Types of Spaces
Space is classified by a 5-digit room classification code followed by a 2-digit number. The 5-digit classification denotes the main function of the space, and the additional 2-digit code helps further define the space.
The following list is provided by the Postsecondary Education Facilities Inventory and Classification Manual (FICM) 2006 Edition published by the National Center for Education Statistics. By aligning our room classifications with FICM we are able to initiate and conduct reports for both internal and external customers.
Visit the National Center for Education Statistics website for additional FICM definitions and resources.
Classifications
Classroom Facilities (01100)
A room or space used primarily for instruction classes and that is not tied to a specific subject or discipline by equipment in the room or the configuration of the space.
Laboratories (01200)
Characterized by special purpose equipment that limits instructional or research activities to a particular discipline or disciplines.
Class Laboratory (specialized laboratories)
A space used primarily for formally or regularly scheduled instruction (including associated mandatory, but non-credit-earning laboratories) that require special purpose equipment or a specific space configuration for student participation, experimentation, observation or practice in an academic discipline. A space is considered to be scheduled if the activities generate weekly student contact hours 50 (WSCHs), the activities fulfill course requirements and/or there is a formal convener present.
Open Laboratory
A laboratory space used primarily for individual or group instruction that is informally scheduled, unscheduled or open to students.
Research laboratory
A space used for laboratory experimentation, research or training in research methods; professional research and observation; or structured creative activity within a specific program or for sponsored research (whether sponsored with federal, state, private or institutional funds).
Office Facilities (01300)
Office facilities are assigned to academic, administrative and service operations for individual or multi-person group work. Spaces included in this category are open offices, private, semiprivate and conference rooms. Conference rooms serve office space and are used primarily for staff meetings and departmental activities.
Study Facilities (01400)
Classified into five categories:
- Study room
- Stack
- Open-stack study room
- Processing rooms
- Study services
Special Use Facilities (01500)
Space use classifications for special use facilities include military training, athletics training, media production and demonstration, clinical activities outside of health care facilities, animal and plant shelters, and agricultural field activities.
General Use Facilities (01600)
General use facilities are characterized by a broader availability to faculty, students, staff or the public. These spaces include assembly, exhibition, food facilities, child care facilities, lounge spaces, merchandising, recreation and meeting rooms.
Support Facilities (01700)
Centralized spaces consist of various auxiliary support systems and services on campus. These facilities help keep all institutional programs and activities operations. Examples include: central computer/telecommunications, shops, central storage, vehicle storage, central service, hazardous materials storage and unit storage.
Health Care Facilities (01800)
Health Care Facilities provide space for patient care located in a separately organized and budgeted health care facilities: student infirmaries and centers, teaching hospitals, stand-alone clinics run by the hospitals, and veterinary and medical schools. Room types include patient bedroom and baths, nurse stations, surgery, treatment/exam clinics, diagnostic service laboratories, central supplies, public waiting, staff on-call facility and service spaces.
Residential Facilities (01900)
Residential facilities include housing for students, faculty, staff and visitors to the institution. Hotel or motel and other guest facilities are included in this series if they are owned or controlled by the institution and used for purposes associated with defined institutional missions.