Update on Near-Term Central Campus Space Planning Initiative and Next Steps (sent to departments/programs who had been engaged in space discussions throughout the spring)
Dear Colleagues,
As you know, the University has been actively engaged in a comprehensive near-term central campus space planning initiative over the past several months. We are grateful for the thoughtful input and significant collaboration from each of you as campus partners and academic leaders, which has played a critical role in shaping the direction of this important work.
After months of collaboration, discussions, and analysis, we are pleased to share that we are moving forward with the first phase of relocations in the Near-Term Central Campus Space Planning Project. We will move the departments of Computer Science, Education, and Philosophy and the Entrepreneurship Program to renovated academic space in Alumni. The Board of Trustees will hear about this proposed move in September. We will also start renovation design work with these academic partners this fall. This will allow us to address their growing space needs and foster interdisciplinary collaboration in new and exciting ways.
Pending Board of Trustee approval for construction (which we expect in October), we anticipate these academic units will move into the renovated building in Summer 2026. However, there is much to do and this process is collaborative and iterative.
This move is also part of a broader strategy to alleviate the space constraints we currently face across the University. By strategically relocating these four academic units, we are creating some much-needed breathing room in our crowded academic spaces, which will benefit all faculty, staff, and students.
While your department is not part of this initial move, we assure you that the space planning process remains ongoing and academic needs are top of mind. Future phases may involve additional relocations or reconfigurations, and we are committed to keeping you informed as these plans develop.
The overarching goal of our Near-Term Central Campus Space Planning Project is to re-imagine our academic and administrative spaces across campus to better serve the needs of our faculty, staff, and students. Specifically, we continue to focus on:
- Addressing significant academic, living and learning space needs, particularly in the College, while addressing deferred maintenance.
- Enhancing the experience and quality of undergraduate education in the campus core while sustaining the hallmarks of the Campus Master Plan.
- Matching the needs and expectations of new programs, potential and current faculty and staff, in a forward thinking manner.
This planning will dovetail with our new Campus Master Plan work, which we anticipate will begin this fall and which will address other impacted buildings, including Scales Fine Arts Center, ZSR Library and Wait Chapel.
We understand that change, even when necessary and beneficial, can be challenging. We remain committed to a transparent and collaborative approach throughout this process. Your input and feedback continue to be vital as we explore the best ways to enhance our shared working and learning environments.
As we move forward, we will keep you updated on any developments that may impact your department. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to our project team. We are here to support you and to ensure that this process is as smooth and inclusive as possible.
Thank you again for your continued engagement and for your commitment to the academic excellence that defines Wake Forest University.
Sincerely,
Michele Gillespie
Provost
Jacqueline A. Travisano, Ed.D.
Executive Vice President and CFO
Jackie Krasas
Dean of the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Chris Kiwus
Vice President for Facilities, Real Estate, and Planning