UC Merced is launching a significant initiative to better understand how campus space is currently used and how it can be utilized more effectively. As a finite and valuable resource, physical space requires thoughtful stewardship to ensure it supports the university’s evolving needs. The study will examine how offices, workstations, and collaborative areas are used on a daily basis, with the goal of developing informed recommendations for effective use of existing space and future space planning and utilization.
Open Forums - April 21 and 22
As part of the comprehensive campus space utilization study, the Space Management team and Gensler Architects will host two open forum events on April 21 and 22. Designed in a poster‑session format, these events will feature project materials on display with team members available to talk through the study, share insights, and answer questions in an informal setting. These open forums are an opportunity for any member of the campus community to learn about the study, preliminary findings, and related concepts for the future of the campus.
Location: Granite Pass
- Wednesday, April 21, 2026, Granite Pass 170, 12:00pm – 3:00pm
- Thursday, April 22, 2026, Granite Pass 162, 9:30am - 12:30pm
Project Goals
Overall goal: Use data to generate workplace concepts and policies that support institutional priorities, helping to optimize utilities, backfill space planning and future construction, and resulting in more effective spaces for users.
Phase 1 (Complete) |
Phase 2 (In Process) |
Phase 3 |
|
How is office space being used today at UC Merced?
|
How well does office space align with long-term needs?
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How could space be used better in the future?
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Data Gathering
One of the initial steps in this effort is collecting data on building occupancy. The study will utilize two methods to gather data:
- Live Observations: Student employees will conduct walk-throughs at various times of day to observe occupancy and usage.
- Occupancy Sensing: Sensing technology to analyze Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals to estimate occupancy. Data is aggregated and the software takes provisions to maintain privacy.
The goal is to not identify who is in a particular building or space, but rather how many occupants are in general areas of a building.
The list below shows the buildings that will be studied under this initiative.
| Building | Walk-Throughs | Occupancy Sensing |
|---|---|---|
| Administration Building | Yes | Yes |
|
Arts & Computational Sciences (ACS) |
Yes | Yes |
|
Biomedical Sciences & Physics (BSP) |
Yes | Yes |
|
Classroom & Office Building 1 (COB1) |
Yes | Yes |
|
Classroom & Office Building 2 (COB2) |
Yes | Yes |
|
Downtown Campus Center (DCC) |
Yes | |
|
Facilities Support Buildings |
Yes | |
|
Granite Pass (First Floor Only) |
Yes | Yes |
|
Health & Athletic Center |
Yes | Yes (First Floor Only) |
|
Kolligian Library |
Yes | Yes |
|
Science & Engineering Building (SE1) |
Yes | Yes |
|
Science & Engineering Building 2 (SE2) |
Yes | Yes |
|
Social Science & Management (SSM) |
Yes | Yes |
|
Student Activities & Athletics Center |
Yes | Yes |
|
Student Services Building (SSB) |
Yes | Yes |
|
Sustainability Research & Engineering (SRE) |
Yes | Yes |
|
Terrace Center |
Yes |
Schedule
- Walkthroughs began on September 29, 2025 and concluded on November 21, 2025.
- Occupancy sensor data collection began September 29, 2025 and will continue into 2026.
- Stakeholder meetings will be held in Spring 2026.
- Findings presented and recommendations delivered late Spring 2026.
Contacts
For further information or questions regarding this initiative, please contact the Office of Space, Capital Planning & Real Estate:
- Maggie Saunders (msaunders4@ucmerced.edu)
- Jason Doyle (jdoyle3@ucmerced.edu)
Updated 3/24/2026
