ABQ Times

The University of New Mexico (UNM) administration has officially adopted a new Asset Management Program (AMP), a comprehensive initiative to expand collaboration, transparency, and holistic management of the university's lands and facility assets. This program represents a significant step towards realizing the vision of One University.

Utilizing the recently approved Integrated Campus Plan (ICP), the AMP will implement land use and facility investment strategies to support the UNM 2040 strategic framework by strengthening efforts to achieve holistic land planning, strategic facility investment, optimized space utilization, and right-sizing the campus.

The strategies developed and implemented by the AMP will address the institution's facility and space needs, including educational innovation and research collaboration. The AMP supports planned and unexpected developments of UNM lands to support student success, research excellence, and the health of New Mexico communities. It integrates UNM’s land use and facility investments as One University.

History and Background

The Asset Management Program (AMP) was initiated by UNM Institutional Support Services (ISS) in January 2021 in response to the growing need for responsible resource management, coordinated space utilization, and asset management. It was born from recognizing that some UNM campus buildings have reached the end of their useful life, necessitating a thoughtful and data-driven approach to determine their future. The program is built on a foundation of transparency, collaboration, and a commitment to UNM's long-term success.

The AMP was first launched with an Asset Management Program Advisory Committee comprised of diverse stakeholders from the university community. This group has contributed to the program's development and implementation, providing broad perspectives and expertise while ensuring that the AMP's strategies align with UNM's mission and goals.

Asset Management Committee (AMC) Roster and Representatives

With the official adoption of the AMP by university administration, the AMC has been established. This diverse group of university leadership collaborates to provide valuable insights for developing and implementing land and facilities strategies:

- Provost Office: Oversees academic and faculty matters at the university.

- EVP for Finance & Administration: Manages financial and administrative operations.

- CEO/EVP for Health Sciences & UNM Health System: Oversees health sciences programs.

- Various VP Offices: Represent different areas such as Research, Equity & Inclusion, Institutional Support Services.

- Deans: Responsible for academic colleges or schools.

- Branch Chancellors: Represent branch campuses.

- Chief Information Officer: Manages information technology decisions.

- SVP Clinical Affairs: Oversees clinical programs.

- COO, UNM Hospital (UNMH): Oversees hospital operations.

- Chief of Staff, President's Office: Provides support in administrative matters.

- Athletics: Represents athletic programs.

- Policy Office: Develops institutional policies.

- University Council: Provides legal counsel.

These representatives collectively contribute their knowledge to ensure that the AMP aligns with UNM's mission, goals, making it a collaborative effort to enhance asset management practices.

Why the Asset Management Program?

"The AMP is a strategic response to our evolving needs," said Shawna Wolfe, vice president for Institutional Support Services at UNM. "It allows us to make informed decisions, address deferred maintenance, prioritize sustainability, and enhance experiences."

How the Asset Management Program Works

The AMP includes key components:

- Facility Assessment: Comprehensive assessments of all buildings on campus.

- Prioritization: Ranking buildings based on condition, mission importance.

- Financial Analysis: Evaluation of budget resources for facility reinvestment.

- Land Use Planning: Assessment of best use of land assets for long-term vision.

- Sustainability Focus: Commitment to reducing environmental footprint.

The AMC supports advising recommendations regarding facility decisions. The committee prepares an annual report containing recommendations regarding land use decisions.

Importance to UNM 2040 Vision Goals

The AMP aligns with UNM's 2040 strategic framework for a sustainable university equipped to serve students better.

Shawna Wolfe emphasized further, "The AMP embodies our commitment to right-sizing. By aligning our physical assets with 2040 goals we ensure our campus thrives."

For more information about the Asset Management Program visit ISS Campus Environments.