Effective measures to improve space use and cost

Paul RitchieTimetabling Manager

Leeds Metropolitan University

What does it mean?

Why improve space use?

Student perception

Timetabling more effectively

Use of audit

Timetabling - the estate perspectiveSpace is second highest cost after

salaries2.5% building costs should be spent

on maintenance each yearQualitySuitable

Key challengesProportion of spaces used for

teachingLearning experienceStudent perception and retentionMulti purpose space- different usersStudents will use space they see as

effective learning spaces- despite our labels

The learning experience 1FormalPlanned use of spaceMore than teaching

eventsOn /off siteRoom layout and

capacityThe pedagogic day/

weekStudent led

timetabling

The learning experience 2InformalWhere and when?Technology and supportAuditableOff siteVirtualSpace use and support

Independent learningMany things to many people

The estate perspective

Space type -flexibilityBusiness/professionalTerm time and out of hoursCost/space charging13% more effective space usewww.smg.ac.uk

The affordable estateConsistent studies show utilisation* of

sector to be poorTerm time only useAdequate room sizes for groups- doesn’t

mean students will turn up*frequency x occupancy

Drivers for change

Blended learningMeeting new initiativesTime and placeInfrastructure/ management requirementsSeeing learning for and by othersPerformanceTransparent outcomesDefinitions and expectations of learning

contracts

Creating the learning landscapeExperience of job market and

employablityRelevant learningTime to work and earnPlanning and managing staff

resources

TimetablingStudent centredEffective space useDeal with all dataAnalysis of timetableDetail, detail , detailUnderstanding costs

Space Charging?

Charge for space booked

No cross chargingSome surcharge

for space booked and not used

Central timetabling reduces the Estate by 17%

*smg

AuditAll weeks Know what is booked and what we useTell peopleBetter learning experience for studentsGoogle calendarsText messages to studentsPlanning for better estate management and

for space to meet needsType F, O or U

AuditClear reportingRegularTimelyManagement

informationWhat should staff do

about this?Whole students

experience- open days to graduation

AuditAudit drives review

of space by detailed space type and location

Volume of equipment

Clarity on new / changing provision

Impact of space on use- quality, convenience

Options to be better

More effective optionsHeat and light by

timetableBuilding securityLearning

community is better for students- collocate

24 x 7 buildings- right support in one location

Questions‘If you have an idea

and I have an idea and we exchange them, then each of us will have two ideas’

George Bernard Shaw 1925