Classroom utilization

Visit the Classroom Utilization Dashboard to see time and seat utilization for general purpose classrooms, general purpose computer labs, and department classrooms on the University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus. Utilization data is assessed Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. per week that a room is occupied.

The Office of Classroom Management (OCM) uses the interactive classroom utilization dashboard as one way to ensure good stewardship of limited classroom resources and to reduce overall costs for the University. OCM tracks time utilization, projected versus actual seat utilization, and mean room size to help determine future classroom inventory requirements and improve efficiency of existing inventory.

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Time utilization

OCM's time utilization goal is 71%. The percentage of time utilization is calculated by dividing the total hours a classroom is scheduled by the total hours the classroom was available. 

Time utilization % = total hours a classroom is scheduled ÷ total hours classroom was available.

Seat utilization

OCM's seat utilization goal is 65%. Seat utilization is the average percentage of seats occupied in the classroom when the class is in use.

  • Projected - Calculation is based on seats requested by departments for class and event room assignments.
  • Actual - Calculation is based on actual class enrollment. Actual event attendance is usually not available and is ignored for this calculation.

Food, beverages, and catering

Food, beverages, and catering for your event may be allowed with prior approval from OCM and by obtaining a food permit. Note that receiving a room reservation confirmation does not automatically include approval to serve food or beverages. Additionally, serving food or beverages may be subject to additional custodial charges by Facilities Management.

If you would like to serve food or beverages at your event, the following items will need to be completed:

  • Submit a food permit to the Department of Environmental Health and Safety at least 10 days prior to the date of your event.
  • If applicable, obtain written approval for food or beverages from OCM that will be included as part of your Use Lease Agreement.

 

NOTE - Two of our rooms have distinct rules regarding food and beverages:

  • Food or beverages are not allowed at any time, under any circumstances, in Willey Hall 125 and 175.