Space Optimization Study Drives Strategic Campus Divestment, Transformation

Millersville University is taking a strategic, data-driven approach to managing its physical resources by implementing recommendations from a comprehensive Space Optimization Study funded entirely by Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education.

The study was part of a broader PASSHE initiative to help universities align their physical footprints with enrollment trends, operational needs and long-term financial sustainability. Millersville was among the first State System universities to complete the assessment, which included evaluating nearly 97 buildings and approximately 1.9 million square feet of space across the main campus and in the Ware Center in downtown Lancaster. The study updated the University’s space inventory, assessed classroom and laboratory utilization, identified surpluses and deficiencies in space and developed recommendations for optimizing the use of existing facilities.

The assessment determined that Millersville has enough space to support its current enrollment and academic mission. It indicated the University has approximately 236,000 square feet of usable surplus space, including more than 79,000 square feet of vacant, unused or unassigned space. Data also revealed that classroom and laboratory spaces were underutilized and that current classroom capacity could accommodate significant future enrollment growth, while laboratory and instructional spaces generally met institutional needs.

One of the study’s more significant recommendations was reducing reliance on residential houses that had been converted into offices, academic programs or student service locations over many decades. While these homes provided flexibility during periods of campus expansion, many were never designed to support today’s higher education operations. Relocating programs into existing academic and administrative buildings would improve operational efficiency, strengthen collaboration among departments, reduce maintenance costs and better utilize available campus space.

Relocating programs from these homes also supports one of Millersville University’s core values: Inclusion. Many residential structures were originally designed as private homes and do not meet accessibility standards. Academic and administrative buildings are generally better equipped to provide ADA-accessible entrances, restrooms, elevators, wayfinding and service delivery environments.

These findings became the foundation for the University’s Space Divestment Plan, a two-year initiative that began in fiscal year 2025-26 and is scheduled to conclude during the current fiscal year. Since implementation began, all university-owned houses identified as no longer needed have been vacated. Facilities Management continues to collaborate with PASSHE, the Pennsylvania Department of General Services and local borough representatives to determine the most appropriate strategy to dispose of each property. Depending on circumstances, properties may be sold, demolished or returned to DGS.

The study also identified numerous opportunities to improve campus utilization and reduce utility and operational costs:

1. Use classroom and laboratory utilization data to guide furniture replacement planning and prioritize investments in spaces with the greatest impact on student learning.
2. Convert underutilized classrooms into active-learning environments, collaborative study spaces and student-centered academic support areas.
3. Reallocate and modernize existing space rather than constructing additional facilities.
4. Consolidate classes and operations into fewer buildings to reduce energy consumption while maintaining academic services.
5. Repurpose vacant spaces for revenue-generating activities.
6. Expand student-focused services and support future program growth by further consolidating the campus building portfolio.
7. Conduct annual space audits, centralized scheduling practices and continued use of space-utilization metrics to support future capital planning and master planning efforts.

As the Space Divestment Plan progresses, Millersville University continues to demonstrate responsible stewardship of its facilities by aligning space resources with institutional needs, improving accessibility and inclusivity, reducing operating costs, and creating a more efficient, sustainable and student-focused campus environment for the future.