University of Tasmania, Australia

Governance Level Principle - No. GLP10

1. Statement of Context

Facilities and infrastructure are integral in the delivery of teaching, learning and research. Accordingly, UTAS campuses must be developed within an approved framework, cognisant of the strategic direction, pedagogical advances and real property issues of the University. The availability and effective management of the University's assets, including space, has a direct impact on the University's ability to make well informed and strategically sound decisions, to support the efficient delivery of core services and to achieve its vision and objectives.

2. Objectives

Consistent with the Environmental Management Principle, the objectives of this principle are to ensure that UTAS has:

• campuses which are vibrant, inviting, functional, conducive to learning and form part of the wider community
• a master plan for future development to ensure that suitable facilities are available when needed to meet UTAS goals and objectives
• a documented strategic asset management plan (1) that provides the necessary guidance to ensure the asset base remains functional to the needs of the University.

3. Priorities

The University's priorities in relation to its built environment are:

• The integration of UTAS with the cities in which its campuses and other assets are located. This will include consideration of the branding and imaging of the University, and of the ‘image of the city' in each instance, in support of a spatial vision for the University
• The integration of sustainable development into the building process (which includes environment, equity and economic considerations). This also offers a means of indicating responsible community service (and leadership) while reflecting the values being offered/taught
• The pursuit of a people-centric approach to the use of space (including non-functional space), to take into account lifestyle/learning issues while reinforcing the benefits of ‘place-based' learning
• Recognition of the impact of an increasingly cross-disciplinary focus on the design of space
• Appropriate technology and human interfaces: with a distinctive blend of face to face and technology-driven learning, UTAS can better utilise the resources and assets of its Tasmanian location
• Recognition of international and off-campus development: campuses need to be considered part of extended communities, virtual and real
• The appropriate management of assets on a life-cycle basis.
• In addition to these priorities, there are a number of other priorities that are common to most individual Principles. These additional priorities are specified in the University Governance Principle and are not repeated in detail here.

They cover:

1. supporting policies, plans and procedures
2. resourcing and implementation
3. training and awareness
4. monitoring, review and ongoing development.

4. Implementation

The Vice-Chancellor has responsibility for the implementation of the Built Environment Principle and the development and implementation of supporting policies, plans and procedures.

All members of the University community are responsible for undertaking their University activities in ways that support this principle and related plans, operational policies and procedures.

The Council's Built Environment Committee is responsible for ensuring that decisions made in relation to the University's built environment are consistent with this Principle and approved policies and plans.

(1) “The first test for identifying good practice in the management of physical assets is the extent to which an institution has identified, developed and implemented key policies and processes. The key qualitative indicator of good practice is the presence of an institutional strategic asset management plan. All facilities should be managed within a quality assurance framework with a strong focus on customer satisfaction”. (McKinnon, K R, Walker, S H, Davis, D. Benchmarking – A Manual for Australian Universities. DETYA, Higher Education Division. February 2000, pages 48-49)

Approved by Council on 20 May 2005
Reviewed 1 December 2006