Mission-Driven & Collective Impact
- Goal: Ensure that the quantity and quality of space aligns with program needs, anticipated future growth, and the strategic roadmap.
- Space stewardship must directly support UMD's core mission - a public university that inspires diverse ways of learning, creating, and being by nurturing relationships that connect people, ideas, and places.
- Academic spaces (classrooms, labs) typically receive priority over administrative or non-academic spaces, while a cohesive balance of space is essential to belonging, student success, and a thriving UMD.
Shared Stewardship & Dynamic Use
Space is a valuable and limited resource that must be used as effectively and efficiently as possible. Space is assigned based on the function that provides the greatest value to the institution and students, not on rank or title. Vacant or underutilized space may be reassigned over time as the needs of the institution change. A key goal is space that is optimally organized and proximate to home programs, inter-disciplinary partners, and convenient for scholars. We meet the needs of students by providing space that is safe, welcoming, and promotes belonging.
Shared Ownership & Equitable Access
Our process is impartial, consistent, and well-communicated across all campus partners. All space belongs to the Regents of the University, not to any specific unit. While legally owned by the Board of Regents, space is stewarded together by all of us for UMD's collective good. Assignments are allocated to programs or activities, not individuals. Guidelines aim to create a consistent approach for space stewardship across similar functions to ensure fairness. Unit assigned space must work through the space management office to change, move, or exchange space.
Transparent & Trust-Based Decision Making
Planning and decisions rely on accurate, complete, and regularly monitored data to ensure accountability and sound financial stewardship. Utilization data is needed to make informed decisions. Accurate space inventory and utilization reports are essential for justifying capital projects and budget decisions.
Collaborative & Activity-Based Spaces
We seek to anticipate future needs and changes in programs, technology, and work modalities to help make spaces more easily reconfigurable. Design should encourage spaces that can be readily modified to support evolving pedagogies, research methods, and administrative needs. Promoting shared spaces helps maximize efficiency and supports activity-based work models, especially in the context of flexible work schedules.
Values
Our work champions UMD's values: Curiosity. Connection. Compassion.
How We Share Space on Campus: Spotlight on Kirby Plaza 109
When UMD Stores partnered with the campus to share square footage in high-traffic Kirby Plaza, it opened the door for a major student-centered transformation. Repurposing Kirby Plaza 109 into a dynamic, shared hub for Humanities in Action (HIA) models UMD’s shift toward collaborative space stewardship—converting single-unit administrative space into a vibrant campus asset. Opening soon, HIA moves away from individual department ownership to showcase real-world community engagement and connect students directly with paid internships at non-profit organizations and governmental agencies.
Core Objectives of Humanities in Action:
Visible Community Showcase: Serves as a welcoming storefront where students, faculty, and regional partners can explore the real-world impact of UMD humanities projects.
Flexible, Activity-Based Design: Utilizes reconfigurable seating, shared drop-in workstations, and open meeting zones rather than private, fixed offices—allowing multiple project teams, site supervisors, and student cohorts to utilize the area simultaneously.
Centralized Program Hub: Offers students drop-in access to internship advising, pre-internship course guidance, and application support in one open, accessible venue.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Unites students and faculty across 14 disciplines in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS), breaking down departmental silos to foster collective belonging.
By managing KPLZ 109 as a shared community resource, UMD directly aligns physical facilities with student success, career readiness, and regional engagement.
Have an idea for a shared space improvement? Please email [email protected].