Campus Space Management

Understanding SUE Scores

Space Usage Efficiency (SUE) scores are the State of Texas’s method for evaluating how effectively Sam Houston State University uses its instructional space, specifically classrooms and class laboratories. Calculated by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, SUE scores quantify how much instruction occurs, how often rooms are used, and how well enrollment aligns with room capacity.

These scores matter because they are used by the State to compare institutions and to inform decisions related to capital construction, major renovations, and eligibility for state-supported funding, making SUE a key indicator of how efficiently SHSU is managing its existing academic facilities.


What is SUE demand?

Demand measures how much instructional activity is placed into existing classrooms and class laboratories, expressed as average scheduled hours per room per week. For classrooms, demand is strongest at 45 or more hours per week, moderate at 38–44.9, lower at 31–37.9, and weakest below 31 hours. For class laboratories, the highest demand band begins at 35 hours per week, with declining bands at 30–34.9, 25–29.9, and below 25 hours. Demand reflects whether instruction is routed through institutionally designated instructional space rather than occurring elsewhere.

What is SUE utilization?

Utilization measures how frequently classrooms and labs are scheduled for instruction during the week, regardless of class size. Classroom utilization scores highest at 38 or more hours per week, with lower bands at 34–37.9, 30–33.9, and below 30 hours. For laboratories, utilization is strongest at 25 or more hours per week, with declining bands at 20–24.9, 15–19.9, and below 15 hours. Utilization is primarily influenced by when courses are scheduled, particularly the concentration of classes in peak time blocks.

What is SUE average percent fill?

Average Percent Fill evaluates how well room capacity aligns with actual enrollment by measuring the percentage of seats occupied when instruction occurs. Classroom efficiency is highest at 65% or greater fill, with lower bands at 55–64.9%, 45–54.9%, and below 45%. For laboratories, the highest band begins at 75% fill, followed by 65–74.9%, 55–64.9%, and below 55%. Percent fill reflects room‑to‑enrollment matching and is sensitive to assigning small classes to very large rooms.

Need Help?

Campus Space Planner

936.294.1866

Email