Space Management Policy
The Space Management Policy defines university space and outlines responsibilities for space management and administration at the University of Alberta. It is a Board of Governors approved policy, originally approved in 2008 with the most recent updates completed in 2025.
Key items addressed in the policy include:
- Space management and administration authority, roles and responsibilities
- Space management principles
- Scope and application of the policy
- Acquisition and disposition of space
- New construction or expansion of space
- Modifications to space
- Use of space
COnsultation and DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
The need for a revised space management policy was recognized in response to the introduction of the One University operating model and to enable us to support the growth objectives outlined in Shape: A Strategic Plan of Impact.
What we heard
Feedback collected throughout the consultation process and used to inform the revised Space Management Policy draft is summarized in a What We Heard report.
This feedback will also be used to inform procedures currently under development, including the Real Property Procedure and New Construction, Renovation and Demolition Procedure.
1
JANUARY–APRIL 2024
Environmental scan conducted
An environmental scan was completed to compare the University of Alberta’s existing Space Management Policy and related procedures with other similar institutions.
2
APRIL–MAY 2024
Stated the intention to revise the policy
A Space Management Policy briefing note was sent through the Governance process.
3
SEPTEMBER–NOVEMBER 2024
Consulted with the community to gain valuable insight
This included the Space Management Policy working group, town halls, roundtables, councils, governance and subject matter experts.
4
SEPTEMBER 2024–JANUARY 2025
Reviewed consultation feedback and drafted the revised policy and What We Heard report
A What We Heard report was developed to accompany the draft policy through the review process and was shared with the community.
5
JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2025
Review of the draft policy by the office of accountability
The Space Management Policy was reviewed by the Office of the Vice-President (University Services, Operations and Finance).
6
MARCH–JUNE 2025
Draft policy submitted to Governance for review
7
SUMMER 2025
Draft policy revised, as required
8
FALL 2025
Policy submitted to Governance for approvals
The policy was approved by the University of Alberta Board of Governors on December 12, 2025 and is now in effect.