners and SmithGroup," said Natalie Emmons, campus project coordinator and director of strategic academic affairs. "We are immensely grateful for the time and dedication of everyone involved in this study. The data and recommendations provided by this study will help to inform campus space planning efforts in line with the 150 Forward Strategic Plan."

For more information on the Campus Space Use Study, contact Natalie Emmons at nemmons@uark.edu or visit the Campus Space Use Study website.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $3 billion to Arkansas' economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.