University of Pittsburgh logo

Charter of the University of Pittsburgh Learning Space Management Committee

Charter Statement

The Learning Space Management Committee is charged by the Provost and is entrusted with the judicious stewardship of all learning spaces at Pitt. The Committee brings together perspectives from across the University community and is committed to the advancement of educational excellence and the promotion of student success. This occurs through the management, transformation, and development of learning spaces. Planning and execution are informed by evidence-based pedagogy, conducted by Committee members who are strategic stakeholders and carried out in collaboration with Pitt’s academic units. 

Statement of Purpose

The Learning Space Management Committee is responsible for the maintenance, renovation, and development of learning spaces and adjacent group-study spaces at the University of Pittsburgh.

Key Stakeholders

The Committee’s stakeholders represent a diverse population of the Pitt community.

  • Instructors
  • Students
  • Academic Units 
  • Office of the Provost
  • Office of the University Registrar
  • Planning, Design & Construction • Facilities Management 
  • University Center for Teaching and Learning
  • Pitt IT
  • Health Sciences Space Management
  • Office of Admissions and Financial Aid

Committee Responsibilities

  1.  Explore, verify, and implement emerging practices and technologies in partnership with key stakeholders to ensure Pitt is a leader in learning space excellence
  2.  Respond to evolving educational practices and needs
  3.  Address emergency conditions associated with Pitt’s learning spaces
  4.  Track and monitor conditions in campus learning spaces and conduct ongoing maintenance
  5.  Propose modifications to learning spaces and execute approved renovation projects
  6.  Manage the design and development process of learning space renovation
  7.  Recommend modifications to policy and procedures that impact stewardship of learning spaces
  8.  Measure and report evidence of the impact of our work 
  9.  Produce and maintain a five-year planning document for learning space development
  10.  Meet as a Committee monthly, with greater frequency as required

Committee Values 

  • Educational excellence and student success
  • Relevant pedagogical research
  • Superior design principles 
  • Inclusivity and accessibility
  • Input from Pitt stakeholders: instructors, students, and administrators
  • Innovative, adaptive, and agile culture 
  • Consistent, high-quality instructor experience
  • Sustainability and lasting value

Membership

Standing members are appointed/reappointed on an annual basis by the Chair:

  • Office of the Provost (Chair and ancillary administrative support)
    • Provide leadership and executive direction. Serve as final authority on decisions. Lead responsibility for management of the annual budget allocation. Set and adjust priorities. Advocate for learning spaces with Pitt’s senior leadership. Identify and empower members to act.
  • Office of the University Registrar
    • Track conditions in learning spaces and report on room usage. Identify space requirements and areas of opportunity. Coordinate and facilitate communication with instructors. Responsible for optimal utilization of classroom inventory.
  • Facilities Management
    • Manage the day-to-day maintenance of learning spaces. Serve as liaison between Committee and all building managers. 
  • University Center for Teaching and Learning
    • Ensure alignment of learning space design with evidence-based pedagogy. Provide schematic drawings of instructional technology installations. Recommend and specify technology. Provide installation and maintenance services for installed technologies. Advocate for instructors. Provide expert consultation services.
  • Pitt IT
    • Provide expert technology consultation, develop network scope of work, install wireless networking, ensure maintenance and upkeep of wired and wireless networks.
  • Planning, Design and Construction
    • Provide design services, coordinate work with University Trades and contractors, coordinate RFPs and bidding process, manage construction budgets and permits, ensure ADA compliance.

Ad hoc members will be appointed at the discretion of the Chair:

  • Students
  • Instructors
  • Health Sciences Space Management (refer to the new team proposal regarding permanent Health Sciences membership)
  • Other relevant stakeholders in the University community