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Approval Paths

Approval paths are designed to establish predictable approval points at various points of project development to ensure ongoing alignment of project goals, scope, budget, and schedule with University Priorities and school/unit goals.

Projects can be assigned to one of three approval paths. Each path includes a set of project phases as well as specific approval points that are required to advance to the next project phase. 

Approval Path Options

After reviewing the project initiation request, the Capital Facilities Workgroup will identify an approval path (A, B or C) based on project criteria, including total project cost (initial and projected), schedule, complexity, funding source(s), campus impact and community impact. Projects do not need to fulfill all criteria to qualify for a specific path.

Path A: Lowest total budget, impact and space reassignments

  • Total Project Budget $100k to $250k if:
    • Funding Source: Central Funding
    • Campus Physical Impact: Low
    • Community Impact: Low
  • Total Project Budget $100k to $1M if:
    • Funding Source: Unit Funded
    • Campus Physical Impact: Low
    • Community Impact: Low
  • Minor Space Reassignments
  • Feasibility Studies (Minor Campus Impact)
  • Conceptual Studies (Minor Campus Impact)

Path B: Moderate total budget, major impacts

  • Total Project Budget between $250k to $4.5M if:
    • Funding Source: Central Funding
    • Campus Physical Impact: Low or High
    • Community Impact: Low or High
  • Total Project Budget between $1M to $4.5M if:
    • Funding Source: Unit Funded
    • Campus Physical Impact: Low or High
    • Community Impact: Low or High
  • Physical Impact/Community Impact: High
  • Major Space Reassignments
  • Feasibility Studies (Major Campus Impact)
  • Conceptual Studies (Major Campus Impact)
  • Master Plans (Minor Campus Impact)
  • Lease Agreements

Path C: Highest budget, major impacts

  • Total Project Budget of $4.5M or greater
  • Funding Sources: All
  • Campus Physical Impact: Low or High
  • Master Planning (Major Campus Impact)

Approval Groups

Depending upon the approval path, approval from the following groups/individuals may be required before a project advances:

  • Capital Facilities Committee
  • President
  • Board of Trustees, Educational Properties Committee
  • Board of Trustees, Finance Committee