Campus Space Optimization Initiative seeks input from OHIO community

As Ohio’s first public university, Ohio University’s building and space needs have continuously evolved since the 1800s.

Today, in order to best meet the needs of our students, faculty, staff and communities, Ohio University has established the Campus Space Optimization Initiative.

The Campus Space Optimization Initiative will reimagine how space across all OHIO campuses can be used in order to provide the best possible learning experience for students, inspire research and creative activity, and effectively welcome visitors to Ohio University.

As the initiative moves forward, Ohio University is seeking input from students, faculty and staff through work groups, public discussions and a survey.

Focus areas and the dedicated work groups

The planning team for the initiative has engaged with colleagues with expertise across the University to lead six focus areas, and work groups have been established for each focus areas.

The focus areas are:

• Formal Learning Spaces
• Budget
• Collaboration, Work and Study Areas
• Technology, Scheduling and Space Management Tools
• Student, Alumni and Community Engagement
• Research Space

Each focus area has a dedicated work group made up of students, faculty and staff who will collaborate with the planning team and consultants. OHIO is partnering with architecture and space planning firm Ayers Saint Gross, whose expertise is working with colleges and universities on long-range strategies for the growth and transformation of physical settings.

Public discussion sessions, survey and website

The Campus Space Optimization Initiative planning team will also hold public discussion sessions during the spring semester. All members of the University community will be invited to attend these sessions. The dates for these events will be announced when the details are finalized.

All University community members are also invited to provide input through the Space Utilization Survey, which can be found at this webpage.

All information about the initiative is also being posted on the Campus Space Optimization Initiative website. The website provides additional information on the planning model, work groups and near term goals.