Campus Space Study

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. 

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?

  • What exists?

  • How does it compare to peers?

  • How is it being used and managed by departments?

  • How is it getting used on a daily basis by faculty and staff?

​How well does office space align with long-term needs?

  • What are the institution's priorities?

  • How well does space support individuals, teams and institutional priorities?

  • How well does space align with current work patterns and prioritized uses?

 

​How could space be used better in the future?

  • What would a more optimal type of space look like?

  • What policies and technologies would promote better use?

  • How would changes impact utilities, backfill planning and long-term space needs?

 

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 Fall 2026.
  • Stakeholder meetings and campus open forums were held in March and April 2026.
  • Findings and recommendations are anticipated in Fall 2026.

Contacts

For further information or questions regarding this initiative, please contact the Office of Space, Capital Planning & Real Estate:

Updated 5/8/2026