Campus Planning

Campus Planning is where the needs, goals and aspirations of the institution are translated into campus development plans and project ideas. This team is the voice for CU Denver in Auraria Campus long-range planning conversations and the subject matter expert on capital improvement plans and program plan documents.

Campus planning includes the following activities:

Framework plans are typically created every 10 years and chart a vision for the physical development of the campus. Driven by the university’s strategic plan, the Framework Plan establishes overall goals, objectives, and design principles, as well as long-range planning for architecture, land use, space use, landscape, transportation, parking, and utilities. A Framework Plan is required by the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE).

2024 Auraria Campus Framework Plan

CU Denver 2019 Facilities Master Plan

Capital planning involves the translation of Framework Plan goals and recommendations into a prioritized list of projects that are anticipated to be undertaken over a specified period of time. The instrument for Capital Planning is the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Capital Improvement Plans are required annually for all Colorado state institutions of higher education. They provide a view of projects that institutions are intending to design and construct over a 1- to 5-year period. They are reviewed by the University of Colorado Board of Regents, the Colorado Department of Higher Education, the Office of the State Architect and by legislative committees of the Colorado General Assembly.

CU State Capital Request for FY 25-26

CU State Controlled Maintenance Request for FY 25-26

All projects -new building, renovation, and infrastructure- that meet certain project cost thresholds, require a Program Plan. This document outlines the critical elements of the project. Some examples include the need/issue being addressed with the project, building occupants, site location, projected cost, funding source(s), and schedule.