San Diego State University Space Management Study
A multi-pronged assessment yields a working plan and set of recommendations to drive future planning for SDSU to utilize and manage its existing space, establishing a path toward achieving its strategic priorities.
Client
San Diego State University
Location
San Diego, California
Markets/Services
Campus Strategy & Analytics, Higher Education
Situated only 30 minutes north of the U.S.-Mexico border, San Diego State University is the top California State University campus for federal research support and is an active research public university in California. SDSU has grown to become a meaningful research university and academic institution with a strong regional presence and is federally- designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Institution. Driven by a new strategic plan with ambitious goals to support increased enrollment, introduce additional academic programs and attain R1 status, SDSU recognized that the institution’s space was at a premium, and opportunities for new capital investment were scarce. SDSU partnered with SmithGroup on a study to review its use of space and determine how it could best manage its existing assets to realize these goals.
The 18-month-long study examined existing institutional inventory, management and budgetary policies, then identified a new framework for how SDSU could utilize its space most effectively. The complete study provides both detailed recommendations regarding space management best practices, procedures and use, as well as a prioritized set of recommendations. Within six months, SDSU had already adopted some of the recommendations and was moving forward with pilot programs and implementation plans—a seminal step in developing consensus and solutions.
The study employed a variety of engagement methods, including listening sessions with more than 20 campus groups, an electronic survey and three town hall sessions with faculty and staff, and regular meetings with the Space Management Committee and Space and Facilities Advisory Committee. A space inventory audit examined 2 million assignable square feet at SDSU and SDSU’s San Diego and Imperial Valley, where the university has locations in Brawley and Calexico campuses to clarify how space was currently allocated and used. The team then compared the data with current and aspirant peer institutions and explored financial modeling and budgeting best practices, market analyses that could help guide policy and practice recommendations.
