A Space Utilization Study at Gaston College: Methodology and Procedures.
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| Title: | A Space Utilization Study at Gaston College: Methodology and Procedures. |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Hall, Pam, Clay, Rex, Gaston Coll., Dallas, NC. |
| Peer Reviewed: | N |
| Page Count: | 37 |
| Publication Date: | 1997 |
| Document Type: | Reports - Research Tests/Questionnaires |
| Descriptors: | Building Plans, College Planning, Community Colleges, Educational Facilities Planning, Enrollment Projections, Facility Utilization Research, Needs Assessment, Population Growth, School Space, School Surveys, Space Utilization, Two Year Colleges |
| Abstract: | In fall 1995, North Carolina's Gaston College undertook a study of space utilization at the college's main campus. A local architectural firm was contracted to document the exact usage of space on campus, establish space requirements to meet present circumstances, and identify future needs. To determine current usage, plots of current and original space layouts were examined, with space being assigned to specific units. Three procedures were used to establish present space requirements. First, computer reports of class schedule were analyzed to determine the extent to which classrooms were utilized; second, questionnaires were distributed to all academic units regarding space utilization; and third, interviews were conducted with department heads regarding current space needs. To project future space needs, college enrollment projections were made by benchmarking the age distributions of current students to projections of the age of the service county population. This analysis indicated that age groups most likely to attend college will decline in population, while those least likely to attend will increase. Utilizing the enrollment projections, current square footage space needs were multiplied by a 5- and 10-year growth factor to determine the required increase or reduction of square footage in the future. Finally, adjustments were made to the projections based on more subjective factors, such as local program conditions and social, economic, and political trends. Data tables are included. The survey instrument is appended. (HAA) |
| Entry Date: | 1997 |
| Accession Number: | ED402956 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | In fall 1995, North Carolina's Gaston College undertook a study of space utilization at the college's main campus. A local architectural firm was contracted to document the exact usage of space on campus, establish space requirements to meet present circumstances, and identify future needs. To determine current usage, plots of current and original space layouts were examined, with space being assigned to specific units. Three procedures were used to establish present space requirements. First, computer reports of class schedule were analyzed to determine the extent to which classrooms were utilized; second, questionnaires were distributed to all academic units regarding space utilization; and third, interviews were conducted with department heads regarding current space needs. To project future space needs, college enrollment projections were made by benchmarking the age distributions of current students to projections of the age of the service county population. This analysis indicated that age groups most likely to attend college will decline in population, while those least likely to attend will increase. Utilizing the enrollment projections, current square footage space needs were multiplied by a 5- and 10-year growth factor to determine the required increase or reduction of square footage in the future. Finally, adjustments were made to the projections based on more subjective factors, such as local program conditions and social, economic, and political trends. Data tables are included. The survey instrument is appended. (HAA) |
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