As UNLV continues to expand its teaching and research mission, it is increasingly important to establish standards for space use and space assignments on campus. The standards published here are based on benchmarking studies of institutions across the country: University of Hawaii Manoa, University of Connecticut, University of Buffalo, Stanford University, University of Colorado – Boulder, University of Wyoming, University of Utah, the Minnesota state system, and the state of Florida.

The standards listed are targets and will likely not reflect the current allocation of space on the UNLV campus. These guidelines provide a course of direction for the university as it moves forward with new construction and renovation projects. This information will also be used for space modeling and programming as we assess the current and future needs of units at UNLV.

Room Category Guidelines

Per NSHE mandate, UNLV categorizes space based on the Department of Education’s Postsecondary Education Facilities Inventory and Classification Manual (FICM). The sections below are broken down by common categories and list:

  • FICM Definition
  • UNLV Utilization Goal
  • NSHE Standard (if available)
  • UNLV Standard
  • Listing of category-specific room types
  • Breakdown of how space need is calculated based on category and/or room type

Standards for the different types of space use will be added as they are established and approved.

Remote Work Impact to Space Allocation

Per the Flexible Work Schedule Policy, departments may opt for some employees to work remotely. In these cases, space allocations may be reviewed by Space Management and adjusted based on campus, division, or department needs. Guidelines for impacted room categories can be found in each section.

Classroom Facilities

Class Laboratory Facilities

Open Laboratory Facilities

Research Laboratory Facilities

Office Facilities

Conference Room Facilities

Study Facilities