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Translate Unedited responses from APPA’s survey on Space Considerations, May 2020.
How has your specific space plan been altered/impacted by the pandemic?
| Renewed commitment to conditions assessment and as-built records and acceleration of sustainability and resiliency goals. We need to re-build better, not the same. |
| Projects have been evaluated for funding source and prioritized or deferred. |
| Distancing requirements have now changed the programming, adding more multi-modal abilities and capabilities. Inclusion of inherent flexibility into the space. |
| Unknown. |
| Too early to tell but expect the answer to be yes. |
| The space plan is currently under review for alternate use to facilitate physical distancing practices. |
| Completely revised the plan and committee mainly to update the process prior to the pandemic. |
| Yes – some large capital projects are on hold. |
| Space allocation has been changed to accommodate emergency preparedness. |
| It is coincidental that our new strategic plan is under development and will include a perspective associated with discussions of this sort. Definitely lessons learned will be reflected and applied with new strategies. |
| Social distancing is the most difficult part, planning projects, etc. |
| We may need additional space to accommodate social/physical distancing. |
| Social distancing requirements have changed significantly. |
| It has put on hold all capital projects for the short term. |
| We now have to implement social distancing which makes it harder to seat faculty/staff in open areas. |
| We typically plan for 16 high school students in a classroom. We are conducting studies to see what class size is possible if we maintain distance while using existing furniture (two-person tables). |
| We have a new building under contract which was supposed to break ground in March. We are not sure when the event will take place, or the construction will begin. |
| The space plan has not formally changed yet, but reviews and updates are being planned. |
| We are just now looking at the implications of COVID-19 on our space plan. It will probably mean reallocation of some of our spaces, delay in improving other spaces, and high demand for still other spaces. |
| New space allocation is on hold. Refresh and renovation of spaces not tied to accreditation is on hold. |
| We are currently looking at existing seating charts with respect to classrooms and labs to adhere to the CDC 6’ physical distancing guidelines. |
| The Master Plan has not changed however current practices are being reviewed. In addition, we are working with the county and state and offering assistance with space allocated for first responders who are exposed and require quarantine. |
| Modified occupancy levels of research spaces. |
| Understanding of open floor plans. |
| Currently on hold or moving a slower pace due to crisis – not the focus at the moment. |
| Not much. Just adding plans if social distancing requirements continue. |
| Long term, we are in the process of updating our campus master plan, so the campus’ new master plan will be developed with awareness of the pandemic’s effects. In the short term, physical distancing requirements will nullify classroom utilization targets our campus has been striving to improve. |
| Still to be determined based on new mandates that may be required. |
| It is not finalized yet, but we are looking into population densities within each room/space. |
| We are still committed to our facility master plan and are continuing with projects in design and construction where funding has been committed although we are dealing with emergent needs and creating options for the fall classes. |
| The plan is in flux until we see the situation develop. |
| Spreading out classrooms, distancing students, online courses. |
| Space changes have been put on hold in many cases over funding concerns. |
| We have standards for space allocation for classroom, lab and office space. The impact of COVID-19 is under evaluation for all aspects. In the short term, the capacity of the spaces will be significantly reduced. Plans for alterations of space include flexibility to migrate to increasing occupancy levels as gathering limits change. |
| We were just in the process of reducing private (faculty & staff) office sizes and increasing the amount of open collaborative workspace. Now we are examining if this will work in a separation-social distancing future. This is coupled with a re-examination of space due to the fact that more staff are actually able to work remotely. And do we really need more conference rooms? |
| Yes, special separation causing major problem in scheduling and faculty adjustments. |
| Projects have been delayed but no changes to plans yet. If advice stays in place for distancing, then we are expecting changes to designs. |
| We are not sure yet. The only thing we are sure of is that it will change. |
| Density has potentially changed. |
| Very negatively if we are required to hold to current physical distancing standards. The good news is that, as an independent K-12 school our program is built on smaller class sizes. The bad news is that our rooms in a building are premised on those same small classes, so there is not a lot of additional square footage available to spread and separate. |
| It hasn’t yet. Our campus is currently working through budget and funding implications and this will come up later. |
| Very, it changes often based on the spacing and needs. This also affects in person or online classes compared to lab needs. |
| We have made changes to accommodate physical distancing. |
| We were actually in the kick-off phase for a new master plan process prior to the pandemic. There will no doubt be a shift in focus as a result and lessons learned. |
| All online studies currently, less students in classrooms upon return. 6 feet social distancing, no large gatherings including athletics events. |
| Reduced class sizes and use of outdoor space for classrooms. |
| We have abandoned the plan until it can be re-evaluated (especially areas like classrooms, lounges, cafe, labs, …) |
| It is presently being studied but a smaller footprint is being considered. Room for expansion has been eliminated. |
| We now have to completely review it once we understand what new practices we need to put in place regarding social distancing etc. |
| To be determined but we recognize that prior plans will now need to be revised for the new reality that we face. |
| To date, it has delayed action only. |
| Considering delaying construction of a new facility that was designed in response to the space plan. |
| Permissible occupant densities are considerably lowered. |
| We don’t know yet. We know it has to change. We have brainstormed ideas. We are slowly settling on revised plans as fall enrollment numbers are finalized and budget numbers are set. |
| Evolving. We are still in the discovery phase for all the impacts and the resulting adaptations that result from the pandemic. |
| Our capital program is now focused on completing projects in construction. Projects in design will be put on hold after completing current design phase. |
| Some goals have become priority. |
| Reconsidering the type and quantity of space needs, financial impacts of planned construction and associated financing, pausing current and imminent projects. |
| One large new academic building is going forward but remaining upgrades/alterations are on hold unless critical to safety, health or if continued delay of these projects will impact integrity of the space. |
| Nothing has changed with our current space plan, but it is complicating our future new building and renovation plans. The complications are arising because it is more difficult to move people around at this time and also because budgetary uncertainty makes larger projects more difficult to launch. |
| We’re currently studying and revising the plans and developing new metrics. |
| Meetings have slowed down and requests have stopped. |
| Not yet altered, although the pace of construction to support space needs will likely slow down. |
| Some construction possibly on hold. Needs to go to Board of Trustees. |
| New residence hall construction has been postponed. |
| The space plan was developed pre-pandemic, mindful of an ever-changing world, thus the goals, ideas, and approach are still one we value today. The alteration or impact is two-fold: 1-That we can utilize this time period to move forward on initiatives with better understanding of our campus community of the issues we face and reasons we need to think differently about space; 2-That resources will be limited to advance programmatic change and alignment forward thus it will be critical to analyze and show impact on student outcomes, retention, and financial benefits as well. |
| The plan is basically in a holding pattern. The new reality may be completely different in the future and the plan will need to be revisited. |
| Holding on major changes and reprioritizing dollars. |
| Reassessment of shared office spaces. |
| Too early to tell. Some short-term re-purposing of space may be needed for Fall semester. |
| Delayed and/or canceled projects. |
| We are looking to alter/downsize/terminate off-campus leases to reduce expenses and try our best to accommodate as much as possible on campus through space auditing and an aggressive space reallocation plan. |
| The total impacts from the pandemic are not yet known, but the assumption is that we may see less on-ground students for a bit. |
| We have not addressed the impact of the pandemic on our campus master plan yet but foresee the financial impact as a huge obstacle for future investment. |
| We are re-thinking office standards, particularly open office standards. Classroom capacity are changing, but we have not finalized yet. |
| New construction and renovations on hold. |
| New planning going forward in planning stage only, no new construction. |
| Currently doing spatial studies to see how the COVID-19 separation policy will impact dedicated spaces to allow better decisions for planning and preparation for reopening. |
| Everything is on hold until we determine what the effects of the pandemic will be. |
| We anticipate the progression of enrollment and research growth will be slowed, but it is too early to anticipate the long-term impacts. |
| It needs to be re-examined and updated, factoring in what we know and must immediately change to consider what the new future norms may be. The space plan must be informed by the updated strategic plan. |
| We are taking a close look at the plan to see if there are any components of the plan that need to be revisited relative to scope and timing. |
| The plan has not been altered. However, it may extend the time for implementing the proposed changes. |
| We have adjusted room occupancies to adhere to social distancing guidelines. We are redirecting queuing lines for distancing and often, one-way traffic. |
| Not sure, there are several groups addressing it. Nothing has been announced yet. |
| Some of the larger spaces may need to be reconsidered due to current trends. These spaces may need to be converted into classrooms to accommodate social distancing. Right now, these are just conversations. No official plans yet. |
| Yes, we are implementing barriers for social distancing. |
| It is on hold, pending a financial review of the impacts. |
| Accomplishing social distancing must be considered and a plan is needed to accomplish social distancing. |
| Not to this point in time but will likely have some level of future impact creating changes? We have to this point maintained pace with our growth over past 15 years (approx. 70%), which is now leveling out by design last couple years—hopefully only leveling this coming Fall, 2020 semester. |
| Working from home part of time reduces need for individual office spaces. Requesting more flexible shared spaces and varied size conference rooms where staff can collaborate a few days, not everyone will be at the office every day. |
| Loss of seating, public space accessibility, limited patron numbers inside c-stores. |
| It has slowed the plan and plans related to social distancing may cause alterations. |
| We will be rethinking design standards. This will include move to touchless washroom fixtures, social distancing requirements at service counters, open office configurations, reception desks and other areas on campus. Classroom design will be challenging. |
| The space use policy, particularly for shared offices and workstations, will be altered. This will drive the size of new facilities in planning, layout of existing workstations, and repurposing of common areas like conference rooms and break out spaces as designated touch down spaces. |
| Working on lowering the number of users per facility and per resource, (bathrooms, bedrooms, additional eating and study spaces for distancing, etc.). |
| Currently, no change. Design and schematic planning continue. |
| Mostly rescheduling our shifts for key pickup/drop off. |
| We are looking at shifting programming space that will likely remain remote/distance learning. |
| Reconfiguration of workstations, restroom and elevator entry. Masks required. Thermal checking of all entering campus/buildings. |
| Due to social distancing, the current space per person would need to be 3 to 4 times more than current requirements. |
| Planning to space students out in classrooms for the fall. |
| So far it hasn’t, our institution was already considering compression and reduced utilization in our planning. |
| Rethinking class and office layout. |
| Unknown thus far. Obviously financial impacts will delay new space construction and renovations. |
| We are going through a Student Experience Redesign whereas certain offices and programs would be allocated space within our Student Center spaces. With the pandemic occurring, this process has to some extent halted further considerations for relocating offices and programs. The focus is on how we offer programs and services with social distancing in mind. How are current student programming, social, study, and lounge spaces promoting social distancing and health and safety? |
| Unknown, but likely timeline will stretch due to challenges of fundraising in this time. |
| Specifics not yet determined, but we know we will most likely have to adjust space usage so larger spaces can be used as classrooms to allow students to spread out. The pandemic has also impacted our plan to renovate spaces and create new space that was planned. |
| Planning to reduce classroom capacities to enforce 6 ft social distancing between occupants. |
| Priorities are being revamped both in the short term in order to adhere to social distancing recommendations and long term due to uncertainty about finances. |
| The plans will be changed. In the past – space reduction to reduce cost. Now … |
| New faculty to arrive in July are not able to visit campus to walk their space and discuss improvements. |
| Still working on that. Waiting to see if State is going to offer guidance to us. In the meantime, we are looking at social distancing in classrooms, etc. that may affect space management of seat counts, etc. |
| It’s pretty much completely irrelevant due to COVI-19. We will have to develop new space priorities. |
| Space is being set aside to create locations for symptomatic students and their direct contacts to be isolated should a resurgence occur. |
| Anticipating severe state budget cuts and decreased enrollments we have deferred $177 million in projects and will re-evaluate after the fall semester which ones can go forward. We are completing $17 million already in progress and just finished $150 million. |
| Too many unknowns and the anticipation of social distancing in spaces. |
| Right now, approved projects are moving forward. Short term pains are being felt with athletics and online classes which may continue through the fall. Expecting a vaccine and a new norm. Long term higher ed may change more quickly than expected. The bubble may burst. |
| Has not been altered – waiting to see results of reopening. |
| In anticipation hiring approved staff in FY21, the UNLV School of Medicine was in the process of acquiring leased property. Now that a statewide hiring freeze has been implemented and we are planning for budget cuts, our space expansion is halted. Additionally, the School of Medicine leases space costing over $5M annually. Lease payments still need to be made regardless of budget cuts having a major financial impact on cashflow. Regarding some of the compressed space issues, we are looking at space hoteling options to fit alternate work schedules to implement social distancing in offices. A future medical education building is scheduled to break ground in Feb 2021 and no plans to defer this project. The campus master plan is still moving forward as it is still a year from being completed. |
| Currently, the pandemic has not impacted space standards. |
| No, not directly although I expect it will. For example, fewer students per classroom in calendar 2020. Assuming a vaccine or other effective treatment comes in 2021 the overall change would be temporary. |
| It is on hold as we need to determine future needs depending on how and under what circumstances we return to on campus education. |
| Has not been altered to date but we are discussing opportunities. |
| Likely to be placed on back burner; waiting to see if capital funding will be impacted by COVID-19. |
| At this point, it has not been impacted. But as we are starting plans for August and what having students on campus would need to look like – anything is up for change. |
| Yes. Certain buildings have been designated for overflow for hospital staff that may have been exposed and those (patients) that are ill. |
| We are using some of the space to meet social distancing requirements. |
| Need to rethink need for distancing/separators in open office areas; sanitation stations; etc. |
| We need to rethink all of our assumptions and starting points regarding classroom density. |
| Reduced classroom occupancy to accommodate social distancing guidelines. |
| We will certainly be looking at increasing remote work possibilities to more groups. |
| The need for “social distance” spacing radically changes the classroom and lab space required for our enrollment. |
| A whole lot —– we have delayed some of what will occur next school year. |
| Reviewing space efficiency and usage. |
| The current 2020 update has been slowed by our team working remotely. |
| The impact to our Campus Master Plan has been negatively affected with respect to future facilities that require some fundraising or additional capital from the University in order to move forward. We don’t anticipate an increase in giving either from alumni or the State, so we are not optimistic with respect to the immediate execution of some projects. Long term we’re fine. |
| Yes, some of those have been placed on hold. Or the space plan will be modified to be phased. |
