Workplace Guidelines

Purpose

CU Denver’s Workplace Guidelines ensure space management aligns with strategic goals, sets consistent standards, and optimizes the use of valuable facilities, promoting efficient and equitable use of resources. These guidelines offer a clear framework for the space request and space assignment process, so our campus spaces are used effectively.

Review the Workplace Guidelines (PDF)

Values

Principles

When there are competing priorities, preference will be given to filling deficiencies in the space types that directly impact the academic experience (classrooms, instructional labs, spaces where students congregate outside of class) over those that do not or those that are to lesser degree like storage and private offices.

Changes in use that involve removing common rooms from circulation (i.e. turning a solution room, conference room, wellness room, lactation room or similar into an office) or re-categorizing a room to a lower use (turning an office into a storage room) require approval through the Space Request process.

No employee should be assigned multiples dedicated workspaces (any combination of office and workstation). If a satellite work location is required in addition to a dedicated home workspace, that satellite workspace should be a shared or hoteling space. Any exceptions must be approved by the Chancellor.

Storage space, while required in some instances, is a passive use that often provides little benefit to the operation or the institution. Storage needs to be assessed carefully so the higher uses can be prioritized. Alternatives to consider include off-site storage, reviewing items regularly to determine if they are required, and digitizing documents.

Any deviation from the workplace guidelines must be approved by the Unit Director. If it is an academic school or college, that individual would be the Dean. If it is an administrative unit, it would be the Vice Chancellor who oversees the unit. Many concerns that are cited when seeking an exemption such as the need for secured space for sensitive documents or for private conversations can be alleviated through thoughtful design or by providing shared spaces that support these activities.

Space Request Process

Before submitting a space request, it is required to review the Workplace Guidelines (PDF) that explains how we design, assign and manage campus spaces. The requestor also needs to evaluate their space internally, identify a source of funding, and obtain leadership approval. Once these steps are completed, submit a Space Request Form.

View the Full Space Request Process

Assigning Workspaces

CU Denver faculty and staff workspaces are allocated based on job title, role, responsibilities, and time spent on campus. The maximum Assignable Square Footage (ASF) allocated to an employee is determined by their job type. The amount of time spent on campus determines their Eligible Space Type (EST) being either an office or workstation. While average availability, physical and financial constraints, and unit director input are also considered, the Workplace Guidelines do not guarantee a specific space type and size workspace for any employee.