On the University of Washington campus, space is reserved for University of Washington employees. In CoE departments, office space is assigned following the departmental space policy. Research space is also assigned based on the departmental space policy to individual or groups of researchers and should be reviewed on a regular cycle between 1 and 5 years. (See Space Management best practices.)

There are four instances of that are outside of these “typical” space assignments, and, the best practice of the College of Engineering is to develop a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for space use, in particular the longevity of space use.

1. Research centers or large multi-PI grants can require specific space assignment. This space should be assigned only for the life of the grant funding with an option of extension if other funding is obtained or there is an extension on the grant. The “Center Space MOU” following is used in those cases.
   
   center space MOU template
   
   center space MOU example
   
   
2. Non-UW employees may collaborate on a long-term basis with faculty members or centers or departments. This is permissible if the work is mutually beneficial to the UW and the outside entity.
   
   non UW employees space MOU example
   
   
3. Shared space is advantageous to PIs, research groups and departments requiring similar facilities. Typically, a second department/group will share space assigned to a department for a finite time period. Sharing of space may also require renovation and a partnered financial arrangement is encouraged. The departments are strongly encouraged to engage the Associate Dean for Infrastructure on the development of the understanding of the shared space and the MOU.
   
   shared space MOU template
   
   shared space MOU example (HCDE & EE)
   
   
4. Temporary space assignment (typically less than a year). Typically, a second department/group will share space assigned to a department for a finite time period. Sharing of space may also require renovation and a partnered financial arrangement is encouraged. The departments are strongly encouraged to engage the Associate Dean for Infrastructure on the development of the understanding of the shared space and the MOU.
   
   temporary space MOU template
   
   temporary space allocation MOU example (CoE & AA)