Updating the Master Plan

Since its completion on 2005, the Master Plan has informed decisions on the siting of new buildings and the allocation of resources to improve infrastructure and classroom environments. The Master Plan has also been an invaluable resource in documenting to the Commonwealth the need for funding for many projects.

In 2008 however, we realize that the university has faced some situations that have not matched the assumptions that were made in 2005. Enrollments have grown as expected but there are more undergraduates matriculating. Residence halls and some elements of infrastructure have failed more quickly than was anticipated. Research work is presenting us with new opportunities and new challenges that were not fully appreciated three years ago.

In 2008 Facilities Planning, Design and Construction has therefore initiated an effort to update the Master Plan to reflect current realities. The work will be done in two phases over the next two years.

In the first phase, representatives from the colleges and from all involved administrative units will document our progress in fulfilling the objectives outlined in the original Master Plan Report. The same inclusive team will delete or modify any original objectives in the Master Plan Report that are no longer relevant due to changing circumstances.

In the second phase, representatives from the colleges and from all involved administrative units will add new objectives that have become desirable or needed and they will prioritize objectives to help the campus reach consensus as we continue to improve the college experience for our students.

Phase I Committee Members are as follows: