Before partnering with UGL Equis, this private university’s real estate needs were handled by local site directors and real estate brokers within each marketplace. A myriad of inconsistent leasing scenarios produced rising costs and administrative headaches.

The university continues to experience strong growth in enrollment - requiring standardized leasing arrangements and centralized real estate processes in order to more effectively track and control location costs.

UGL Equis was hired to implement standardized portfolio-wide leasing policies and procedures. Our objectives were to:

• Implement universal space standards;
• Lower the average cost per square foot per student;
• Improve the school’s image and profile in each marketplace;
• Negotiate renewals and acquisitions at or below market rates;
• Manage dispositions;
• Facilitate relocations;
• Manage construction and reduce build-out costs; and
• Achieve overall portfolio cost reductions.

UGL Equis audited and abstracted all of the client’s existing leases to highlight core strengths and weaknesses in the portfolio. Corporate real estate policies and procedures were then developed based upon the client’s specific requirements. Full service leases are replacing NNN leases, which eliminates the need to cut 130 checks every month. All campuses are now tracked by a coordinated team - lead by UGL Equis but directed by the client. The university now tracks all leases for expiration, renewal and expansion/ cancellation options.

UGL Equis developed a standard RFP for this client, ensuring that essential business terms are negotiated and incorporated into each and every lease. UGL Equis has also developed standard market surveys and competitor analysis for every metro campus location. The real estate team meets weekly via teleconference and utilizes a weekly real estate tracking report in order to update facilities activity and manage projects effectively.

UGL Equis successfully implemented a centralized and standardized real estate process. As a result, the client's average rental cost per square foot decreased per student from $18.75 to $17.25, and their overall portfolio costs decreased by by $500,000.

The university’s steady enrollment growth throughout the US led to heavy leasing activity in 2002 and 2003, during which time UGL Equis successfully negotiated 14 renewals, 14 relocations and 5 dispositions.

UGL Equis’ audit review of building expenses and pass-throughs uncovered multiple instances of improper billings and even an improper computation of lease rates. UGL Equis has worked with the client’s legal counsel to effectively resolve them all in a manner favorable to the university.