What is a Facilities Development Plan anyway?
Some time ago, the University of Nebraska Board of Regents asked campuses to update their facilities development plans and to summarize their current vision in formal reports. UNL, UNMC, and UNO have now presented their updated reports at recent Board meetings and UNK’s is scheduled for the Board meeting in January 2007. Essentially, each of these reports reviews the physical campus development situation, including recent progress, and outlines further steps that seem advisable over the next ten years.
How will the Facilities Development Plan benefit the academic side of UNK?
The facilities development plan will support academics in the renovation and building of teaching and research facilities. The plan will also support the academic environment through the development of campus life, recreation/athletics, green space, and parking/traffic flow.
What types of improvement to the campus are scheduled in the near future?
- Bruner Hall Phase 2 Renovation and addition includes:
- HVAC
- plumbing systems
- electrical
- fire suppression/alarm
- improve ADA accessibility
- upgrades class labs and creates new research labs, computer lab and herbarium.
- Utilities infrastructure includes:
- Centralized steam and chilled water
- New boilers and chillers
- Additional support buildings to accommodate new equipment.
- Centralized or district heating and cooling systems are in place at each of the other University of Nebraska campuses.
- Otto Olsen
- Accessibility
- Elevator and interior room modifications
- Classroom upgrades
- HVAC upgrades
- Mechanical & electrical system upgrades
- Window replacement
Who is responsible for developing our Facilities Development Plan?
- The Chancellor is responsible to update the Plan. He has assigned this effort to John Lakey, Interim Vice Chancellor for Business and Finance, assisted by his Facilities staff and the architectural firm Sinclair hille.
- The Chancellor has appointed an advisory committee that includes faculty, staff, and student representatives to assist VC Lakey in this effort. Its role will be to implement the structured dialogue process, review the campus/community commentary that we generate, and identify the best ideas that emerge for new planning The members are:
- Steven Rothenberger, Professor of Biology, Faculty Representative
- Gary Davis, Professor of Music & Performing Arts/Director, Honors Program, Faculty Representative
- Beverly Frickel, Associate Professor of Accounting/Finance, Faculty Senate Representative
- Brandon Benitz, Assistant to the Dean of Student Life. President of Staff Senate
- Deb Schroeder, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Information Technology, Staff Senate Representative
- Kevin Wait, Student Senator, Vice President
- Amber Lewis, Student Senator, Speaker
Where should I direct my concerns for the future of the university?
- This web site has a tab that allows you to give your input for the plan.
- Members of the Facilities Development Plan Advisory Committee can be contacted for your input.
How much of an impact will the input from the campus community have on the Facilities Development Plan?
- Open forums that have been held on campus provided helpful insight and stimulated discussion that will be reflected in the plan.
What areas of improvement are top priorities of the Facilities Development Plan?
- Academic
- Campus Life
- Green Space
- Recreation Fields & Courts
- Recreation/Athletics
- Institutional Services
- Parking
How far into the future does the Facilities Development Plan go?
- The planning period reviewed is ten years.
As a current student, will I see any benefits of the Facilities Development Plan within the next four years?
- There are projects in progress that will be complete during your time at UNK, including the Residence Hall construction.
- There are other projects, such as the Bruner and Utilities work, that may start but won’t finish during your time here;
- There may be grounds and landscaping improvements completed during your time.
When and how will I be able to view the plan in its entirety?
- This web site will show the progress of this effort through its completion.
- The final product will be posted on the web.
- Similar efforts by the other BOR schools are available below
Will my department’s upcoming project/renovation be included in the Facilities Development Plan?
- The plan will cover in general terms projects/renovation that are currently planned and those that may be under consideration but not currently planned. Detailed description of what renovations will take place will not be covered in the plan.